Surrey, by far, is one of the largest park regions covering nearly 3,000 acres on the coast of the province. As a part of the Lower Mainland of Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Surrey is comprised of abundant wilderness which includes forests of Douglas Fir trees, hemlock trees, West Coast Red Cedar trees, cranberry bogs, and a variety of wild berries bushes including the popular blackberry. Surrey's six communities; Fleetwood, Whalley/City Centre, Guildford, Newton, Cloverdale, and South Surrey, allow visitors to explore their unique historical character, bird sanctuaries, parks, gardens, fishing piers or village centers.
The expansive landscapes offer wilderness hiking and cycling exploration. The coastal waters allow visitors to get their feet wet and experience the wonders of sailing, fishing, kayaking or canoeing.
Surrey is home to one of the largest regional populations and the community boasts of its relaxed lifestyle, wilderness parks and preservation, as well as encouraging locals and visitors to take advantage of the wide range of recreational activities.
The city also is involved in organizing major events and festivals year round which draw crowds of 40 to 70 thousand spectators. Don't be surprised to find a dance festival, rodeo or a women's FastPitch Tournament to enjoy when spending a few days mingling with the nature lovers and diverse cultures who have made Surrey their home.
Population: 348,000
Highlights:
Simon Fraser University and campus of Kwantlen University College
Bear Creek Park, a historic miniature diesel and steam engine train ride
Surrey Museum
Historic Stewart Farm features a beautifully restored 1894 farmhouse, pole barn, and heirloom gardens
Surrey Arts Centre, music and dance performances,theatre productions and exhibitions of contemporary art
Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair, May long weekend
Crescent Beach/Blackie Spit
Darts Hill Garden, internationally renowned
Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino, seasonal harness horse racing September to May
Cloverdale Town Centre, the birthplace of Surrey
Serpentine Fen, wildlife bird sanctuary
Boundary Bay Eco Tourism, Jan to May "Birds on the Bay" Event
Things To Bring:
For outdoor wildlife and bird watching bring along a good pair of binoculars, pick up a field guide, and wear waterproof comfortable walking or hiking shoes.
History:
Most of the coastal region was inhabited by First Nation tribes following the great Ice Age.
The area now known as Surrey was once hunting and fishing grounds to the Kwantlen (or Qw’ontl’en) First Nation.
The area known as Ocean Park in Surrey was a place used by The Coast Salish Peoples for spiritual renewal. Their name for this area was "Kwomais", meaning place of vision due to the extensive views from on top of the shore side bluffs they could watch out into the oceans and surrounding islands.
At the fragile sand spit near the mouth of the Nicomekl, Crescent Beach as it is known today, was home to summer villages of the first tribes; Kwantlen and also the Semiahmoo, of the Coast Salish First Nations.
For thousands of years prior to the arrival of the white European explorers, these First Nations tribes and their families depended on the food sources; fish, salmon, and berries in this area in preparation for winter season. Transportation by large hand carved cedar canoe gave them access to transport themselves and their catch up and down the coast line.
In the late 1800's the first Settlers arrived to Cloverdale and parts of South Surrey. They began building farms and setting up small stores. Fishing and harvesting oysters were the first industries established.
By 1937, the Pattullo Bridge constructed to the south was complete and now new routes were open to the city.
Climate:
Summer average 18 degrees Celsius
Winter average 5 degrees Celsius
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