From niche museums and beautiful beaches to lush trails and quaint historic escapes, there’s actually many things to do in Surrey, BC that most visitors don’t expect.
Growing up in the Lower Mainland, Surrey wasn’t often considered a destination to visit or do day trips. But things are quickly changing. In fact, Surrey is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, not to mention the largest city in Metro Vancouver where land mass is concerned.
So, what is there to do in Surrey? Read on for a roundup of our favourites activities and places to visit!
Head to Crescent Beach
We know that beaches aren’t often what come to mind when you think of Surrey, but this sprawling city is indeed home to a beautiful waterfront, and one of the best places to watch sunset in Metro Vancouver.
We’re talking of course about Crescent Beach, a picturesque beach and residential community in South Surrey that makes for a perfect summer (or sunset) excursion.
With gorgeous views over Boundary Bay, and a walkable promenade lined with quaint houses, this is by far one of the most scenic places to visit in Surrey… with a much more laid-back feel than nearby White Rock.
Whether you want to sunbathe, enjoy some beach volleyball, or simply grab a bite at one of the Beecher Street hot spots, visiting Crescent Beach is definitely one of the best things to do in Surrey… so come see for yourself the next time you visit!
NOTE: The beach here is pretty rocky. If you prefer sandy beaches, then time your visit for low tide.
Explore Tynehead Regional Park
Just off of the Trans-Canada Highway, you’ll find another Surrey gem: Tynehead Regional Park, a large park in North Surrey with kilometres of scenic trails, a fish hatchery, a dog park, and even its own butterfly garden.
If you’re looking for outdoorsy things to do in Surrey, visiting this park is a must. The Tynehead Perimeter Trail is a popular pick for first timers, but you can easily choose your own adventure once you enter the park.
Be sure to pack a picnic too, because there’s several picnicking areas to choose from!
Enjoy some craft brews
Craft beer is practically a religion in the Lower Mainland these days, and Surrey is no exception. While you won’t find a microbrewery on every corner here like in Mount Pleasant, there’s still great options if you’re looking for some hyperlocal brews.
Central City Brewing has been around since 2003, and its signature Red Racer beer can be found in bars and restaurants all around the Lower Mainland. Their original brewpub is located conveniently by Surrey Central Skytrain Station, although their new 125,000 square foot facility on Bridgeview Derive (with tasting room) is well worth a visit.
There’s also Russell Brewing Co, which has been championing craft beer methods since 1995, making it one of the oldest microbreweries in Metro Vancouver. While their long awaited Tasting Room is set to open later this year, you can find their inventive pours in over 1200 locations across the country. Click here to find the closest location near you.
Head to the historic town centre of Cloverdale
Cloverdale may best be known for its annual rodeo, but it’s also a worthwhile place to visit year round thanks to several attractions (which we’ll cover below), like the Museum of Surrey, BC Vintage Truck Museum, and the Cloverdale Flea Market.
Often considered the historic heart of Surrey, Cloverdale is filled with heritage buildings and a quiet charm that feels worlds removed from the glass condos and shopping malls popping up elsewhere in the city.
Truth be told, the historic main drag of Cloverdale (176th Street) is pretty quiet these days, but it’s a spot where you can explore some independent shops, browse for antiques, admire some public art, and grab a bite to eat.
Pop culture fans might also recognize it as Smallville, or Greendale from the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Thanks to its historic charm, Cloverdale is a favourite for film crews.
Beyond Cloverdale’s main strip though, there are lots of worthwhile attractions in the neighbourhood. We’ll showcase some of our favourites below.
Stop by the Museum of Surrey
Yes, Surrey has a museum dedicated to Surrey! Who knew?
This underrated attraction is unknown to many Metro Vancouverites, but if you’re looking for something a little different/educational to do in Surrey, particularly with young ones in tow, then the Museum of Surrey makes a great choice… especially on a rainy day.
Located at the Heritage Campus in Cloverdale, the museum has a goal of “celebrating Surrey’s past, present and future through innovative, dynamic and delightful learning, storytelling, and creating shared experiences”.
They do this through interactive exhibits, events, and programs… and a pretty baller kids play area. Best of all, it’s free, making it one of the most budget-friendly Surrey activities you can enjoy.
Visit the BC Vintage Truck Museum
When we said Surrey had niche museums, we meant it… and if you’re looking for a quirky Surrey activity to check off your list, then why not consider a visit to Cloverdale’s BC Vintage Truck Museum?
Sure, their opening hours are fairly limited, but if you happen to catch them open, you’ll be treated to a hefty collection of vintage cars dating back to 1914, alongside tons of memorabilia and signage.
Rummage for goodies at the Cloverdale Flea Market
For almost 50 years, Cloverdale’s Flea Market has been one of the top draws for visitors from across the Lower Mainland who come in search of crafts, clothing, collectibles, and virtually everything you can imagine.
Held every Sunday, this “weekly treasure hunt” offers an array of eclectic goods as well as fresh produce, meaning there’s pretty much something for everyone here.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and unique activity to enjoy in Cloverdale, make sure you time your visit for a Sunday so you can enjoy this iconic weekly event.
Hop on the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway
If riding through Surrey on a vintage train sounds like your idea of fun, then be sure to add the Fraser Valley Heritage Railway to your list of things to do.
This historic attraction in Surrey offers two main experiences: the Sullivan Excursion, and the Discovery Centre Tour.
Departing from Cloverdale Station, the Sullivan Excursion allows visitors to experience commuter rail as it would have been a century ago.
This bookable experience involves a 55 minute roundtrip ride from Cloverdale to Sullivan Station (usually) on board the BCER 1225, a train which worked in Vancouver, Burnaby and Steveston from 1913 – 1958.
On certain occasions though, special event trains will be used instead, so be sure to check their website for more details.
Besides train rides, visitors can also enjoy a one hour tour of the Discovery Centre, where you can see restoration efforts up close, learn more about the region’s rail history, and explore the Transit Museum set up at the (replica) Cloverdale Station.
Visit the famous Peace Arch
Visiting a border crossing isn’t usually a priority in most places, but the Peace Arch (found in South Surrey) is different.
This monument can be found at the Westernmost point of the US-Canada border, with a park that stretches across both countries, making it one of the few places in Canada where you can walk over to the US without clearing passport control (so long as you stay in the park, and leave via Canada, of course).
This bright white arch has stood for over 100 years as a symbol of peace between Canada and the US, and was even (fun fact) a hotspot for cross-border couples to get married during border closures throughout the pandemic.
Now open again, Peace Arch Park is well worth a visit if you’re looking for unique places to visit in Surrey… plus, it’s probably one of the coolest picnic spots that Metro Vancouver has to offer.
Look for famous filming locations
While Vancouver has a reputation for being “Hollywood North”, other cities of the Lower Mainland get their fair share of screen time as well, and Surrey is no exception.
The list of productions that have filmed in Surrey is extensive. As previously mentioned, Cloverdale has been used for shows like Peacemaker, Smallville, the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and Supernatural.
Crescent Beach has also been featured in productions like Psych and Tron: Legacy.
And various parts of the Surrey Central area have been used in shows like The Flash, Supergirl and the 100.
So, if you’re looking for quirky and geeky Surrey activities, make sure to add “hunting for filming locations” to your list!
Visit the Historic Stewart Farm
The Historic Stewart Farm is a historic gem tucked away in Surrey’s Elgin Heritage Park, offering a glimpse into the rural lifestyle of dwellers who lived here in the early 1900s.
Consisting of eight heritage buildings, the farm is now considered one of the top heritage sites in Surrey, and a great place to immerse yourself in local history through a tour around the farm’s scenic grounds.
The crown jewel of the property is the Queen Anne Revival farmhouse, originally built in 1894. Today, it has been lovingly restored to its former glory, and can be explored via a guided tour from on-site staff, or on your own.
Walk around Green Timbers Urban Forest & Surrey Nature Centre
For another fun outdoorsy thing to do in Surrey, a visit to Green Timbers Urban Forest (and the nearby Surrey Nature Centre) is a great bet.
This park is one of the largest in Surrey, offering 10km of trails in a lush second-growth forest. It may be hard to believe, but back in 1929, this forest had been completely logged and bare. But, decades of replanting and regrowth later, it is now more beautiful than ever, with plenty of spaces and trails for visitors to enjoy.
Little wonder why it is often referred to as BC’s “Birthplace of Reforestation”.
Try out an escape room
Getting locked in a room and solving puzzles to escape may sound like a TERRIBLE thing to do in Surrey, but it’s actually a lot of fun… and a unique idea for a date night or outing with friends.
E-Exit in Surrey offers a variety of themed escape rooms where you get to solve puzzles and brave challenges in order to find your way out… perfect for a rainy day activity, or if you’ve exhausted all the other things to do in Surrey we’ve already mentioned.
Head out to spend a day at White Rock
With a central location in the Lower Mainland, Surrey makes a great base for various day trips across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
One of our favourites is White Rock, a gorgeous waterfront town with chill beach vibes, a variety of restaurants, and a lovely promenade with sweeping views over Semiamhoo Bay.
From walking the longest pier in Canada to enjoying sweet patio time, there’s tons of great things to do in White Rock... which is why we’d highly recommend the trip there from Surrey.
Hit the casino
Another rainy day activity to enjoy in Surrey is a visit to the casino!
While it’s not exactly Vegas, Elements Casino in Surrey has hundreds of slot machines, a variety of fun table games, and a few different spots to grab a bite.
They also often host special events and live music, making it a fun entertainment venue if you’re looking for something a little different to do in Surrey.
Attend Surrey Fusion Festival
Lastly, we couldn’t write a list of cool things to do in Surrey without mentioning the annual Surrey Fusion Festival!
This epic festival bills itself as the “ultimate celebration of food, music and culture”, and takes place every July. You can think of it as an amalgamation of food, music, and culture from dozens of countries around the world, with varied pavilions and tents showcasing the diversity that Surrey is known for.
If you happen to be in Surrey during the summer, be sure to add this event to your list. After all, it’s the largest free multicultural festival that British Columbia has to offer.
Did we miss any of your favourite things to do in Surrey?
Let us know in the comments so we can add more recommendations to our list!