The traditional territories of the Sts’ailes, Seabird Island, Sq’ewá:lxw, Cheam, Douglas, Leq’a:mel, Samahquam, Sq’ewlets, Skatin and Stó:lō Coast Salish Peoples, as well as the Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui, Semiahmoo, Semá:th, and Mathxwí First Nations.
From the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo and Matsqui First Nations who have lived in the region for centuries, to the Fort Langley National Historic Site, the Township of Langley is rich in local traditions. A one hour drive east of Vancouver, take in beautiful riverside and lagoon bird watching opportunities, keeping an eye out for kingfishers and herons.
Getting Here
By Land
By Bike
- Biking Trails: Township of Langley
- Biking West: From Surrey
- Biking West: From Delta
- Biking East: From Abbotsford
By Public Transit
Spring Birding in Langley
Spring brings migration to the Fraser Valley, with an ever-changing list of guest appearances all season. Kinglets and chickadees dart from branch to branch, brown creepers scale the trees in the forest, and spotted towhees alert you to their presence with their abrasive call. The red crossbill, found in coniferous forests, is a fascinating bird with its unique, overlapping beak. At a river or stream’s edge, you might catch the impressive sight of a small, round American dipper swimming through the rushing water to catch its tiny meals.
Fall Birding in Langley
Take a stroll through a forest in fall and follow your ears to one of our local woodpecker species drumming away on a tree. From the large, red-capped pileated woodpecker, to the hairy woodpecker and its smaller lookalike, the downy, their sounds echo through the trails. There’s even the northern flicker, a woodpecker often found foraging on the ground, which has delightful polka dots on its front. Other active park residents include kinglets and chickadees, ensuring that a walk through the trees is rarely without activity.
Winter Birding in Langley
The weather may get cooler, but the forests are still buzzing with many resident species throughout the winter in the Fraser Valley. The mild climate means kinglets, chickadees, woodpeckers, and Steller’s jays can be found, even as the weather turns. The striking orange of a varied thrush can brighten up any winter day. One bird to keep an eye out for is the gyrfalcon, an uncommon but thrilling sight that occasionally visits from the arctic.
Summer Birding in Langley
Summer on the Fraser features skies filled with warm-weather visitors. Several aerobatic swallow species (including tree, violet-green, cliff, and northern rough-winged) dart around over fields, lakes, and ponds – it’s quite a thrill to have one zoom past at close range! If you’re near water, you may see the coastally-specialized raptor, the osprey, scanning for fish. If you see one hovering, keep an eye on it, as it might be about to plunge into the water for a catch. In the trees, the gorgeous colours of cedar waxwings make for beautiful photos, and BC’s provincial bird, the curious and friendly Steller’s jay, can be found in the forest – especially around campgrounds. From deep in the trees, the majestic, cascading song of a Swainson’s thrush can be enjoyed, even if they rarely let themselves be seen.
Langley
From the Kwantlen, Katzie, Semiahmoo and Matsqui First Nations who have lived in the region for centuries, to the Fort Langley National Historic Site, the Township of Langley is rich in local traditions. A one hour drive east of Vancouver, take in beautiful riverside and lagoon bird watching opportunities, keeping an eye out for kingfishers and herons.
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19451 Glover Road, Langley City, BC, CA, V1M 2R9
Walk the trails and stop at the viewing areas along the Fraser River and Bedford Channel to see the unique birds in the area.
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221801 Allard Crescent, Langley City, BC, CA, V1M 3W1
12.9 km of trails through forested areas nestled along the banks of the Fraser River offer opportunities to see a variety of local and migratory birds.
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39190 Church Street, Langley City, BC, CA, V1M 2R6
Delectable house-made cakes, eclairs, tarts, and other sweets, as well as soups and gourmet sandwiches. Stop in for breakfast or lunch.
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Cafe serving nourishing indigenous dishes using traditional ingredients. Located at the Fort Langley National Historic Site. Try their bannock tacos!
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59194 Glover Road, Langley City, BC, CA, V1M 2S4
Socialize and dine in this welcoming bistro located in the heart of historic Fort Langley.
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623343 Mavis Avenue, Langley City, BC, CA, V1M 2R6
Taste dishes inspired by Mediterranean flavours at this cozy bistro in Fort Langley.
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Made by the creators of Smugglers Trail Brewing, this cafe, taproom and bistro has it all. Stop by for their signature craft brews, and fresh seasonal menu and enjoy a rugged yet refined dining experience.
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89233 Glover Road, Langley Township, BC, CA, V1M 2S5
Independent bookstore meets fresh-focused cafe, aiming to nourish both the body and the mind.
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99124 Glover Road, Langley City, BC, CA, V1M 2S4
Cranberries Naturally Inc. has been in business since 1999. They specialize in everything cranberry with all-natural and locally made cranberry delicacies for any occasion.
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107463 216 Street, Langley City, BC, CA, V2Y 2S4
Get the best of both worlds with beautiful pastoral scenes and views of Mt. Baker at this bed and breakfast just minutes away from the city.
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1120285 8 Avenue, Langley City, BC, CA, V2Z 1W5
Forest, grassland, and wetland habitats collide in this park featuring two walking loops and opportunities for birdwatching.
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124061 200 Street, Langley City, BC, CA, V3A 1K8
Start your morning off with a cup of coffee (or tea) and one of Cravings’ famous muffins or other baked goods.
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1321611 48 Avenue, Langley City, BC, CA, V3A 3M7
Enjoy warm meals and house-made baked goods at this bistro in a historic building in Murrayville’s 5 Corners.
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1422728 Fraser Highway, Langley City, BC, CA, V2Z 2T8
Fresh produce and delicious fruit from the Okanagan make this a great stop to pick up food. Eat-in at their bistro or get a quick snack to go from the deli.
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1519664 64 Avenue, Langley Township, BC, CA, V2Y 3J6
This self-proclaimed quirky eatery has a lively atmosphere with a fresh, bold menu, and creative cocktails.
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167150 200 Street, Langley City, BC, CA, V2Y 3B9
This grocer features local produce and special imports with a deli and bakery serving sandwiches and salads made fresh daily.
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1720353 64 Avenue, Langley City, BC, CA, V2Y 1N5
Passionate about good food, this artisan store has hard to source ingredients, spices, a large variety of artisan food products, and ready-made to-go meals.
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1821628 48 Avenue, Langley City, BC, CA, V3A 3M8
Located in the historic Murrayville 5 Corners close to shops and restaurants, this cozy B&B has charming character rooms and homemade breakfast.
Langley makes it easy to feel like a local with its diverse selection of art, dining, and cultural experiences throughout this growing region.
Wide open spaces play host to countless species of wildlife as you head south along the trail.
The Fraser Valley Bird Trail follows the flow of the Fraser River through four distinct communities, with ample birding opportunities around each bend. As the longest river in the province, the Fraser River’s fertile habitats include dense forest, wetland, farmland, and more. Home to many resident birds, this area also welcomes more than 200 distinct species each year who use the Pacific Flyway during migration.
