Derek Doubleday Arboretum

derek-doubleday-park

Park and Trails in Langley BC Canada

Hiking, biking and friends on British Columbia Trails


The Derek Doubleday Arboretum is a park that deserves a second look, and a third. At first glance it is a lovely little community park not far from downtown Langley BC. It has an easy one kilometer walking loop. When walking and chatting with a friend, we often go around the park two or three times.  There are a generous number of wooden chairs and benches to sit and watch the joggers speed past, if you prefer a more relaxed pace. As well as joggers, one will likely encounter dog walkers and spontaneous conversations can occur. After all, this is a neighborhood park. 

Derek Doubleday Arboretum Photo by Diana Mohrsen
Dog walker at Derek Doubleday Arboretum Photo by Diana Mohrsen

History of Derek Doubleday Arboretum

This 12 hectare site was once a farm. Together with the Township of Langley, a group of dedicated volunteers have transformed this land into a Wetland Arboretum. There is a focus on trees and other woody plants. In addition, over time other parts of the land have been developed. For example, various gardens now include the Les Clay Rhododendron Garden, the Beverly Anne Clay Rose Garden, Dyer's Garden, and Dave's Bird Garden, etc.

Arbutus tree, one of many species in the park Photo by Diana Mohrsen
Bridge and footpath continues into natural vegetation Photo by Diana Mohrsen
Snow on the floodplain along Fraser Creek Photo by Diana Mohrsen
Plenty of double chairs, visit with a friend Photo by Diana Mohrsen

Various Gardens add to the Uniqueness of this Park

The Derek Doubleday Arboretum contains a Langley Demonstration Garden as well as space for community gardens.  As a result each spring you will see row upon row of vegetables growing in the Demonstration Garden. Local residents will be planting and caring for their individual garden plots in the community garden. In addition, for the past several summers there has been a weekly Farmers' Market held on the grounds. 

Greenhouse as part of the Demonstration Garden Photo by Diana Mohrsen

Langley Birds and Wildlife 

Community garden plots in December Photo by Diana Mohrsen

On the far side of the walking trail, there is natural vegetation which leads down onto a floodplain. However, I've not been lucky enough but friends have seen deer and a coyote there. I've only seen bunnies which are often found in the park. Photographers and birders will be pleased to note anything from hawks, to a kestrel, or eagles fly overhead. There is an eagles nest nearby too. Consequently, at different times we've seen northern flickers, Steller's jays, goldfinch and house finches. Hummingbirds dart around the wonderful flowers. There are usually ducks in the creek down on the floodplain and you might get a glimpse of a Great Blue Heron. 

Something for Everyone at the Derek Doubleday Arboretum

Come and stay awhile! There's a inviting gazebo with picnic tables if you want to bring a lunch. On the other hand, just stop by with a friend and finish your coffee. There is even an outdoor fitness area.

In the summer enjoy a picnic under the gazebo Photo by Diana Mohrsen
Outdoor fitness area at Derek Doubleday Arboretum Photo by Diana Mohrsen

The Derek Doubleday Arboretum continues to Evolve

In addition to the many gardens already mentioned, A Korean War Memorial Garden is currently being created around the Gapyeong Stone. There is also a Willow Garden. Notably, there is a recent addition of the Rotary Interpretive Centre. Hence why volunteers have been so important to the creation of this park . Therefore, one might expect this park to continue to evolve in the future.

Gapyeong Memorial Stone with garden in development Photo by Diana Mohrsen
Rotary Interpretive Centre Photo by Diana Mohrsen

Every Season has its own Beauty

The Derek Doubleday Arboretum is a four season park. Therefore the beauty in the winter season is far surpassed by spring, and summer when the flower gardens are just stunning. The variety of trees means some amazing autumn colors as well. Walking or running, alone or with a companion, this park will delight the senses. 

Derek Doubleday Arboretum in Langley BC

 Langley British Columbia Canada

Canada Parks

  • Langley BC
  • British Columbia
    • Wetlands
    • Washrooms
    • Open Year Round
  • 12 hectares
  • one kilometer
  • Easy - Family
  • Year Round

Location (Map)

Derek Doubleday Arboretum, 21177 Fraser Hwy, Langley, BC V3A 4M6, Canada
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Comments 14

Diana Mohrsen on Saturday, 31 December 2022 05:51

Thanks, Kelly. It is. I've visited it many times.

Thanks, Kelly. It is. I've visited it many times.
Andrea Horning on Saturday, 31 December 2022 03:45

Those workout equipment area's are popping up everywhere. Very cool park!

Those workout equipment area's are popping up everywhere. Very cool park!
Diana Mohrsen on Saturday, 31 December 2022 05:53

Agreed, Andrea. Many parks seem to be adding workout equipment. A great addition!

Agreed, Andrea. Many parks seem to be adding workout equipment. A great addition!
Diana Mohrsen on Sunday, 01 January 2023 03:12

Beautiful flower gardens too!

Beautiful flower gardens too!
Kim Kenyon on Sunday, 01 January 2023 22:37

Great photos Diana!

Great photos Diana!
Diana Mohrsen on Tuesday, 03 January 2023 02:34

Thanks, Kim!

Thanks, Kim!
Janet Guthrie on Monday, 02 January 2023 01:21

This sounds like a beautiful park. I will be sure to check it out the next time I am visiting Langley.

This sounds like a beautiful park. I will be sure to check it out the next time I am visiting Langley.
Diana Mohrsen on Tuesday, 03 January 2023 02:35

Good idea! Perhaps I'll see you there.

Good idea! Perhaps I'll see you there.
Janet Guthrie on Tuesday, 03 January 2023 14:31

I'll pick up the coffee!

I'll pick up the coffee!
Rene Coatta on Tuesday, 03 January 2023 06:14

Sounds like a great place to visit!

Sounds like a great place to visit!
Diana Mohrsen on Tuesday, 03 January 2023 22:20

Kim Kenyon Thanks, Kim.

Kim Kenyon Thanks, Kim.
Diana Mohrsen on Tuesday, 03 January 2023 22:21

It is. I often walk there with a friend.

It is. I often walk there with a friend.
Sonya Richmond on Tuesday, 03 January 2023 23:39

What a great reminder that arboretums are interesting places to visit in all four seasons, not only when the flowers are in full bloom. Very well written piece!

What a great reminder that arboretums are interesting places to visit in all four seasons, not only when the flowers are in full bloom. Very well written piece!
Lisa Muldoon on Wednesday, 04 January 2023 05:18

This looks like a great spot to visit in all seasons!

This looks like a great spot to visit in all seasons!
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