Houston Trail in Langely, BC will forever have a special place in my heart. While we lived in Walnut Grove, Langley for 20 years Houston Trail was my go-to trail for walking the dog, exercise, and meditation. It’s a park that has a little of everything; beautiful foliage, interesting views, ponds, and creeks.
At 4.18 km, 2.6 miles the trail is just long enough to get a decent workout in the way of a walk or jog. You can visit the park year-round and as a frequent visitor, I loved to see the park change with the seasons. Our now deceased American Cocker Spaniel named Dobson used to love this park too!
Speaking of dogs, they are allowed to use the trail but must be on a leash. Over the years I got nipped or jumped on by the odd off-leash dog which I always consider to be the owner’s fault and not the dog’s. In addition to dogs, the park is kid-friendly and open to horseback riding so watch out for road apples.
If you go counterclockwise on the trail, there is a good hill that is about 100 meters long that will get your lungs and heart pumping. Or, you can go clockwise and cruise downhill instead.
Parking
Park off Allard Crescent. 10748 Allard Crescent, Langley City, BC V1M 3V7. Here’s a Google Map from the Starbucks that starts near the 200th Street and Trans Canada 1 Interchange – https://bit.ly/2CoRp7n
Connect to Other Trails
Another thing to love about Houston Trail is the other trails you can connect to. If you want to extend your walk or jog, or just explore a different trail you can be connected to Derby Reach Regional Park. Derby Reach Regional Park Trail is a 9.17 km 5.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail that runs along the Fraser River and historic sites and farmland.* The park also offers a camping area located along the Fraser River and a dog off-leash area. This trail is good for all skill levels and is popular year-round.
You can also connect to the Fort to Fort Trail that is a 7.89 km 4.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Langley, British Columbia, Canada that features the Fraser River, the Fort Langley Golf Course, and some interesting farms and homes. This trail is good for all skill levels and is popular year-round.**
When we have the time we like to park in the Allard Crescent Parking lot, walk to historic Fort Langley, have coffee and something to eat in one of the many fine coffee shops, and then walk back.
Bonus – Houston Trail Virtual Walk
If you ever wonder about the foliage in one of these parks listed above, take a virtual walk Dr. David Clements a plant ecologist at Trinity Western University.
Article Credits:
Barn Picture – https://trailsbc.ca/walking-loops/fraser-valley/
Featured Photo – https://www.mrussellphotography.com/blog/langley-bog-derby-reach-regional-park/
Fort to Fort picture – TripAdvisor
*Derby Reach on AllTrails – https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/derby-reach-regional-park
** Fort to Fort Trail on AllTrails – https://www.vancouvertrails.com/trails/fort-to-fort/
Houston Trail on AllTrails – https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/houston-trail
Written by Rod Janz
