Surrey

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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

• 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.

Nearby Communities

Contact Information

Surrey Tourism and Convention Association
Visitor Centre

#175, 13450 102 Avenue, 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: www.tourismsurrey.ca