This dreamy small city in BC with storybook streets ranked among Canada's most livable

Charming cafes, cozy bookstores, and small-town vibes.

Fort Langley in BC. Right: Someone in Fort Langley.

Fort Langley in BC. Right: Someone in Fort Langley.

Editor

Right outside of Vancouver sits a tiny city, brimming with small-town charm, quaint cafes, and picturesque streets lined with shops. The cozy town here is bordered by winding trails that take you into nature, sprawling farms, and idyllic wineries.

Wandering around the cozy corners of this town it feels like you've stepped onto the set of Gilmore Girls, making Langley a popular day trip destination for Vancouverites. A ranking that came out last month might make you consider a more permanent visit though.

The small city of Langley gained some attention thanks to The Globe and Mail, which included it in its ranking of Canada's Most Livable Cities. Langley came in at 23rd place, recognized for its family friendliness, community, low crime rates, and climate. The ranking as a whole considered various factors, all aimed at helping Canadians find cities where they can thrive.

Langley is about an hour outside of Vancouver and scattered throughout the city are different communities, things to do, and pockets of beauty.

Fort Langley is a community within the Langley, set alongside the Fraser River, that has it that small-town charm.

It's brimming with local shops and art galleries, it even has a picturesque Community Hall that looks like it belongs in a small-town romance movie.

Actually, Fort Langley has acted as the backdrop for a few Hallmark movies, and once you visit it's obvious why.

Every corner of the little town is idyllic. Think heritage buildings, a charming local bookstore and museums that will have you stepping back in time.

During the summer months, you can wander around the Fort Langley Village Farmer's Market every Saturday getting your fill of local products, or check out the Fort Langley Night Market with its array of local vendors.

The area is also ripe for winery visits since it's set in the Fraser Valley — a popular wine destination.

There's a little something for every season here though. During the holidays Langley really comes alive with a bunch of events, like the annual Merry & Bright at Martini Town – when the movie production set opens to the public, decked out with festive decor.

In the fall think pumpkin patches, farm visits, and walks through the fall colours.

Beyond the streets of Fort Langley are residential areas, farmland, and some beautiful nature. Other communities in the city include Aldergrove, Brookswood-Fernridge, Murrayville, Walnut Grove, and Willoughby-Willowbrook — each offering their own vibe.

All in all, Langley balances the perks of city life — with its trendy restaurants, events, shops and cafes — with the slow pace of small-town living and tight-knit communities. Add in the signature beauty of the West Coast and it's easy to see how it ended up on the list of the most livable cities in the country.

  • Editor

    Morgan Leet (she/her) is an Editor for Narcity Media Group. After graduating from Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication, she jumped into fulfilling her dream as a journalist, merging her passion for travelling with writing. She got her start working in the print media world on Canada’s East Coast, then joined Narcity with a move to B.C., leading the launch of West Coast coverage. Her focus now is managing a large group of freelance writers, bringing human-forward and opinion content to the site.

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