The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Langley

Derby Reach stretches along a calm bend of the Fraser River, where open fields, quiet forests, and wide riverside trails make for easy wandering. You'll find a mix of flat shoreline paths and the hillier Houston Trail loop with some multi-use trails open to hikers, joggers, cyclists, and even horseback riders. A large campground sits right at the water’s edge, with picnic shelters, washrooms, drinking water, and plenty of space to settle in for the night. Dogs are welcome on‑leash throughout most of the park, with a large off‑leash zone near Edgewater Bar. In short, you'll find that Derby Reach delivers a peaceful break with all the essentials close at hand.

Set along a quiet bend of the Fraser River, Fort Langley offers a window into the history of British Columbia. The wooden palisades, blacksmith shop, and heritage buildings trace the Hudson’s Bay Company era, while the parks live demonstrations bring the daily bustle of traders and voyageurs to life. For those interested in the Indigenous Stó꞉lō history you'll find traditional foods as the Ancestor Cafe, native artworks at Spirit Bear Designs, and storytelling from local Elders. It’s an easy place to wander and imagine yourself in a different time, soaking up river views, hands‑on demos, and the layered history that shaped the region.

The Canyon to Coast trail runs for 550 kilometers between Hope and the Salish Sea. This particular section follows the Fraser River through parkland, nature reserve and historic sites as it nears its end at the sea.

As you follow the Arbour Ribbon Trail, the path passes near Langley Regional Airport, where you can see the runways. It’s an interesting spot to pause for a moment and watch small planes taxi, and take off. The airport is used mostly by training schools and private pilots, so there’s often light aircraft activity throughout the day, adding an unexpected bit of action to an otherwise peaceful walk.

The Arbour Ribbon Trail is a flat, easy path that follows the green corridor along the Nicomekl River in Langley. This section winds through a mix of natural areas and landscaped spaces, with plenty of trees, pollinator-friendly plants, and open views along the creek. It’s a relaxed walk or run with very little elevation gain, making it accessible for most visitors. The trail is part of a larger route connecting neighbourhoods like Murrayville and Willoughby, creating a quiet greenway through the community.

Located along the green corridor of the Nicomekl River, Derek Doubleday Arboretum is a peaceful garden space filled with walking paths, tree collections, and pollinator-friendly plants. What was once an open field has been transformed into a community arboretum designed to support birds and wildlife. As you explore the gardens, you’ll come across memorial trees and plaques, including “A Walk to Remember,” where trees were planted to honour Canadian soldiers who lost their lives during the Afghanistan mission.

The lagoon at Brydon Park Nature Lagoon was originally built in 1963 as a sewage treatment pond before being converted into a stormwater lagoon and wildlife sanctuary. Today it’s an important urban wetland and a popular spot for birdwatching, with ducks and other waterfowl frequently seen on the water. An easy path circles the lagoon, offering peaceful views across the wetlands and a chance to observe wildlife in one of Langley’s small but valuable natural habitats.

This small pond has a nice loop trail around its perimeter so it's a popular spot with families, dog-walkers, and people fishing.