Fort Langley National Historic Site
Fort Langley National Historic Site
Fort Langley National Historic Site
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Experience the excitement of the early West Coast fur trade at Fort Langley and stand in the spot where BC was proclaimed a British colony in 1858. Explore the scenic fort - built by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1827 - where fur traders once exchanged furs, salmon and cranberries with Indigenous communities. Fort Langley is packed with interactive displays and activities for the whole family, including a children's play area. Watch blacksmithing, barrel-making and baking demonstrations, or pan for gold and laugh along with an interpretive program. Additional experiences include overnight stays in a furnished oTENTik, audio tours, and special events. Free parking. Walking distance to Fort Langley village where you can explore shops museums, walking trails and dining. Please see our website for current COVID-19 details.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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zpower13
Victoria, Canada16 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
My wife and I booked one of the Grave Tales tours and it did not disappoint! Our guide, Nette, shared a whole bunch of stories with us of experiences she and the other employees/guests have experienced over the years.
What I loved most was the way in which the tour was structured: while telling stories, Nette would give us bits of information that were notable in their own right, but painted a way bigger picture when paired with the other “puzzle pieces” later in the tour. Small, isolated stories suddenly started to form connections in a really engaging way.
Moreover, the stories were told inside the darkened buildings at night when the rest of the park was closed, so it was a very intimate, atmospheric setting. A real treat to have as the backdrop for the stories.
We’ve been on several ghost tours across Canada and some in the USA and Grave Tales at Fort Langley was certainly unique in a fantastic way!
What I loved most was the way in which the tour was structured: while telling stories, Nette would give us bits of information that were notable in their own right, but painted a way bigger picture when paired with the other “puzzle pieces” later in the tour. Small, isolated stories suddenly started to form connections in a really engaging way.
Moreover, the stories were told inside the darkened buildings at night when the rest of the park was closed, so it was a very intimate, atmospheric setting. A real treat to have as the backdrop for the stories.
We’ve been on several ghost tours across Canada and some in the USA and Grave Tales at Fort Langley was certainly unique in a fantastic way!
Written 21 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tamra W
12 contributions
Oct 2021
I went to the extended version of the Grave Tales tour and absolutely LOVED it. The guide was incredibly engaging and knowledgeable and while I'm quite familiar with the area and some of the stories, I still found that I was learning new things. The tour is a long trek but that time went by so fast for me and I cannot wait to go back next year.
Written 22 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael Dadson
Langley, Canada21 contributions
Sept 2021
Fort Langley National Historic Site is a great place to learn about the history of Langley and to be outdoors with the family.
Outdoors, you can climb the bastions and enjoy a self guided audio tour.
There is an outdoor park with picnic areas and washroom facilities.
From now until October 8th, you can also enjoy a camping oTENTik experience.
A great family experience.
Outdoors, you can climb the bastions and enjoy a self guided audio tour.
There is an outdoor park with picnic areas and washroom facilities.
From now until October 8th, you can also enjoy a camping oTENTik experience.
A great family experience.
Written 26 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PookyCake
Victoria, Canada14,726 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
Fort Langley National Historic Site has been on my radar for a number of years. When I was attending college at what was then UCFV, I’d drive by the highway information sign and occasionally think to myself, “I wonder what’s there? Is it worth a visit?” And then continue on my way. In short, a visit to the site was something of a passing fancy. A keen and focused interest didn’t return to my head until the summer of 2021 when I began “discovering” BC’s historic “Gold Rush Trail.” Fort Langley was an important stop on “Leg 1” of the journey; thus, in order to complete the route, a visit to Fort Langley – designated a National Historic Site in 1923 – was needed and necessary.
M and I were heading towards Langley to watch a titillating film at the Colossus Cinema (I refuse to just call it “Cineplex”). We had plenty of time to kill before the evening showing and, since the weather was nice, we decided to patronize the National Historic Site. Being the off-season, it was pretty quiet, but I didn’t mind. The lack of activity gave the site a serene calm. Approaching the tall timber palisades and bastions, the excitement was palatable. Not only were we entering an important part of the Gold Rush Trail, but this was also the very site where British Columbia was proclaimed a British colony (1858). Curiously, it’s not that there was anything particularly important about Fort Langley that gave it this distinction (the proclamation of a colony); it was more a matter of convenience: James Douglas happened to be stopping by en route to speak to some Americans.
Of course, that’s not to downplay the historic significance of Fort Langley to the formation of this Province. When the fort was established in 1827, it was an integral fur trading post and, later, it served as the staging point for the gold prospectors hoping to strike it rich during the gold rush boom. The Fort also played an important role in establishing the 49th parallel as the boundary between Canada and the United States. Thus, one should not underestimate this site.
Of the buildings on site, only the storehouse is an original edifice. Everything else is a re-creation, built by Parks Canada in the late 1950s; however, this definitely does not detract from the experience. The site feels authentic, in no small part thanks to the interpretive guides dressed in period authentic garb. When we visited, there were only a handful of people on site, but this was probably due to it being the quiet season. Nevertheless, those we did engage with were quite informative and helped better contextualize what you were looking at.
Whether you’re a history buff, or just looking for something interesting to do, Fort Langley National Historic Site is well worth the stop. It’s informative, engaging and fun – like stepping into a time machine. We spent nearly an hour and a half on site, though I’m sure it’s possible to spend much longer here!
M and I were heading towards Langley to watch a titillating film at the Colossus Cinema (I refuse to just call it “Cineplex”). We had plenty of time to kill before the evening showing and, since the weather was nice, we decided to patronize the National Historic Site. Being the off-season, it was pretty quiet, but I didn’t mind. The lack of activity gave the site a serene calm. Approaching the tall timber palisades and bastions, the excitement was palatable. Not only were we entering an important part of the Gold Rush Trail, but this was also the very site where British Columbia was proclaimed a British colony (1858). Curiously, it’s not that there was anything particularly important about Fort Langley that gave it this distinction (the proclamation of a colony); it was more a matter of convenience: James Douglas happened to be stopping by en route to speak to some Americans.
Of course, that’s not to downplay the historic significance of Fort Langley to the formation of this Province. When the fort was established in 1827, it was an integral fur trading post and, later, it served as the staging point for the gold prospectors hoping to strike it rich during the gold rush boom. The Fort also played an important role in establishing the 49th parallel as the boundary between Canada and the United States. Thus, one should not underestimate this site.
Of the buildings on site, only the storehouse is an original edifice. Everything else is a re-creation, built by Parks Canada in the late 1950s; however, this definitely does not detract from the experience. The site feels authentic, in no small part thanks to the interpretive guides dressed in period authentic garb. When we visited, there were only a handful of people on site, but this was probably due to it being the quiet season. Nevertheless, those we did engage with were quite informative and helped better contextualize what you were looking at.
Whether you’re a history buff, or just looking for something interesting to do, Fort Langley National Historic Site is well worth the stop. It’s informative, engaging and fun – like stepping into a time machine. We spent nearly an hour and a half on site, though I’m sure it’s possible to spend much longer here!
Written 26 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cwynj
Vancouver, Canada13 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
My family and I booked our stay here months ago. We were planning on visiting with another family and we were all very excited.We visited the site three months before our camp-out to see what we could expect. At that time we were told that the cafe on site would be open and be able to do a breakfast etc for us when we camped in July.
My husband called ahead of time to see if fans would be in the units at all as the weekend of our visit was expected to be very warm (32 C). At that time he was told that fans were readily available.
The check-in was easy and staff were friendly but I was surprised to see the attendant waiting to let us in at the gate having a smoke and chatting on her cell phone while waiting for us - not the best first impression. We were supposed to be given a run-down on info and rules etc, but our session was interrupted when another family checked in and we never did end up getting the info.
We got into our otentik at about 4:30. It was absolutely miserably hot inside. There was no fan inside as promised, and when I asked the attendant about this she recommended that my husband and his friend go and ask inside themselves?! It just seemed like a lazy and unhelpful response.
There was a fire and program that started at five, but it was so hot at that point that the last thing we wanted to do was sit around a fire. We had dinner and came back to the fire at 9ish but it was dying out quickly....and worst of all the Mosquitos were out!! We were all bitten SO many times. There were four adults and four kids on the trip and we all had put on bug spray and it didn't seem to help at all. It was miserable, and it think it was just because of the location close to the river. I am still covered in bites now. We were pleased that the tents did cool down a lot at night so we were able to get to sleep. At this point we were SO close to leaving and going back home with our friends in tow, so good news was very much welcome by then. We went it bed but unfortunately my husband and I were both woken up numerous times that night by the rooster on site (3am is his calling time.....why, oh why is he there?!?!!) and the train whistle which literally felt like it blew inside of our tent. We were disappointed that the cafe was not open for breakfast as promised so we packed up early and left. On a positive note, the staff was friendly and the kids loved the animal area....overall it was a complete disaster. We are not regular campers and we thought that this would be a great way to give our kids a camping expedience...but for $120 per night we could have had air conditioning, peace and quiet and an onsite restaurant at a hotel ten minutes down the road. So disappointed!!
My husband called ahead of time to see if fans would be in the units at all as the weekend of our visit was expected to be very warm (32 C). At that time he was told that fans were readily available.
The check-in was easy and staff were friendly but I was surprised to see the attendant waiting to let us in at the gate having a smoke and chatting on her cell phone while waiting for us - not the best first impression. We were supposed to be given a run-down on info and rules etc, but our session was interrupted when another family checked in and we never did end up getting the info.
We got into our otentik at about 4:30. It was absolutely miserably hot inside. There was no fan inside as promised, and when I asked the attendant about this she recommended that my husband and his friend go and ask inside themselves?! It just seemed like a lazy and unhelpful response.
There was a fire and program that started at five, but it was so hot at that point that the last thing we wanted to do was sit around a fire. We had dinner and came back to the fire at 9ish but it was dying out quickly....and worst of all the Mosquitos were out!! We were all bitten SO many times. There were four adults and four kids on the trip and we all had put on bug spray and it didn't seem to help at all. It was miserable, and it think it was just because of the location close to the river. I am still covered in bites now. We were pleased that the tents did cool down a lot at night so we were able to get to sleep. At this point we were SO close to leaving and going back home with our friends in tow, so good news was very much welcome by then. We went it bed but unfortunately my husband and I were both woken up numerous times that night by the rooster on site (3am is his calling time.....why, oh why is he there?!?!!) and the train whistle which literally felt like it blew inside of our tent. We were disappointed that the cafe was not open for breakfast as promised so we packed up early and left. On a positive note, the staff was friendly and the kids loved the animal area....overall it was a complete disaster. We are not regular campers and we thought that this would be a great way to give our kids a camping expedience...but for $120 per night we could have had air conditioning, peace and quiet and an onsite restaurant at a hotel ten minutes down the road. So disappointed!!
Written 14 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry to read that your stay did not meet your expectations. We apologize for the miscommunication regarding the fans, and will add fans this week - thank you for this feedback. It sounds like some of the summer annoyances of camping really impacted your visit, and we would like to make it up to you. Please contact our site manager through the email address on our web page, citing your review, and we will be in touch with you.
Written 29 July 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
donlovestravel
Austin, TX28 contributions
Aug 2019
Hard to imagine what life was like in the early 1800's in BC. A trip to the Fort Lanley National Historic Site brings this period of time to life. Interesting artifacts to observe & read as you explore the fort. Daily exhibitions & demonstrations of life in the fort bring added dimensions to the visit.
Written 12 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you - we're glad you gained perspective during your recent visit.
Written 12 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pinkribbonus
Seattle, WA511 contributions
Sept 2015
Lovely historical site. Considerate planning as all of the buildings on the site have steps and ramps. Family friendly with not only staff demonstrations but activities for children. Plenty of places to sit on the grounds, a cafe is to open in the future. Reasonably priced for seniors.
Written 6 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind review and compliments. Hope you will come again soon.
Written 13 May 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Grace G
Fort Langley, Canada11 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
Rude welcome: My husband was in process of paying for our group of five. Our 80 year old bistro from Australia was chastised for going close to entry without her sticker. Really?
Displays: dirty, disorganized
Cafe: nothing there except tables
Empty buildings, zero exhibits in exhibit hall, 3 staff people on staff
I live in Fort Langley. The best thing here is the tiny gift shop. I was embarrassed to have brought my lovely guests here. What is advertised on brochures is not for real. I wouldn't even try the camping here. You can do better! Folks!
Displays: dirty, disorganized
Cafe: nothing there except tables
Empty buildings, zero exhibits in exhibit hall, 3 staff people on staff
I live in Fort Langley. The best thing here is the tiny gift shop. I was embarrassed to have brought my lovely guests here. What is advertised on brochures is not for real. I wouldn't even try the camping here. You can do better! Folks!
Written 7 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're sorry to hear you had such a poor experience at our site. We would like to make it up to you with a refund, if you did not already request one, or a complimentary pass. Please contact the site manager through our email address.
Written 13 May 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
S L
7 contributions
Jul 2021
This location is not actually where the fort stood. It is a fake building too. The interpreters here are utterly useless and laughable. The interpretation coordinator has done a good job of hiring her friends and family instead of people actually qualified. This is nothing new for something bearing that pathetic maple leaf - the universal symbol of corruption, waste, and incompetence.
Written 16 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
plannertraveller
Vancouver, Canada13 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Every October the talented & passionate staff of Fort Langley host haunted walking tours of the area. My first tour was in 2017, I loved it so much that I returned this year & took my parents. Both tours were absolutely fabulous - the hosts are amazing story tellers with a depth of history and knowledge that will bring you back to another time. This hands down has to be one of the best Halloween experiences in the Greater Vancouver area - highly recommended!
Their tours often sell out, so book early! Tickets go for sale in September.
Their tours often sell out, so book early! Tickets go for sale in September.
Written 27 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your glowing review of Grave Tales! Our guides love hearing such positive words. Thank you.
Written 12 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello,
Is this attraction fully open? Or partially closed because of Covid?
Written 7 March 2021
My Great Great Grandfather, Am able Arquoitte (Métis), helped build the original Bay Post... Are any records or information available at your site?
Written 23 February 2018
Hi David,
Thank you for your inquiry. We have a small non-lending library here of published sources and research we've complied, but we are uncertain if there is information about Amable Arquoitte. Your best option would be to seek official records that may have further information from other repositories such as the Hudson's Bay Archives in Winnipeg.
You may wish to consult Jean Barman's "French Canadians, Furs, and Indigenous Women in the Making of the Pacific Northwest" published by UBC press in 2014. The book contains information about Arquette on a few pages, which are listed in the index. Here is general information from page 338 of that book:
"ARQUETTE, AMABLE | Born in 1797 and arrived in the Pacific Northwest in 1826, the Monreal tradesman's son worked for a decade as a stonemason, mainly at Fort Vancouver, prior to becoming a successful Willamette farmer. He and a Chinook woman named Marguerite Clacalam had a large family."
Another source called "Appendices to the History of Fort Langley, 1827-96" by Mary Cullen (1973) lists Amable Arquette as working as a servant at Fort Langley in 1827 and 1827.
I hope this information is helpful for you. Barman's book may cite other sources you wish to consult.
Best regards,
Collection Officer, Fort Langley National Historic Site
Written 5 June 2018
Hi, We will have two grandchildren ages 5 and 7 and would like to rent one of the oTentik for two nights in July. Currently all sites are available. Any thoughts on which one would be the best?
Written 4 May 2015
I personally have not experienced staying in the oTENTIk but are planning do so this summer too. From my observations, the
oTENTik 4 – What Cheer House – North American gold prospectors
oTENTik 5 – Stromness – Scottish boat builder’s tent
happen to be situated close to the fire pit and I can imagine at night or waking up in the early morning, you get to look out and enjoy the view of the Fort grounds. It's also quite nice for the kids because it is where they have the pretend gold panning equipment situated. However, it is a distance from the communal toilets.
oTENTik 3 – Chez Louis – French-Canadian voyageurs is tucked behind the Big House and next to the herb garden. You don't get to see the Fort grounds.
oTENTik 1 – hǝn Ɂǝ́mǝt – First Nations which is close to the big house that looks out to the grounds , close to the communal toilets is perhaps the most ideal.
oTENTik 2 – The Aloha – Hawaiian (wheelchair accessible) also looking out the camp grounds, next to the communal toilets but perhaps should be saved for any guests who have mobility issues.
I hope you find my input helpful.
Written 6 May 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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