Things To Do
in Surrey
Surrey, British Columbia, is a fast-growing city in Metro Vancouver known for its cultural diversity, expansive parks, and family-friendly neighborhoods. It blends urban amenities with rural charm, from bustling town centers in Guildford and Cloverdale to serene green spaces like Green Timbers Urban Forest and Bear Creek Park. The city serves as a gateway to the Fraser Valley while remaining well-connected to Vancouver through transit and major roadways.
Visitors can enjoy multicultural cuisine, historic streets in Cloverdale, and scenic walks along the Fraser River region nearby.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Surrey Museum, where you can dive into the rich local history through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the Historic Stewart Farm, a beautiful heritage site that showcases the area's early settler life. Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee from a nearby café while soaking in the morning sun at the farm's picturesque grounds.
In the afternoon, head to the nearby Cloverdale Market to explore local crafts and fresh produce. Sample delicious treats from local vendors, and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs to take home. Wrap up your afternoon by taking a guided walking tour of Cloverdale’s historic district to admire the charming architecture and learn more about its past.
As the sun sets, indulge in a delightful dinner at one of Cloverdale’s hidden gems, where you can savor the flavors of locally sourced dishes. After your meal, catch a live performance or event at the Surrey Arts Centre, where the local arts scene comes alive. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk in the nearby park, enjoying the tranquil evening atmosphere.
Begin your morning with a visit to the serene Green Timbers Urban Forest, where you can immerse yourself in nature on well-maintained trails. Look out for local wildlife as you wander through the forest, enjoying the sounds of birds and rustling leaves. Bring along a picnic breakfast to enjoy at one of the scenic spots within the forest.
After your morning walk, head to the nearby Surrey Nature Centre to learn more about the area's ecosystems and wildlife through interactive exhibits. Participate in a guided nature hike, where you can discover the diverse flora and fauna of the region while enjoying the fresh air. In the afternoon, take a relaxing break at the nearby pond, where you can watch ducks and other birds.
As the evening approaches, visit a local restaurant that features farm-to-table cuisine, allowing you to taste the freshest ingredients. After dinner, take a sunset stroll along the scenic trails of the forest, where the golden hour creates a magical atmosphere. Cap off your day by gathering around a cozy fire pit if available, sharing stories under the starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚌Public transit (1 ride) | $3-4 |
| 🏠Rent for 1 bedroom apartment | $1,400-2,000 per month |
| 🛒Groceries (weekly) | $80-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Diverse cuisine and cultures
- Strong parks and outdoor spaces
- Proximity to Vancouver and Fraser Valley
- Traffic congestion in peak hours
- Rising housing costs in some neighborhoods
Places to Visit in Surrey
Visit one of these nice places.
Scenic ponds, wooden bridges, and forested paths provide tranquil settings for landscape and nature photography.
Dense canopies, boardwalks, and quiet trails offer moody, shaded light ideal for nature portraits and wide-angle shots.
Modern high-rises and reflective glass create dramatic cityscape backdrops, especially at dusk.
Colorful storefronts and heritage architecture yield charming street photography opportunities.
Food in Surrey
Surrey Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A beloved Indian dish often found in local curry houses; pair with soft naan and a side of basmati rice.
Must-Try!
Popular noodle soups available at Vietnamese eateries across the city; great for a comforting meal year-round.
Steamed dumplings and buns typical of Cantonese cuisine; look for dim sum in family-run restaurants along major corridors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal markets offering fresh produce, baked goods, and ethnic snacks; a great place to sample local flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a polite tone; use 'please' and 'thank you' in interactions. Respect personal space in public settings.
Surrey is highly diverse; show respect for different cultural and religious practices and celebrations.
Safety
Tipping in Surrey
Ensure a smooth experience
In Canada, tipping around 15-20% in restaurants is customary if service is satisfactory. Tips are typically given in cash or added to the bill via card.
Major cards (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx) are widely accepted; cash is still common in many places; contactless payments are increasingly prevalent.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Milder temperatures with blossoming trees; great for outdoor walks and photography, though expect occasional showers.
Warm to hot days with extended daylight; ideal for outdoor events and markets. Stay hydrated and wear sun protection.
Cooler air and vibrant fall foliage; landscapes around parks and trails become especially picturesque.
Wet and cool with more rain than snow; daylight hours are shorter but city lights and indoor venues shine.
Surrey at Night
Hiking in Surrey
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive network of forest trails and ponds ideal for easy to moderate hikes and wildlife photography.
Family-friendly trails along a creek and lake with scenic viewpoints and picnic areas.
Airports
How to reach Surrey by plane.
Approximately 25-40 minutes by car from central Surrey, depending on traffic.
About 45-60 minutes by car from central Surrey; a convenient option for regional travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large Punjabi and Sikh populations; languages include Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu.
Significant Chinese, Filipino, and other East Asian populations contribute to the city’s cultural fabric.
Diverse populations enhancing the multicultural landscape with a range of languages and traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport with local leagues and rinks throughout Surrey.
Widely played in schools and clubs; local fields host regular games.
Several public and private courses nearby offer year-round play.
A growing presence in communities with South Asian heritage; local clubs organize leagues and matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Surrey.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Surrey’s restaurants often offer abundant vegetarian options. Seek dishes labeled paneer or chana, request vegetable curries, and ask for dairy-free preparations if needed.