Surrey
 
Comprised of six towns-Fleetwood, Whalley, Guildford, Newton, Cloverdale and South Surrey-the City of Surrey is one of the fastest growing communities in British Columbia. Part of this attraction is due to its location, 26 km (16 mi) southeast of Vancouver and within easy access to the Pacific Rim and the United States border. Another draw is the city's vast amount of park space, which totals a whopping 2,300 hectares (5,400 acres), earning Surrey the nickname, 'The City of Parks'. One such park is the internationally renowned Darts Hill Garden Park, featuring thousands of species of plants. Other notable attractions include Bear Creek Park, a large recreation area that is a favorite among kids, and Stewart Farm, a restored 1894 homestead offering interpretive programs. Beach goers should head to the popular Crescent Beach, which is a great place to break out the beach towel and bask in Surrey's vast glory.

History

Surrey was incorporated in 1879. When Englishman H.J. Brewer looked across the Fraser River from New Westminster and saw a land reminiscent of his native County of Surrey in England, the modern city of Surrey was born. The area then comprised forests of Douglas-fir, fir, red cedar, hemlock, blackberry bushes, and cranberry bogs. A portion of present-day Whalley (named after Harry Whalley, who owned and operated a gas bar at the bend in King George Highway at 108th, "Whalley's Corner") was used as a burial ground by the Kwantlen (or Qw’ontl’en) Nation.

Settlers arrived first in Cloverdale and parts of South Surrey, mostly to farm, fish, harvest oysters, or set up small stores. Once the Pattullo Bridge was erected in 1937, the way was open for Surrey to expand. In the post-war fifties, North Surrey's neighbourhoods filled with single family homes and Surrey (not yet a city) became a true bedroom community, absorbing commuters who worked in Burnaby or Vancouver.