Your Guide to the Perfect Fall Day in Fort Langley

Crunchy red-and-orange leaf-lined trails. Pumpkin spice everything. Gilmore Girls reruns constantly playing in the background. Fall is all about the vibes. And the best place to fully embrace them? The charming, historic town of Fort Langley.

In just 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver, you’ll have travelled from one world to another: from skyscrapers and city bustle to cobblestone charm and heritage storefronts. Fort Langley is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Vancouver, making it feel like you’ve stepped back in time (or straight into Stars Hollow). It’s quaint. It’s cute. It’s cozy. And it’s the perfect fall escape within the Lower Mainland.

So, grab your scarf and get ready to lean into all the autumn feels, because this is your guide to the perfect fall day in Fort Langley.

First Stop, Coffee

What would exploring a small town in the fall be without a warm bevy in hand? Start your day in Fort Langley with a stop at one of two local staples: Blacksmith Bakery, known for its melt-in-your-mouth flaky pastries and fall-fitting rustic vibe, or Republica Coffee Roasters, where small batch, roasted in-house beans create a cup worthy of any memorable morning. They’re both located in the heart of Fort Langley’s core, making either the perfect starting point for your day of frolicking around town.

Whichever you choose, just be sure to grab it to go, because you’ve got wandering to do.

Stroll and Take in the Charm

Now, the frolicking begins. Among the most timeless things to do in Langley, wandering Glover Road tops the list.

Fort Langley’s main strip is packed with shops that feel like they’re out of a storybook. You could spend hours popping in and out, discovering all sorts of little delights. It’s the kind of place you can easily lose track of time, and that’s exactly what you should let yourself do.

Wendel’s Bookstore and Cafe is a notable one. Equal parts cozy cafe and indie bookstore, this place overflows with greeting cards, unique gifts and (of course) books. The storefront alone is photo-worthy, so mark this one as a must-visit.

From there, saunter down to the Fort Langley National Historic Site. Heritage buildings, costumed interpreters, and the old Hudson’s Bay Company fort: it’s like a living slice of history.

Break for Brunch

What would an indulgent day trip be without a brunch that’s equal parts aesthetic and hearty?

After you’ve wandered and gotten the lay of the land, settle in at Sabà Cafe & Bistro to refuel. Woman- and family-owned, Sabà’s combines Mediterranean-inspired dishes with fresh, local ingredients with an elevated yet cozy vibe. Whether you opt for the shakshouka, braised short rib hash or peaches-and-cream French toast, it’s the perfect spot to recharge and set yourself up for an afternoon of, you guessed it: shopping.

Post Brunch Antique Shopping

Fort Langley does not disappoint when it comes to shopping with character, and antiques are this town’s thing.

Village Antiques Mall is a sprawling treasure trove where you can dig through aisles of vintage finds, quirky knick-knacks and furniture pieces waiting for a second life. Country Lane Antiques is also stocked with all sorts of heritage pieces, perfect if you’re after something with a story to take home as a token of your day. Then there’s Rempel Mercantile & Antiques: an upscale, beautifully arranged shop that’ll have you thinking you need it all.

And if you need a pause from treasure hunting, pop into Little White House Co. You’ll find racks of gorgeous clothing, and if you plan ahead, you can sit down for an afternoon high tea in their dreamy Parisian-inspired tearoom.

Afternoon Wind Down and Sweet Treat

Once you’ve shopped to your heart’s content (and hopefully resisted buying a chair you now need to carry around), it’s time to slow the pace.

Fort Langley is framed by some beautiful riverside paths. So head out for a leisurely walk along Riverside Walk, or take the scenic Fort-to-Fort Trail if you’re up for a longer stretch. Crunchy leaves and crisp fall air will have you wanting for nothing but endless time to soak it all in.

Circle back to town and stop by Into Chocolate Candy & Confections. Handmade chocolates and all sorts of seasonal treats make for the perfect reward for your afternoon wander.

Finish the Day with Dinner

After a day of wandering, shopping and keeping your coffee quota appropriately high, round the day out with dinner at Trading Post Eatery.

Picture rustic diner vibes, with hearty burgers, classic sandwiches and craft beers on tap. With a full stomach and sunken into a booth is the coziest way to close out your day before heading back to the city.

The best part? Since Fort Langley is a totally Uberable distance from downtown, your journey home is a hassle-free one. Or, if you’d rather steer yourself there and take the trip at your own pace, it’s the perfect chance to make use of Evo carshare.

You can pick up an Evo from downtown Vancouver or surrounding neighbourhoods, pay a flat day rate and be on your way. No worrying about hourly fees or overly complicated logistics. Just make sure you sign up ahead of time so you’re ready to take advantage during your trip. Once you’re done, you can simply drop the car back in an Evo home zone in the city.

And bonus for avid cyclists: you can even turn the route into a significant but scenic bike ride, pedalling your way to and from Fort Langley. Whichever way you get there, it’s one of the most convenient places for anyone in or visiting Vancouver to immerse themselves in fall charm.

So there you have it: cobblestone streets, crisp fall air, a hot coffee in hand. Less than an hour’s drive from the city, and suddenly you’re a world away, wrapped in Fort Langley’s magic.