Surrey British Columbia, Canada Travel Guide
Surrey hosts a welcoming atmosphere for all travelers. Families find ample parks and interactive museums, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy extensive trail networks and scenic viewpoints. Food lovers discover a world of flavors, especially renowned for authentic South Asian and East Asian cuisines. History buffs explore heritage sites, and those seeking relaxation find secluded beaches and serene green spaces. Whatever your travel style, Surrey offers an inviting backdrop for exploration and enjoyment, promising a journey filled with genuine moments and warm hospitality.
The city's appeal also stems from its accessibility. Having direct SkyTrain connections to Vancouver and proximity to major highways, Surrey serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Metro Vancouver region and beyond.
Within its own expansive boundaries, Surrey has enough attractions and activities to fill days, if not weeks, of exploration. From its thriving arts scene to its community-focused events, Surrey constantly has new ways to engage with its character. Prepare for pleasant surprises from the depth and breadth of what this British Columbia city has in store for you.
Surrey occupies a considerable piece of the Lower Mainland in British Columbia, immediately south of the Fraser River. It borders the city of Vancouver to the west, separated by the municipality of Richmond and the Fraser River. To its south, Surrey shares a direct border with the United States, specifically Washington State, marked by the Peace Arch and Pacific Highway border crossings. This unique geographical position positions Surrey as a literal gateway between Canada and the USA, influencing its commerce, culture, and accessibility.
The city's topography is generally low-lying, defined by fertile agricultural land in its southern and eastern reaches, which gradually transitions to more urbanized landscapes towards its northern and from the west areas. Several smaller rivers and creeks, including the Serpentine and Nicomekl rivers, wind through Surrey, creating important wetland ecosystems and natural green corridors that support the city's biodiversity and recreational opportunities.
One of the largest in British Columbia, featuring diverse environments.
Densely populated areas with high-rise developments.
Sprawling residential zones.
Preserved areas of fertile land.
Near Semiahmoo Bay and Boundary Bay, influencing climate and marine access.
The geographical layout frames transportation and urban planning. Major highways, including Highway 1, Highway 10, and Highway 99, traverse Surrey, linking it to other parts of British Columbia and the United States.
The SkyTrain's Expo Line extends into Surrey, offering rapid transit links to Vancouver and other Metro Vancouver municipalities.
This network of getting around routes assists visitors in traversing the city's expansive area, whether by car or public transit, connecting its distinct communities and attractions.
Surrey's varied landscape means that within a short drive, you can transition from a bustling city street to a quiet forest trail or a peaceful coastal beach.
Before European contact, the land now known as Surrey was home to various Coast Salish First Nations, including the Semiahmoo, Katzie, and Kwantlen peoples. Their deep connection to the land, sustained by fishing, hunting, and gathering, shaped the region for millennia.
European settlement began in the mid-19th century, subsequent to the establishment of Fort Langley (a Hudson's Bay Company post nearby) and the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush. Early pioneers, many from Britain and other parts of Canada, arrived to clear land for farming, logging, and fishing. The area was named "Surrey" in 1879 by H.J. Brewer, a municipal clerk, who noted its resemblance to Surrey, England, with its gentle hills and fertile fields. The municipality incorporated in 1879, a collection of disparate communities connected by dirt roads and a shared vision of agricultural prosperity.
The early 20th century saw growth in farming, especially dairy and berry production.
Railway and improved road networks connected Surrey to Vancouver and the broader region.
Rapid population growth and urbanization shaped rural areas into suburban communities.
Recent history marks Surrey as a magnet for immigration. Following changes to Canada's immigration policies in the latter half of the 20th century, Surrey became a welcoming home for persons from across the globe, notably from South Asia (India, Pakistan, Punjab region) and East Asia (China, Korea, Philippines).
A and multicultural community.
A reflection of its global influence and diversity.
A blend of modern high-rises and serene natural reserves.
Observes the city's multiculturalism with pavilions representing dozens of nations.
A significant cultural event occurring in April, marking the Sikh New Year.
A thriving arts scene and community-focused events throughout the year.
