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History
When European explorers, road-builders, loggers and settlers first came to this area, the
Semiahmoo and Kwantlen First Nations People had already been present for more than 6,000
years. The settlements along the mouth of the Fraser River, at Crescent Beach, at the
mouth of the Campbell River and in the north along the sheltered bends of the Fraser River
were well established villages and temporary or seasonal settlements. Community life centred
on hunting and fishing. Tidal resources of shellfish, river supplies of salmon, herring, and
oolichans, and shorelines and forests of birds, deer, elk, and bear provided ample resources
to support life in the delta of the Fraser River. The Campbell, Nicomekl and Serpentine Rivers
were the inland routes used for trading and communication. The coastal waterways connected the
First Nations to the surrounding communities.
Incorporated in 1879, Surrey has a rich history of people with diverse ethnic backgrounds
coming together to make Surrey one of British Columbia's most unique communities. The
land was forests of fir, cedar and hemlock, basically untouched. Logging began, the land
was cleared, settlement took place, and Surrey started to take shape. As you drive throughout
the city, take notice of heritage markers bearing the names of the early settlers to the area,
such as Johnston Road, Sullivan Station and Hjorth Road, to name a few.
In September of 1993, Surrey officially became a city. Over the past few years, the City has
undergone tremendous change and growth, and the overall quality of life has risen to
impressive heights. The City Council is committed to providing its residents, through
initiatives such as Safe and Clean City, Active City, Adopt-A-Street and Block Watch, with a
great community in which to live, work, and play.
Location
Surrey, one of the fastest growing major cities in Canada, is strategically located at the
crossroads of the Pacific Rim, Greater Vancouver, and the United states. Easy and convenient
access to Vancouver International Airport, two international border crossings into the USA,
an excellent transportation network (including six major highways, rail and deep sea port)
provide an ideal opportunity for the transportation of goods and services worldwide - a network
essential to the demands of a vibrant city and its growing business sector.
Six town centres combine to make the City of Surrey - City Centre (Whalley), Fleetwood, Guildford,
Cloverdale and South Surrey. Each has its own distinct features and attributes. Approximately
1,000 new residents each month continue to make Surrey their home. Currently the second-largest
city in British Columbia, with a population over 400,000 , Surrey is expected to become the
largest, surpassing the City of Vancouver's population within 10 years.
As fast as Surrey is growing, it has also maintained connection to its roots with approximately 35%
of the land designated as agricultural and still being actively farmed today. Add to that an
additional 2,300 hectares of park and open space and you've got a city that is livable and healthy.
There are two major rivers that run through Surrey, the Nicomekl and Serpentine, each carving out
integral lines throughout the city's past, present and its future. From forest reserves to
agricultural land, from urban to industrial areas, and from beach fronts to mountain vistas, Surrey
has it all.
Places to See
- Bear Creek Park Train
Open 365 days a year from 10:00am each day. Located in Bear Creek Park, this attraction
offers fun and adventure for the whole family! A historic miniature diesel and steam
engine train ride takes travellers through a magical forest and display tunnel.
- Surrey Museum
Unique artifacts, images, and interactive displays have been put together in a stunning
and modern new space that highlights Surrey's history. Enjoy attractive expanded space
for programs, a 42-seat orientation theatre, and fun and exciting exhibits!
- Surrey Arts Centre
Explore and experience the visual and performing arts in stunning surroundings. Music and
dance performances as well as professional and community theatre productions are presented
in the Main Stage and Studio Theatre. Changing exhibitions of contemporary art are featured
in the Surrey Art Gallery, Tech Lab and the lobby. The Gift Shop offers unique and finely
crafted original artworks by various local artists. Permanent art on display includes "Out
of Thin Air" by Alan Storey, a series of large copper panels that reveal words and symbols
in frost. Located in beautiful Bear Creek Park, where parking is free. The facility is
wheelchair accessible.
- Crescent Beach / Blackies Spit
For a little tranquility and quaint beach village atmosphere, take a relaxing stroll down
the graveled walkways of Crescent Beach. Go for a swim in the warm waters of the protected
swimming area or build sandcastles on the sandy beach. Wander through the charming stores
and enjoy the varied restaurants along the main strip. Next to the beach area is Blackies
Spit, one of the best bird watching areas in Canada, with almost 200 species of birds
recorded over the different seasons. The sandy spit, surrounded by tidal marsh and Eelgrass
beds, is an important stop for migrating and wintering waterfowl and shorebirds as they make
their way up and down the coastline of North and South America. Fall migrants start arriving
in late August and September, with spring migrants arriving in mid-March and leaving by the end
of May. The park is managed as a wildlife conservation area and habitat enhancement activities
are ongoing throughout the park. The sand bars are a favourite resting place for harbour seals
and their pups.
- Darts Hill Garden Park
Darts Hill Garden is a rare jewel within Surrey. Given to the city in trust by Edwin and Francisca
Darts, this garden estate features thousands of species and varieties of plants from around the
world. The garden is internationally renowned and is visited by interested keen amateur gardeners
and professional horticulturists from around the world. If you are interested in experiencing
first-hand the wonders of this garden, call for tour information.
- Elgin Heritage Park
Elgin Park is the setting for the Historic Stewart Farm, with its historic Pole Barn, Bunkhouse, and
Hooser Weaver Centre. The park has been left to mature in its natural state and includes nature
conservation areas, Ward's Marina, and a network of accessible trails. Modern conveniences include
washrooms and picnic areas.
- Cloverdale
Cloverdale is where Surrey began. Life here began as an agricultural and railroad community back in
the 1870s. It was the first civil and cultural centre and today still maintains its unique
small-town charm. Attractions such as the Cloverdale Rodeo & Exhibition, Fraser Downs, and the Surrey
Museum and Archives are all within walking distance of the town centre. Through the Museum and
Archives, visitors can explore Cloverdale's heritage through a self-directed walking tour. Shopping
is another popular activity here, with everything from antiques and specialty stores to equestrian
tack shops and western wear. There is much to see and do in Cloverdale, with friendly town folk to
help you out.
- Historic Stewart Farm
The Historic Stewart Farm features a beautifully restored 1894 farmhouse, a pole barn, and heirloom
gardens in a pastoral setting on the Nicomekl River. Regular events include tours by guides in
period-style costume, woodstove cooking, heritage crafts, and participatory old-fashioned parlour
games. Visitors are invited to bring a picnic or enjoy a stroll on the network of walking trails.
- Rainforest Reptile Refuge
Privately founded in 1986 by Clarence & Christine Schramm, and now open to the public, the Rainforest
Reptile Refuge was established to meet the growing need for permanent shelter for abused and unwanted
exotic reptiles and amphibians. What has emerged is a rare arena to view and learn first-hand about a
wonderful variety of reptilian life, ranging from snakes and lizards to turtles and alligators.
- Serpentine Fen
The Serpentine Wildlife Area (SWA), known better as the Serpentine Fen and managed by Ducks Unlimited,
is an excellent area to observe a wide range of wildlife species year-round, and is located in one of
Canada's most densely populated wintering areas for waterfowl, raptors and shorebirds. The Fen includes
many different types of habitat in its 150 acres, and is home to more than 130 different bird species.
The extensive freshwater marshes and the small tidal brackish water marsh are important to wildlife
populations. September and October is the busiest birding season, and in the winter months, many birds
shelter in the Fen where there is open water and a good natural food supply. The wildlife and habitats
of the area can be experienced via the network of designated public trails, some with dense hedgerows.
There are three covered viewing towers. In addition to mammals, amphibians, reptiles, insects and fish,
175 bird species have been recorded. Some common sights are: the Great Blue Heron, Cormorants, Waterfowl, Owls, Hawks and Eagles, Shorebirds, Songbirds,
Muskrats, Coyotes, Harbour Seals, and Frogs. Don't forget to wear your boots: it can get quite soggy at
times!
- Softball City
Softball City is a premier Sports and Entertainment complex consisting of four championship calibre
diamonds, surrounding a 120-seat fully-licensed restaurant with 200 seat outdoor patie.
- Bose Corn Maze
Come and enjoy getting lost in the corn maze. Come and play day or night in seventeen acres of
twisting corn trails reaching 12 feet or higher. It's a great family outing; bring a friend or a
group of co-workers. The corn cops make sure everyone makes it out - need help? Just ask! The
average time spent in the maze can last as long as 55 to 75 minutes.
In the courtyard, two 1500 square foot tents with four fire pits, tables (tents and chairs can
be booked for private parties) are available. Enjoy roasting marshmallows under the stars around
the other fire pits; no matter where you are, corn will surround you! For the younger crowd,
there's a shaded sand box with toys, and a mini corn maze and swings. The concession stand is
available for those looking for a treat.
Things to Do
- Antiquing in Cloverdale!
If you love antiques, you have come to the right place! Cloverdale is the historic centre of
Surrey. The traditional Cloverdale Town Centre is well known for being the "Antique Capital of
BC", famous for its antiques and collectibles. While visiting Cloverdale, you will be at the
home of the popular TV series "Smallville".
- Golf!
Surrey's fabulous golf courses offer more variety than any other city in the Lower Mainland, and
are well-suited for the entire family. The great practice range facilities are perfect for the
dedicated golfer!
- Shopping!
Whether you need a little or a lot, Surrey has shops to meet any need. Shopping environments range
from malls and centres to outdoor markets. During the harvest months, numerous farmers' markets
offer fresh produce. Antique stores can be found in plentiful supply in downtown Cloverdale. Ethnic
variety is abundant at the Punjabi Market, and there are the malls and shopping centres that house
all the big name stores, as well as some local ones. Whatever you may need, you can find it in
Surrey.
- Agri-tourism!
Agriculture and farming play an important role in Surrey's economy. Almost one-third of Surrey's
total land area is agricultural. With such an abundance of agriculture, you know that farm fresh
produce is close at hand. The locations identified in the local Farm Fresh Guide offer a variety
of goods from livestock to vegetables.
- Eco-tourism!
Boundary Bay, an area of about 250 square kilometres, is Canada's number one top birding area, and
during the spring and autumn, is a major stop along the Pacific Flyway, the north-south route that
millions of migrating birds follow along the west coast of North America. Over 320 different
species of birds, numbering in the hundreds of thousands come to rest and feed in this biologically
enriched area. Along the shores of Boundary Bay, expansive eelgrass beds, mud flats, and salt
marshes provide homes to a myriad of algae, marine invertebrates, and fish. The deep waters of the
bay, beyond low tide, provide homes for birds, fish, and marine mammals.
Come and join the many other "bird enthusiasts' for the many activities held throughout the many
area parks (including Crescent Beach, Blackies Spit, the Serpentine Fen, and Mud Bay Park) that
are part of the Flyway and its environs. Each year from January to May, the Friends of Semiahmoo
Bay Society celebrate "Birds on the Bay" with a series of events that focus on raising the
public's awareness and knowledge of Boundary Bay's significance as an internationally designated
Important Bird Area.
- Fishing!
Five species of salmon and trout, including Chum, Coho, Chinook, Steelhead and Cutthroat are found
in the local creeks and rivers. Try your luck at the stocked ponds at Green Timbers Park or Latimer
Lake.
- Biking! Hiking!
While in Surrey, lace up your hiking boots or hop on a mountain bike and hit the trails in any
one of the many scenic and signed routes. Just remember - take only pictures and leave only
footprints.
- Paddling!
Enjoy moments of quiet and peacefulness on the calm waters of the Nicomekl. Dip your paddle and
view the nesting sites of the majestic Blue Heron and other river wildlife.
- View the Sunset!
Grab yourself a beach blanket and spend a quiet moment at Crescent Beach. You'll enjoy the serenity
that this spectacular view offers. Watch as the sun disappears behind the rugged skyline of
Vancouver Island.
Events
- Vancouver Dixiefest
For music and dance fans, this event is filled with dancing and old-time jazz played in the
great New Orleans tradition.
- Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition
The Cloverdale Rodeo is the third largest rodeo in North America. It takes place every
year over the Victoria Day long weekend. This event has attracted visitors from all
over the world since 1938. This fun family exhibition features agricultural and
horticultural exhibits, including arts and crafts, home baking and canning, needle
work, photography, sewing and floriculture.
- Surrey Festival of Dance
This spring Festival is one of the largest amateur dance competitions held in North America,
with over 10,000 dancers crossing the stage. With over one month of festivities, each dance
discipline will have selected placement winners, along with various trophies and scholarships.
At the close of the Festival, there is an "Honours Performance" evening, in which dancers
and groups are recognized for their achievements.
- Surrey Children's Festival
At the beginning of summer in June, children spend three fun-filled days of creative
exploration with exhilarating performances and fantastic hands-on activities. This
festival inspires young hearts and minds to greater possibilities and celebrates Surrey's
rich and diverse cultural heritage.
- Canada Day Celebration
July 1st is Canada's Birthday and the City of Surrey is always ready to celebrate with the
community. The event starts in the morning with display booths and interactive activities
for the whole family. Bring the kids out for face painting and freebies. The food fairs
are a great way to stay energized throughout the day. The celebration goes into the evening
with fireworks to light up the summer night.
- Blueberry Festival
August is blueberry month in Cloverdale. This annual festival beats the summer blues by
eating them! Come learn more about the wonderful blueberry, and why it is so versatile,
tasty and good for you! The event includes blueberry exhibits, taste testing, recipes,
contests and much more. It is an splendid way to spend a hot summer day with family
and friends.
- Cloverdale Country Festival and Old Car Jamboree
This two day fall events kicks off with a car cruise. Classic cars are on exhibit and
later go for a car cruise to the historic Highway 99 (King George Highway). The second
day is the old car jamboree in downtown Cloverdale. This is a chance to display all
kinds of cars, including antiques, muscle, restored, custom, street rods, motorcycles,
and light trucks. Food and entertainment is guaranteed throughout the entire day.
Don't miss out!
Notable Comments
- "I like Surrey!"
- Delores Clayburn, an enthusiastic five-year old from Kamloops
Contact Information
Surrey Tourism and Convention Association
Visitor Centre
#175, 13450 102 Avenue
PO Box 3 Central City
Surrey, BC V3T 5X3
Telephone: 604-581-1415
Toll Free: 1-877-581-1415
Fax: 604-581-1425
Email: stca@telus.net
Website: http://www.tourismsurrey.ca
City of Surrey
14245 - 56th Avenue
Surrey, BC V3X 3A2
Telephone: 604-591-4011 (General Inquiries)
Website: http://www.surrey.ca/
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