Fort Langley National Historic Site is a historic site and museum located in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. The site preserves and showcases the history of the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) trading post at Fort Langley, which played a significant role in the early development of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest. The original Fort Langley was established in 1827 as a trading post for the HBC, a fur trading company that played a key role in the development of the Canadian West. The fort quickly became an important hub for trade with Indigenous peoples and European settlers, and helped to facilitate the development of the region's economy and culture. Today, the Fort Langley National Historic Site offers visitors a unique and immersive experience of life at the fort in the mid-19th century. The site includes a replica of the original fort, which features exhibits and displays on the history of the HBC, the fur trade, and life at the fort. Visitors can explore the fort's trade store, blacksmith shop, and living quarters, and learn about the daily routines and challenges faced by the fort's inhabitants. The site also features several other historic buildings, including a First Nations longhouse and a cooperage, where barrels were made for storing goods. Visitors can watch demonstrations of traditional crafts, such as barrel-making and blacksmithing, and can participate in hands-on activities, such as making candles or churning butter. In addition to its exhibits and activities, the Fort Langley National Historic Site also hosts several annual events and festivals, such as the Brigade Days Festival, which celebrates the arrival of the HBC fur brigades at Fort Langley each year. Overall, the Fort Langley National Historic Site is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history of the Canadian West and the role of the fur trade in shaping the region's culture and economy.

Additional Info

• The fort was a key location in the events leading up to the formation of the colony of British Columbia. In 1858, gold was discovered along the Fraser River, leading to a massive influx of miners and settlers to the area. The HBC decided to relinquish its control of the region, and in 1858, the Crown Colony of British Columbia was established, with Fort Langley serving as the administrative center.
• The fort was also the site of the signing of the "Langley Convention" in 1858, which paved the way for the creation of a united colony of British Columbia, which included both the mainland and Vancouver Island.
• The fort played an important role in the fur trade, which was a major industry in the region during the 19th century. The HBC traded furs from animals such as beavers, otters, and bears with Indigenous peoples in exchange for goods such as blankets, tools, and guns.
• The fort was built in the style of a Hudson's Bay Company trading post, with a palisade fence surrounding the buildings to protect against potential attacks. The replica fort at the site was built in the 1950s and is based on historical records and archeological evidence.
• The Fort Langley National Historic Site is part of Parks Canada, and offers a range of educational programs and activities, including guided tours, workshops, and living history demonstrations.

• The site is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. Admission fees apply, with discounts available for seniors, youth, and families.
• Overall, the Fort Langley National Historic Site offers visitors a unique and engaging look into the history of the Canadian West, the fur trade, and the important role that Fort Langley played in the region's development.