Wander in Fort Langley: the Birthplace of British Columbia
Just a stone’s throw from the heart of Vancouver lies Fort Langley, a historic trading post known as the “Birthplace of British Columbia” — a place that predates Canada itself.
Sense of Wander: ★★★★☆
The cultural significance of the Kwantlen First Nation is honoured in Fort Langley through welcome messages in Halq’eméylem, the Upriver dialect, and hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, the Downriver dialect.
VANCOUVER, Canada — Growing up in Vancouver, I never felt the need to dig deeper into the history — or the origins — of the place I called home, beyond what I picked up in social studies class. But a recent trip back home changed that, sparking a curiosity I didn’t expect, all thanks to a friend’s invitation.
When my friend asked if I wanted to visit Fort Langley, I hesitated — not because I wasn’t interested, but because I had no idea where it was or what it was about. I did a quick online search and found out that Fort Langley is a village in Langley, a city on the edge of Metro Vancouver that I’d never explored. Always up for an adventure, I said yes. And before I knew it, I was in my friend’s car, seeing off on a journey full of surprises.
Lying on the banks of the Fraser River, Fort Langley is a charming little village with a population of about 3,400.
While many are drawn here for its quaint vintage shops, nice restaurants, and scenic trails, what intrigued me most was the town’s history. Fort Langley was once a Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) fur trading post — a key site tied to the very birth of British Columbia.
Established in 1827, Fort Langley became a hub in the British trade network, where Indigenous communities exchanged furs and fish for goods brought in by the Hudson’s Bay Company. The decision to set up a permanent trading post here was a strategic move — HBC Governor George Simpson saw the Fraser River as a highway connecting interior trading posts to the coast.
Looking out from the trade window within the fort, picture the scene: Indigenous traders arriving with furs and fish, exchanging goods with the Hudson’s Bay Company. Chief Trader James Yale offered fair prices to prevent them from trading with the Americans.
Inside Fort Langley National Historic Site, a former fur trading post of Hudsons Bay Company in Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
There’s perhaps no better place to catch a glimpse of Fort Langley’s past glory than at the Fort Langley National Historic Site. As I stroll toward the fort, I imagine arriving centuries ago by canoe or on a Hudson’s Bay Company boat.
The fort is home to several buildings, each offering a unique chapter of its history, allowing visitors to envision what life was like in this trading hub.
Though the place appears quiet, Fort Langley was once a busy depot in the larger network of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s trading route, which spanned across northern and western Canada and extended to international trade, reaching as far as Europe and Russia.
Among the buildings is the Storehouse, the only original structure still standing at Fort Langley (the others are reconstructions). Built in the 1840s, the Storehouse stands out with its symmetrical design — two entrance doors flanked by three windows.
Inside the Storehouse, stacks of goods fill the room, with a good selection of furs hanging from racks. I have the chance to touch a beaver pelt for the first time — its top fur feels rough, but the underfur is remarkably soft and delicate.
I learn that a “made beaver” (MB) — a beaver’s full pelt in good condition, stretched and dried — was the standard unit of trade. One or two pelts could be turned into a gentleman’s top hat, and other goods were often valued in relation to a made beaver.
Outside the Storehouse, there’s a fur press made of wooden levers, where packs of furs were compressed before being shipped off to London.
Local animal fur hides are hung inside the Storehouse from the 1840s, the only remaining original building at Fort Langley.
Furs were compressed using these levers before being shipped to London.
Among the Indigenous populations, the Kwantlen tribe was the fort’s preferred trading partner, largely thanks to Chief Whattlekainum, who persuaded the company traders to take in their salmon and cranberries.
These products posed a challenge for the company in terms of storage and shipping, but solutions were found inside a cooperage, where wooden barrels were crafted to store these goods for export. Salted salmon was shipped to Hawaii, and cranberries sent to California. Though they may seem ordinary today, these barrels were crucial to the fort’s success.
Inside the cooperage, where barrels were crafted by coopers to ship salmon, cranberries, and farm produce.
Blacksmiths, such as James Taylor, forged iron tools for trade with Indigenous people.
The Big House once served as the home of the fort’s managers. Reconstructed in 1958, the house has several rooms, including a foyer, a dining room, and a bedroom. As I step into one of the rooms, my attention is drawn to a hunting gun displayed on the wall and a backgammon set resting on the table — both offering a glimpse into what life might have been like here for the managers and their families.
The upper floor is now dedicated to special exhibitions. During my visit, the exhibition focused on the Métis, a group of people with mixed Indigenous and European ancestry, who is recognised as one of Canada’s three Aboriginal peoples, alongside First Nations and Inuit. In the past, the company encouraged its personnel to marry Indigenous women, forming alliances that granted access to Indigenous trade networks.
Among the exhibits, I’m particularly drawn to the Métis beadwork, which has been beautifully woven into textiles, bringing colours and life to mossbags (traditional Métis baby carriers) and contemporary works of art.
Inside the Big House, where the fort's managers lived.
A dining table inside the servants' quarters at Fort Langley.
A dairy farm, along with a vegetable and grain farm, was located about six kilometers south of the fort.
In 1858, the discovery of gold along the Fraser River brought an influx of miners and settlers, threatening British control. In response, Britain established the Colony of British Columbia that same year to maintain order and assert sovereignty. Fort Langley played a central role during this time, serving as a hub for supplies and governance.
This former trading post, still standing after nearly two centuries, is not just a chapter of Langley’s history but also a proud testament to its heritage.
The fact that the Hudson’s Bay Company — a name that once appeared only in school textbooks — is now tangible feels somewhat surreal. It’s always fascinating to witness something you’ve only read about come to life, and I feel fortunate to stand in the very spot where history was made.
Before leaving, be sure to take a quick climb to the Bastions Gallery, built by Chief Factor James McMillan as a lookout to protect the trade goods. From here, you’ll enjoy a near bird’s-eye view of the entire fort.
After visiting Fort Langley National Historic Site, I recommend exploring the rest of the town. Along Glover Road, the main street, you’ll find a variety of shops and restaurants. Here’s a selection of places I suggest you to check out:
TAP True Aromatherapy Products & Spa
I find this to be the most spiritual spot in town, filled with good vibes and offering a wide range of wellness items for the mind, body, and soul. If you have time, treat yourself to a spa experience!The Mailroom Fort Langley
A high-quality stationery shop offering a variety of paper products, letter sets, and office supplies. I picked up a Fort Langley tote bag as a souvenir from here.Rempel Mercantile & Antiques
A quirky vintage store that opened my eyes to the hidden treasures a shop can offer. If you have time for only one shop, this is the one you can’t miss.Little White House & Co
White is the signature colour here, from clothing to home decor. It’s a haven for design lovers and a perfect spot for those seeking a retreat with some high tea!
For drinks or quick bite:
Wendel's Bookstore & Cafe
The is the only bookstore in Fort Langley — it also serves local food and beverages. It’s always busy, so be sure to arrive early!Sabá Bistro
This is the only restaurant I can recommend, as it’s where I had lunch. I ordered the gravlax, and it was delicious.
Lisa Shepherd and Kristi Bridgeman created this beautiful piece, featuring a map of the trade routes and historical sites of the Métis people in British Columbia, through traditional Métis beadwork.
Tips for wanderers — for those looking to immerse in history, you can book an overnight stay and campout at Fort Langley National Historic Site via their website.