Looking for a family outing that’s packed with fun, discovery and a bit of sneaky learning? At Fort Langley National Historic Site, history jumps off the page and into real life. From the clang of blacksmith hammers to the smell of fresh bread baking, every corner of the fort offers exciting activities that bring the past to life. Ready for an adventure? Let’s dive into the hands-on history waiting for you and your family!
Discover the Art of Blacksmithing
Who doesn’t love the thrill of sparks flying and metal being forged? At Fort Langley National Historic Site, the blacksmith shop is where you’ll witness fire, iron and skill come together in a truly epic show. Watch as the blacksmiths transform metal into tools, nails and even intricate designs, just like they did in the 1800s. Discover how these skilled artisans kept the fort running, creating everything from farming tools to household items.
Feeling inspired to try your hand at working with metal? Join our expert blacksmith, Danny, in a series of workshops to December 7. Whether in-person or virtually, you’ll craft your very own copper lantern or festive copper star, perfect for holiday decorations. Spaces are limited, so don’t wait—visit our event page for details and secure your spot today!
Barrels of Fun at the Cooperage
Ready for some barrel-making fun? Head over to the cooperage and discover the fascinating world of these sturdy containers, which were vital for shipping everything from salted fish to cranberries in the 1800s. Coopers—builders of casks—were crucial to trade and survival at the fort, crafting leak-proof, wooden containers that travelled far and wide. Think you can build one? Try your hand at assembling a wooden bucket—it’s trickier than it looks but loads of fun once you get rolling!
Savour History: Fresh-Baked Traditions
Step into history at the bake oven and heritage garden! Follow the irresistible scent of fresh bread to our historic clay oven, where on special occasions, our talented interpreters bake sourdough, bannock and crumb cakes just as people did 150 years ago. Many ingredients, like apples, raspberries and herbs, are harvested from our heritage garden, which features the same crops once grown at the fort for food, medicine and trade. And if you’re lucky, you might even get a sample—because here, learning is as delicious as it is fascinating!
Explore Indigenous Culture & Relationships at Fort Langley
Long before fur traders set foot here, Indigenous peoples were thriving and trading along the river, shaping the region’s economy and culture. Through the stories told in videos, exhibits and cultural events, you’ll uncover the vital and complex relationships between Indigenous Nations and European traders and see how the past continues to influence the region’s story today.
Kids’ Play Area: Learning Through Playtime Magic
Think history is too complicated for your little ones? Think again! Our children’s play area is designed to spark curiosity and creativity in the youngest explorers. Here, kids can pretend to trade salmon, cranberries and furs for axe heads, blankets and rope at the trade window—just like the fur traders did centuries ago. They can also pack toy barrels with fish fillets and roll them over to model boats, experiencing the hands-on work that sustained life at the fort.
Toddlers have their own special area with soft flooring, where they can “catch” fish with nets, gather magnetic cranberries and build a soft foam fort. It’s a playful, hands-on way to introduce young minds to history.
Year-round Events: Fun-filled Learning Adventures
At the Fort, learning history has never been more exciting with our year-round lineup of cultural and historical events. From the lively Vive les Voyageurs Festival, celebrating French-Canadian heritage in April, to our tropical Hawaiian Luau in May and the action-packed Brigade Days in August, there’s always something happening. And as the holidays approach, get into the holiday spirit with our Humbug Holidays happening throughout December. With so much going on, be sure to check our event calendar regularly or follow us on Facebook to stay in the loop!
Ready for Your Family Adventure?
At Fort Langley National Historic Site, learning is anything but boring. Every corner offers a new adventure. With interactive experiences that engage both kids and adults, history truly comes to life. Get a seasonal pass for unlimited access to all the fun, and don’t forget—youths 17 and under visit for free. We can’t wait to welcome you!
For more information and inspiration, visit parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/langley.
