We walk along the same Fraser River banks where Semiahmoo, Katzie, and Kwantlen families built cedar longhouses thousands of years before European settlers arrived to establish Fort Langley in 1827.
Langley flourished from humble beginnings as a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post to become one of BC’s most charming communities, evolving from the historic Fort Langley village into vibrant neighbourhoods like Murrayville, Brookswood, and Willoughby while preserving our incredible heritage sites.
The Fort Langley National Historic Site and BC Farm Museum invite us to discover the stories that shaped our neighbourhoods into the welcoming community you experience today.
Indigenous Foundations: Semiahmoo, Katzie, and Kwantlen First Nations
Every morning, mist still drifts up from the Fraser River, the same way it did when the Semiahmoo, Katzie, and Kwantlen peoples built their first villages along these fertile riverbanks thousands of years ago. We stroll through neighbourhoods that rest on ancient village sites where salmon runs nourished families and cedar longhouses sheltered generations. Langley’s story begins with these three Nations who understood every bend of our river, every blessing each season offered. You can still discover their heritage in the place names we cherish today. When we explore Langley’s past, we uncover a rich history that established the foundation of our community centuries before European traders arrived.
From Settlement to Cityhood: Langley’s Municipal Journey
Langley grew from the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Langley trading post in 1827 to the connected communities we enjoy today. Back in the mid-1800s, determined settlers cleared dense forests and established farms that supported their families and growing neighbourhoods. The original Fort Langley became BC’s birthplace when the mainland colony was proclaimed here in 1858. Those pioneering establishments flourished into our distinctive communities—Fort Langley village, Murrayville, Brookswood, Willoughby, and Walnut Grove—each reflecting the welcoming spirit of the families who chose to build their lives here.
Cultural Heritage and Community Identity
Thousands of years before settlers arrived, Indigenous communities shaped this land. The Semiahmoo, Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations lived along our Fraser River, establishing traditions we still honour in our city’s canoe-adorned coat of arms.
We now celebrate this heritage through our remarkable historic sites across Langley City and Township. We experience living history at Fort Langley National Historic Site’s festivals, explore our agricultural roots at BC Farm Museum, and discover aviation heritage at the Canadian Museum of Flight. Each season brings our community together through local events and celebrations, connecting our rich farming and trading post heritage with today’s diverse, thriving community, where everyone finds their place.
Museums, Archives, and Historic Sites
Stepping into Fort Langley National Historic Site feels like entering a living story—you’ll discover the tales that built our neighbourhoods, from reconstructed Hudson’s Bay Company buildings where costumed interpreters share daily life in the 1800s to hands-on demonstrations that bring Langley’s trading post days to life. When you want deeper connections to Langley’s past, visit BC Farm Museum on King Street, where the province’s largest collection of pioneer artifacts shows how farming families built our community. Langley treasures include the historic Murrayville Heritage Conservation Area around Five Corners, where you can explore protected streetscapes and heritage homes. You can discover our heritage through the beautifully restored Fort Langley CNR Station and explore historic churches like St. Andrew’s Chapel, one of BC’s oldest continuously used churches.
Modern Langley: Growth and Future Outlook
We’ve watched Langley transform from that pioneering Hudson’s Bay trading post into the welcoming community you see today—one that perfectly balances growth with preserving the character that makes us special.
From a single trading post to thriving City and Township, Langley’s remarkable growth story continues creating opportunities for local businesses and families.
Our growth reflects thoughtful development across our communities that honours our neighbourhood character. Since incorporation, we’ve nurtured distinct areas that preserve what makes Langley unique.
- Fort Langley village maintains its historic charm while welcoming new shops and restaurants
- Murrayville’s Heritage Conservation Area showcases early township character alongside modern amenities
- Willoughby and Walnut Grove offer family-friendly neighbourhoods with excellent local services
Langley’s story continues unfolding—our future means continued opportunities for the local businesses and families who make this place home.
Questions Often Asked
What is Langley, BC, Known for Historically?
Langley’s history flows through our Indigenous heritage with the Semiahmoo, Katzie, and Kwantlen peoples, our role as BC’s birthplace at Fort Langley in 1858, our agricultural roots, and the Hudson’s Bay Company trading post that started our community in 1827.
What Are Some Highlights of Langley, BC?
Fort Langley village captures hearts for excellent reasons. You’ll discover the National Historic Site, charming antique shops along Glover Road, riverside walks, and the BC Farm Museum, creating a heritage destination where lasting memories take shape.
Is Langley the Growing City in Canada?
Langley Township and City continue experiencing steady, thoughtful growth that supports local businesses and preserves community character.
When you explore Willoughby’s family neighbourhoods or Murrayville’s heritage streetscapes, you’re experiencing a community that grows while honouring what makes us special. We’ve consistently attracted families and businesses who value our balance of heritage charm and modern convenience, creating opportunities right in your neighbourhood.
