Surrey

Surrey sits south of the Fraser River and stretches from the edge of Delta to the Langley border and down to the US line at White Rock. It is one of the largest cities in Metro Vancouver, and it is easy to underestimate. Beyond the busy town centres you will find a sandy beach with sunset views, a salmon hatchery, a regional park on the Fraser floodplain, a heritage farm, a forest planted by two brothers in the 1890s, and some of the biggest cultural festivals in the region. This guide covers the best things to do in Surrey, from the places we have already written full guides for to the other parks, beaches, and attractions worth adding to your list.

Things to Do in Surrey

If you only have a day, start with these three places. Each one links to a full guide with photos and visitor tips.

Beaches and Waterfront in Surrey

Surrey has a long shoreline on Boundary Bay and Semiahmoo Bay, and the waterfront neighbourhoods in South Surrey feel like a different city from the busy town centres inland.

Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach is Surrey’s main beach and one of the best stretches of sand in Metro Vancouver. It sits on Boundary Bay in South Surrey, with beach access at several points, public washrooms, and a lifeguard presence on summer days. It is also a favourite for sunsets, and the off-season brings migratory birds, so it is worth visiting in fall and winter too. Check the City of Surrey for current lifeguard hours and any water quality notices.

Blackie Spit Park

At the west end of Crescent Beach, Blackie Spit Park wraps around a tidal flat with trails that weave between light tree cover and the shoreline. It is one of the best bird watching spots in Surrey, with views across the water to the North Shore mountains on a clear day. Dogs and wildlife rules apply in parts of the park, so follow the posted signs.

1001 Steps Trail

The 1001 Steps is a well known staircase workout in South Surrey that climbs from the waterfront up to the bluff above. It is short but steep, and locals use it as a daily fitness loop. Wear proper shoes, and take care in wet weather when the steps are slippery.

Peace Arch Provincial Park

Peace Arch Provincial Park sits right on the Canada and US border in South Surrey, where a white arch marks the boundary between the two countries. The park has gardens, lawns, and picnic space on both sides of the line. Border rules and entry requirements apply, so check current guidance from Canadian and US authorities before you visit.

Parks and Nature in Surrey

Surrey has hundreds of parks, greenbelts, and trails. These are the ones most worth the trip.

Redwood Park

Redwood Park is a forest park in South Surrey, just off 20 Avenue, with parking close to the trails. The land goes back to 1893, when the Brown family property was handed to brothers Peter and David Brown. Rather than log or farm it, they filled it with trees from other parts of the world, which is why you will spot tagged species along the paths, including a monkey puzzle tree. Follow the trails toward the west side to find the fairy village, a cluster of small painted houses set on logs. The open field and playground make it an easy picnic stop for families.

Surrey Lake Park

Surrey Lake Park is built around a small lake and a greenway trail that loops through wetland, meadow, and forest. The loop is roughly 1.5 km, so it suits a relaxed morning or a quick stop between other plans. The surrounding habitat is sensitive, so stay on the marked trail and follow the posted rules about dogs and access to the water.

Bear Creek Park

Bear Creek Park is Surrey’s most popular park and a full day out for families. It has a playground, a water park, an outdoor pool, a miniature train, gardens known for rhododendrons and a wisteria covered entrance arch, and the Surrey Arts Centre right next door. In winter the park hosts a seasonal lights display. Seasonal attractions and fees vary, so confirm details with the City of Surrey.

Tynehead Regional Park

Tynehead Regional Park is a Metro Vancouver regional park of meadow, woodland, and trails along the Serpentine River. It is home to owls, hawks, and coyotes, and the Tynehead Hatchery is a good place to learn about salmon and trout spawning. A paved perimeter trail of about 5 km suits strollers and bikes, and the park is known for an illuminated bridge that glows with seasonal colours after dark.

Green Timbers Urban Forest

Green Timbers Urban Forest is one of Surrey’s largest parks, with more than 10 km of walking trails through replanted forest. The original forest was logged in the 1920s and replanted starting in 1930, so the tall conifers you see today are a reforestation story. It is a calm, shaded option on a hot day and a good fit for longer walks.

Surrey Bend Regional Park

Surrey Bend Regional Park protects hundreds of acres of Fraser River floodplain and opened to the public in 2016. Flat trails and river views make it a quiet option for walkers and bird watchers who want to avoid the crowds, and it connects with the wider network of Fraser River nature areas.

Serpentine Fen

Serpentine Fen is a wetland nature area with a viewing tower, built for watching waterfowl and other birds. Visit in the early morning or in migration season for the best sightings, and bring binoculars.

Darts Hill Garden Park

Darts Hill Garden Park is a volunteer-run public garden in South Surrey with trees and shrubs from around the world. It has limited visiting days and also hosts concerts in summer, so check the official garden site for current dates before you go.

History, Culture, and Museums in Surrey

Museum of Surrey

The Museum of Surrey is the city’s official museum and sits in historic Cloverdale, the first of Surrey’s town centres. Inside, everyday objects tell the story of how the area grew: antique tea pots, old radios, vintage cameras, a firefighter’s uniform, and even a rickshaw. A photo-taking board and a kids’ area keep younger visitors busy, and temporary exhibits rotate through the year. Check the museum’s official site for current exhibits, hours, and admission.

Historic Stewart Farm

Historic Stewart Farm sits in Elgin Heritage Park near the Nicomekl River and gives a look at rural Surrey in the early 1900s. Heritage buildings, gardens, and seasonal programs make it a good stop for families and history fans.

Surrey Art Gallery

The Surrey Art Gallery is part of the Surrey Arts Centre beside Bear Creek Park. It shows contemporary art in changing exhibitions, and the setting makes it easy to combine with a park visit.

Cloverdale Heritage Streets

Cloverdale is Surrey’s oldest town centre, with heritage buildings, antique shops, and a small town feel. It is also home to the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, the venue for the annual Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair.

Festivals and Events in Surrey

Surrey hosts some of the biggest community events in Metro Vancouver. Dates change from year to year, so confirm them on official event pages.

• Vaisakhi Parade: a large spring celebration of Sikh heritage in Surrey, with floats, music, and free food from community groups.
• Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair: a long running spring tradition at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds.
• Surrey Fusion Festival: a summer multicultural festival with music, dance, and food from many cultures.
• Winter lights at Bear Creek Park: a seasonal light display that brings families out after dark.

Neighbourhoods and Town Centres in Surrey

Surrey is organized around six town centres: City Centre, Guildford, Fleetwood, Newton, Cloverdale, and South Surrey. Knowing which one you are heading to makes planning easier, since driving between them can take longer than the map suggests.

• Cloverdale: heritage buildings, the Museum of Surrey, antique shops, and the fairgrounds.
• South Surrey: Redwood Park, Peace Arch Provincial Park, and coastal neighbourhoods such as Crescent Beach and Ocean Park near Semiahmoo Bay.
• City Centre and Guildford: the busiest shopping and transit hubs, including Central City and Guildford Town Centre, with SkyTrain access.
• Newton and Fleetwood: residential areas known for local restaurants, bakeries, and community parks.

Things to Do in Surrey with Kids

Surrey is a strong choice for families. Redwood Park has its fairy village, playground, and picnic field. Bear Creek Park combines a water park, outdoor pool, and miniature train in one place. Crescent Beach works for sandcastles and tidal flats, and the Museum of Surrey has a dedicated kids’ area for rainy days. Tynehead Hatchery is a good educational stop in the fall when salmon return.

How to Get Around Surrey

A car is the easiest way to link Surrey’s parks, beaches, and museum, because the main attractions are spread out. Highway 1 and Highway 99 are the main routes in, and travel time from Vancouver is typically somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes depending on traffic. If you prefer transit, the SkyTrain Expo Line reaches Surrey Central, Gateway, and King George stations, and TransLink buses connect onward to neighbourhoods and parks. Check TransLink’s trip planner for current routes.

Best Time to Visit Surrey

Summer is the best season for Crescent Beach and the waterfront, and spring and early summer bring fresh green growth to the forest and lake trails. Fall adds colour under the redwoods and brings salmon to the Tynehead area. Winter is the time for the Museum of Surrey and the seasonal lights at Bear Creek Park. Trails can turn muddy after heavy rain, so waterproof footwear helps from October through April.

Sample Surrey Itineraries

Nature Day

1. Morning: Walk the trails at Redwood Park and find the fairy village.
2. Midday: Picnic, then drive to Tynehead Regional Park for the perimeter trail.
3. Late afternoon: Finish with the Surrey Lake Park loop while the light is soft.

Beach and Sunset Day

1. Morning: Walk the Blackie Spit trails and watch for birds.
2. Afternoon: Relax at Crescent Beach, then visit Peace Arch Provincial Park.
3. Evening: Return to Crescent Beach for sunset.

Family and History Day

1. Morning: Visit the Museum of Surrey in Cloverdale and wander the heritage streets.
2. Afternoon: Head to Bear Creek Park for the water park or miniature train.
3. Late afternoon: Stop at the Surrey Art Gallery next door.

More Places Near Surrey

Surrey borders several other areas we cover. Head south to White Rock and walk the famous White Rock Pier, west to Delta and Boundary Bay Regional Park, or east to the historic village of Fort Langley. Browse the full city list on our Vancouver hub, or see the Burnaby and Richmond hubs for more Metro Vancouver ideas.