Langley’s Best Museums: A Local’s Guide (2025)

This post is written by Tinashe, the creator behind the Discover BC Blog. He frequently travels across BC and lives in Vancouver.

As someone who loves exploring local history, I’m always excited to share Langley’s amazing museums with visitors. 

Each one tells a different part of our story, from aviation history to farming heritage. 

Let me take you on a journey through my favorite museums in Langley, where you’ll discover some fascinating stories about this community.

Best Museums in Langley, BC

1. Fort Langley National Historic Site
2. Canadian Museum of Flight
3. BC Farm Museum
4. Salishan Place by the River
5. Langley Centennial Museum & Exhibition Centre

Fort Langley National Historic Site

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(credit: Destination Vancouver)

📍: 23433 Mavis Ave, Langley Twp, BC V1M 2R5
📞: 604-513-4777
🌐: Visit Website

The Fort Langley National Historic Site isn’t just any museum – it’s where British Columbia was born. 

Every time I visit, I feel like I’m stepping back into the 1800s. The wooden walls of the fort hold so many stories, and the best part is that they come alive through the costumed interpreters who work there.

Inside the fort, you’ll find several buildings that show what life was like in the trading days. The blacksmith shop is my favorite spot – watching the blacksmith work with traditional tools is fascinating, to say the least.

During summer weekends, you can even try your hand at gold panning or barrel making.

What makes this place special is how interactive it is. 

You can sleep in a real oTENTik (think of it as a cross between a tent and a cabin) overnight, or help make bread in the old-fashioned way. I always tell visitors to plan for at least half a day here – there’s so much to see and do.

Canadian Museum of Flight

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(credit: TripAdvisor)

📍: 5333 216 St Hangar #3, Langley, BC V2Y 2N3
📞: (604) 532-0035
🌐: Visit Website

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting up close to historic aircraft, you need to visit the Canadian Museum of Flight. 

It’s not a huge museum, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in personality. The volunteers who run this place are incredibly passionate about aviation, and their enthusiasm is contagious.

The museum houses an impressive collection of restored aircraft, from World War II fighters to bush planes that helped develop BC’s remote areas. 

What I love most is that this isn’t just a “look but don’t touch” museum – many of the aircraft are open for visitors to explore. There’s something magical about sitting in the cockpit of a plane that flew decades ago.

My tip? Try to visit during one of their special events. Watching planes fly is an experience you won’t forget. And don’t forget to chat with the volunteers – they have amazing stories to share about the aircraft and the pilots who flew them.

BC Farm Museum

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(credit: BC Farm Museum)

📍: 9131 King St, Langley Twp, BC V1M 2R6
📞: (604) 888-2273
🌐: Visit Website

The BC Farm Museum is like stepping into your grandfather’s barn – if your grandfather collected every piece of farming equipment from the past 100 years! This place holds the largest collection of agricultural artifacts in BC, and it’s fascinating to see how farming has evolved over the years.

What I find most interesting are the old tractors and steam engines. They’ve got everything from hand tools to massive farming machines, all telling the story of how farming shaped our community.

One of my favorite displays shows how pioneer women managed their households. It’s a reminder that farming wasn’t just about working in the fields – it was a whole way of life. 

Kids especially love the hands-on exhibits where they can try using some of the old tools.

Salishan Place by the River

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(credit: Langley Heritage Society)

📍: 23430 Mavis Ave, Langley Twp, BC V1M 2S2
📞: (604) 532-3536
🌐: Visit Website

Salishan Place by the River is a new cultural center, and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite spots in Langley. 

This modern facility beautifully showcases the rich history and culture of the Kwantlen First Nation, along with stories from the broader community.

The exhibits here are thoughtfully designed to help visitors understand the deep connection between the land, the river, and the people who have lived here for thousands of years.

I particularly appreciate how they blend traditional storytelling with modern technology to create engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

What makes Salishan Place special is its focus on living culture – it’s not just about the past, but also about how traditional knowledge and practices continue to shape our community today. 

The programming here is excellent, with regular workshops, cultural events, and changing exhibits that keep things fresh and interesting.

Langley Centennial Museum & Exhibition Centre

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(credit: Which Museum)

📍: 9135 King St, Langley Twp, BC V1M 2S2
📞: (604) 532-3536
🌐: Visit Website

While smaller than some of our other museums, the Langley Centennial Museum holds a special place in my heart.

 It’s where you’ll find the stories of everyday people who shaped the Langley community. The rotating exhibits mean there’s always something new to discover, whether it’s local art, historical photographs, or artifacts from Langley’s past.

What I particularly enjoy about this museum is how it connects past and present. They do a great job of showing how the community has evolved, from First Nations settlements through European colonization to the diverse community we have today.

The museum’s programs for children are excellent – they make history come alive through hands-on activities and storytelling. During summer, they often host special events and workshops that are great for families.

Planning Your Museum Visits in Langley

If you’re planning to visit all these museums (and I think you should!), I’d recommend spreading them out over a few days. 

Fort Langley National Historic Site and the Canadian Museum of Flight each deserve at least half a day. 

The BC Farm Museum and Langley Centennial Museum can be explored in a couple of hours each, while Salishan Place by the River is perfect for a morning or afternoon visit.

Most of the museums are family-friendly and offer special rates for children and seniors. Some, like the Fort, even offer annual passes that are great value if you plan to visit multiple times. 

I always suggest checking their websites before visiting, as many offer special events or programs that can make your visit even more memorable.

Where to Stay in Langley, BC

There are plenty of accommodation options in Langley, from budget options ( hostels, and AirBnbs) to mid-range and luxury hotels.

3 Best Hotels in Langley, BC

If you’re looking for a nice hostel or hotel in Langley, there are several great options. I’ve collected some of the best places to stay in Langley in the table below.

How to Get to Langley, BC

Reaching Langley, BC, is simple, with several travel options to suit your needs.

If you’re driving, Langley is about a 45-minute trip southeast of downtown Vancouver. You can take either Highway 1 or Highway 99, both of which are easy to navigate and connect directly to the area. 

Parking is usually easy to find, especially near top spots like Fort Langley or Campbell Valley Regional Park.

For those using public transportation, TransLink offers bus services and SkyTrain connections to Langley. From Vancouver, hop on the SkyTrain Expo Line to King George Station in Surrey, then transfer to a bus heading to Langley. While it’s a bit slower than driving, it’s a cost-effective and eco-friendly option.

If you’re flying in, most visitors land at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), about an hour’s drive from Langley. From the airport, you can rent a car, catch a taxi, or use rideshare apps to get to your destination. 

Langley Regional Airport also serves small and private aircraft for those arriving from nearby locations.

No matter how you travel, getting to Langley is a breeze, and once you’re there, you’ll see it’s well worth the journey.

Getting Around Langley

If you’re driving, Langley’s road network makes getting around a snap. Key attractions like Fort Langley, Campbell Valley Regional Park, and the wineries are all connected by major routes. 

Plus, parking is usually free or inexpensive, so driving is a stress-free option.

For public transportation, Langley has TransLink buses covering the area. While the service isn’t as extensive as in larger cities, it works well for reaching major spots within Langley and nearby towns.

Prefer more flexibility? Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in the area and are great for short trips.

Cycling is another fantastic way to explore Langley. With bike-friendly trails and scenic routes, especially around parks and vineyards, it’s perfect for enjoying the outdoors. For leisurely exploring, walking is ideal in historic downtown areas and local markets.

Safety Tips

Langley is generally a safe destination, but a little caution always helps. Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight. Stick to well-lit areas after dark, and be extra careful on rural roads during rain or fog.

If you’re hiking, tell someone your plans and stay on marked trails. Always respect local wildlife and follow park rules to keep your adventure fun and safe.

Planning A Trip To Langley?

Travel insurance can give you peace of mind. EKTA offers affordable and reliable coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and more, so you can focus on enjoying your Langley adventure.

Langley’s Best Museums: In Conclusion

Remember that each museum tells a different part of Langley’s story – from First Nations history to pioneer life, from farming heritage to aviation adventures. Together, they paint a fascinating picture of how our community has grown and changed over time.

Have you visited any of Langley’s museums? Which one is your favorite? Share your experiences in the comments below – I’d love to hear what you discovered!