Top 20 Things to Do in Surrey BC Canada

Top 20 Things to Do in Surrey, BC: From Family Fun to Date Night Ideas

Whether you're a long-time resident or planning your first visit to Surrey, BC, this city is packed with incredible things to do for every age and interest. From family-friendly attractions to exciting date night spots and outdoor escapes, this guide covers the top 20 activities that will help you make the most of your time in Surrey.

🌊 Free Outdoor Activities in Surrey

1. Crescent Beach

Take in stunning views along this peaceful shoreline. Perfect for walking, relaxing, and picnicking.

2. Darts Hill Garden Park

Explore 7.5 acres of meticulously curated gardens. Donations encouraged; keep an eye out for seasonal events.

3. The Glades Woodland Garden

This 15-acre park features lush gardens but is only open a few times a year—check ahead!

4. Surrey Art Gallery

Enjoy rotating exhibits and free admission. Hands-on art activities like sketch sessions are also offered.

Museum of Surrey

Dive into Surrey’s rich cultural tapestry at this vibrant museum. Interactive exhibits explore the city’s diverse communities and history, blending artifacts from decades past with hands-on displays for all ages. Expect something new with every visit—kid-friendly zones, storytelling sessions, and temporary showcases mean there’s always a fresh reason to drop by.

5. Green Timbers Urban Forest

Ideal for hiking and nature lovers. Streams, fish hatchery, and tranquil forest trails await.

🎓 Family-Friendly Activities in Surrey

6. Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair

Happening every May, this fun event includes rodeo competitions, carnival rides, and a party zone in the Red Barn.

But Cloverdale isn’t just about the rodeo—this neighbourhood is Surrey’s historic heart, known for its colonial roots and vibrant local culture. Before or after the fair, take a stroll down Cloverdale’s charming main street to discover an eclectic mix of shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and specialty stores. Don’t miss the colourful murals scattered throughout the area, each telling a story of Cloverdale’s past and present.

If you’re visiting at other times of year, you’ll still find plenty to do: pick local blueberries in season, explore the annual Tulip and Sunflower Festivals, or check out the Museum of Surrey for interactive exhibits highlighting Surrey’s multicultural heritage—from the early days right through to today.

7. Urban Safari Rescue Society

Meet exotic animals like sugar gliders and iguanas while learning about wildlife conservation.

8. BC Vintage Truck Museum

Discover vintage trucks and historical artifacts from early 20th-century Surrey.

9. Honeybee Centre

Learn about bees, sample honey treats, and even attend beekeeping workshops.

Learn about bees, sample honey treats, and even attend beekeeping workshops. The Honeybee Centre isn’t just about tasty samples—it’s a key player in local agriculture, too. Their honeybees are vital for pollinating blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, and other crops grown by farmers throughout British Columbia.

By maintaining healthy hives and partnering with local growers, the centre helps ensure strong harvests and supports the region’s food supply. Plus, their educational programs highlight just how crucial bees are for everything from berry farms to backyard gardens.

10. Birdies and Buckets Family Golf Centre

Try the driving range or short par-3 course. Lessons are available for kids and adults.

11. Ambush Paintball

Indoor and outdoor paintball for adrenaline-packed fun all year long.

12. Bose Corn Maze

Challenge yourself with trivia questions as you explore this 25-acre maze, especially festive in the fall.

13. Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre

Enjoy waterslides, pools, and diving boards in one of the city’s top aquatic facilities.

🌃 Things to Do in Surrey at Night

14. Elements Casino

Try your luck with gaming, enjoy the buffet, or catch live horse racing.

15. Bell Performing Arts Centre

Catch concerts, comedy shows, plays, and cultural performances.

16. Tabletop Crepes and Games

Eat delicious crepes while playing board games or RPGs—fun for couples or groups of friends.

🍔 Weekend Adventures & Food Lovers’ Stops

17. Shops at Morgan Crossing

Stroll through 60+ stores, cafes, and restaurants at this outdoor shopping destination.

18. Surrey’s Spice Trail

Experience Surrey’s incredible multicultural food scene featuring Indian, Thai, Afghan, and more.

The Surrey Spice Trail brings out the city’s vibrancy and diversity, with South Asian and regional Indian cuisine anchoring the lineup of culinary delights. This foodie adventure isn’t just about great eats—it's a celebration of Surrey’s multicultural roots. Wander through bustling urban centers or take a scenic drive past farmlands and forests, all while sampling everything from fragrant curries to sizzling kebabs. With so many cultures woven into Surrey’s fabric, each stop along the trail offers something new for your taste buds and a glimpse into the community’s rich heritage.

Notable Restaurants on Surrey’s Spice Trail

Surrey’s food scene is a vibrant reflection of its multicultural community, with plenty of standout eateries worth a spot on your weekend itinerary. Here are a few favorites and what to order at each:

• Reux Café
  Fans of Melbourne-inspired brunches will love Reux Café for its creative, all-day menu. Highlights include Sweet Corn Fritters with poached eggs and the decadent Biscoff French Toast—cornflake-crusted brioche stuffed with warm Biscoff spread, topped with cinnamon mascarpone and brûléed bananas. Perfect for a sweet or savory start before your day of exploration.

• Chopsticks on Pho
  This Vietnamese spot is a local go-to for comforting noodle dishes. Their Curry Pho is both aromatic and rich, while the fresh Salad Rolls with shrimp make for an ideal appetizer. Look for their house-made Curry Pho Sauces (available in vegan, chicken, and beef options) if you want to take some of that flavor home.

• Afghan Kitchen
  For something truly unique, Afghan Kitchen offers both traditional floor seating and standard tables. Don’t miss the Afghan platters—featuring juicy kebabs and tender lamb shank paired with aromatic rice tossed with caramelized carrots, raisins, and almonds. Save room for house-made family desserts, which give a perfect finish to your meal.

These restaurants are just a sampling of what Surrey’s dining scene has to offer—get out, try something new, and enjoy a world of flavors right close to home!

Afghan Kitchen: Warm Atmosphere & Flavorful Eats

Step into Afghan Kitchen and you’ll feel instantly at home—whether you opt for the traditional floor seating room (shoes off, comfy cushions) or the inviting main dining area. This family-run spot exudes cozy hospitality, and the menu is a vibrant celebration of Afghan heritage.

Foodwise, it’s all about sharing platters, fragrant rice dishes topped with caramelized carrots, raisins, and almonds, and melt-in-your-mouth lamb shank. Don’t miss their house desserts for a sweet finish worthy of a family feast. Afghan Kitchen is perfect for both adventurous foodies and those looking for a unique dining experience in Surrey.

Chopsticks on Pho – Vietnamese Flavours Done Right

Craving a cozy bowl of pho or something light and fresh? Chopsticks on Pho serves up authentic Vietnamese staples with a modern twist. Here you’ll find soul-warming noodle soups, crisp salad rolls packed with shrimp, and inventive curry pho that puts a new spin on tradition.

What sets them apart? Their house-made curry pho sauce—available in vegan, chicken, beef, and an O-Peanut variety—makes these bowls rich, aromatic, and just the right amount of bold. Whether you’re hunting for classic comfort or eager to try something new, their menu is an easy win for food lovers in Surrey.

Reux Café: Melbourne-Style Brunch with a Twist

Craving something different for breakfast or brunch? Reux Café brings a taste of Melbourne’s famed café culture right to Surrey—with creative dishes that'll wow even the pickiest foodie. Start your day with their signature Sweet Corn Fritters topped with perfectly poached eggs, or satisfy your sweet tooth with Biscoff French Toast—a decadent combo of cornflake-crusted brioche, gooey Biscoff filling, cinnamon mascarpone, and brûléed bananas.

By day, it's all about inventive breakfast and brunch plates; by night, the menu transforms with chef-inspired flair. The ever-changing options make every visit feel fresh, whether you’re planning a casual coffee date or looking to impress out-of-town guests with something uniquely local.

19. Exit Escape Room

Solve puzzles with your group and try to beat the clock in these immersive rooms.

20. Guildford Town Centre

One of the largest malls in the Lower Mainland—ideal for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

BONUS ACTIVITIES

Downtown & Park Public Art Highlights

Discovering public art is a rewarding way to see another side of Surrey—one where creativity pops up everywhere from skyline to sidewalk. Here’s where to spot some of the city’s most eye-catching installations and sculptures:

• Civic Hotel Lobby: Look up to find "The Launch" by David Robinson—a striking stone and wood sculpture featuring a figure rowing forward. It’s a nod to tradition and the drive toward the future.

• Surrey City Centre Library: Wander in for innovative art like Liz Magor’s "Marks," a set of soft, abstract silicone forms. Are they punctuation marks or something from outer space? Either way, they double as surprisingly comfy seats.

• Surrey Central SkyTrain Station: Gaze above for "The Sea Captain," carved by Marianne Nicolson and John Livingston. This wooden piece is inspired by historic Haida Gwaii art and hints at the connections and peaceful meetings between cultures.

• Holland Park: Roam among large-scale metal flowers, leaves, and seeds by Bruce Voyce—these "Floraforms" and "Seeds of Change" blur the line between nature and city. Near the central fountain, discover Glen Anderson’s sweeping three-panel sculpture celebrating earth, water, fire, and more. While strolling the paths, don’t miss Anderson’s pebble mosaics, especially the mandala-inspired "Dahlia," each tying together nature, community, and culture.

• SkyTrain Pillars near Holland Park: Take a closer look at Karen Kazmer’s "Underfoot Yet Overhead," sculptures inspired by microscopic life, reminding us that interesting things happen both above and below our feet.

From library interiors to bustling parks and transit corridors, Surrey’s public art celebrates local stories, natural beauty, and the city’s diversity—inviting you to pause, connect, and see familiar spaces in a new light.

Urban Public Art Walk at Surrey’s Civic Center

Looking to mix a little creativity into your stroll? The Urban Public Art Walk in Surrey’s Civic Center is a must for art lovers and curious wanderers alike. Start at the Civic Hotel lobby, where you’ll spot an impressive suspended sculpture—a nod to local heritage and forward-looking spirit. As you move on, the Surrey City Centre Library showcases fascinating installations featuring abstract forms and tactile seating that invite both contemplation and a little rest.

Don’t forget to wander over to the Surrey Central SkyTrain Station, where you’ll find striking Indigenous-inspired wooden carvings. These pieces capture stories of early encounters and symbolize peaceful connections—reminding visitors of Surrey’s diverse roots. The art extends into surrounding parks, creating a downtown experience where culture and community meet at every turn.

Holland Park: A Showcase of Art and Community

Holland Park isn’t just a green space—it’s practically an outdoor gallery celebrating Surrey’s vibrant diversity. Here, you’ll spot large metal sculptures of flowers, leaves, and seedpods weaving throughout the landscape. These eye-catching pieces serve as a bridge between the city’s urban energy and the natural serenity of the gardens.

Stroll further and you’ll find an ornate three-panel fountain wall adorned with Art Nouveau-inspired reliefs. These panels represent the five elements—earth, air, fire, water, and space—featuring detailed images of plants, birds, and the lively characters that call the park home.

Don’t miss the pebble mosaics along the paths, including “Dahlia,” which showcases cultural and natural motifs arranged in mandala patterns, symbolizing community and interconnectedness.

Even outside the park, the creativity continues! Look for a series of sculptures on the SkyTrain pillars titled “Underfoot Yet Overhead.” These intriguing pieces highlight microscopic organisms found in the ecosystem, reminding visitors of the hidden worlds above and below our feet.

All together, these artworks in Holland Park reflect Surrey’s multicultural spirit and its love for bringing people together—whether that’s through art, festivals, or the city’s famously diverse cuisine.

Cavallo Winery: Surrey’s Local Wine Tasting Experience

If you’re interested in wine tasting without heading to the Okanagan, Cavallo Winery brings the vineyard experience right to Surrey. What makes Cavallo Winery especially unique is that while their tasting room is local, their grapes are sourced from some of Napa Valley’s renowned vineyards—including the likes of Rutherford and Los Carneros.

Their process is a blend of tradition and innovation: red grapes arrive whole within 24 hours of harvest, and white grapes are gently pressed before winemaking begins. A fun detail—Cavallo means “horse” in Italian, fitting for Surrey’s horse country roots. The winery’s offerings include a vibrant Merlot, and you’ll also find blends named after famous racehorses, reflecting their equestrian inspiration. For an experience that’s equal parts Surrey spirit and California sunshine, this spot should be on your list.

Discover Surrey’s Neighbourhoods

Surrey stretches from the scenic beaches along its western edge near the US border, all the way up to the banks of the Fraser River in the north and out to the green expanse of the Fraser Valley in the east. The city is made up of six unique neighborhoods, each with its own character:

• North Surrey — Urban pulse, bustling city streets, & easy access to SkyTrain.
• Guildford — Known for its big shopping scene and entertainment options (hello, Guildford Town Centre).
• Fleetwood — Residential charm with leafy parks and a family-friendly vibe.
• Cloverdale — Home of country fairs, historic sites, and that famous rodeo.
• Newton — Cultural mosaic, community hubs, and lively markets.
• South Surrey — Coastal beaches, leafy suburbs, and relaxed seaside cafes.

Each area shows off a different side of Surrey, from urban centers to peaceful farmlands and knotty forest trails—all just a short drive apart. No matter where you wander, you’ll find a rich blend of cultures, especially when it comes to food—from classic South Asian favorites to West Coast comfort eats. Now you know: Surrey isn’t just one place, it’s a collection of vibrant neighborhoods waiting to be explored.

🏨 Convenient Places to Stay in Surrey

Looking for a comfy home base while exploring Surrey? There are several top-notch hotels right in the heart of the city, perfect for easy access to shops, restaurants, and transit.

Some favorites include centrally located spots near the Surrey Civic Plaza, where you can step outside and be just a short stroll from SkyTrain stations and bustling downtown action. Whether you prefer the personalized touch of boutique hotels or the familiar comfort of big-name chains, you’ll have no trouble finding accommodations that fit your style and budget. Plus, with so many attractions nearby, you’ll spend less time commuting and more time enjoying Surrey’s vibrant scenes!

🤔 Final Thoughts: Why Surrey is Worth Exploring

Whether you're looking for outdoor relaxation, family fun, cultural experiences, or a memorable night out, Surrey has something for everyone. Don't let old stereotypes keep you from discovering the vibrant, evolving city it has become.

If you’re considering moving to Surrey and want to explore which neighbourhoods would suit you best, I’d be happy to help!

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