We walk along the same Fraser River banks where Semiahmoo, Katzie, and Kwantlen families built cedar longhouses thousands of years before European settlers arrived to clear the massive Douglas firs in the 1870s.

Surrey grew from district municipality in 1879 to become Canada’s fastest-growing city, changing from scattered homesteads into seven distinct town centres whilst keeping over 100 heritage sites intact.

The Museum of Surrey and historic Stewart Farm connect us with the stories that built our neighbourhoods into what you see around you today.

Indigenous Foundations: Semiahmoo, Katzie, and Kwantlen First Nations

Every morning, mist still drifts up from the Fraser River, the same way it did when the Semiahmoo, Katzie, and Kwantlen peoples built their first villages along these rich riverbanks thousands of years ago. We walk through neighbourhoods that sit on ancient village sites where salmon runs brought food to families and cedar longhouses protected generations. Surrey’s story starts with these three Nations who understood every curve of our river, every gift each season brought. You can still hear their heritage in the place names we use today. When we look back at Surrey’s past, we find the deep history that built our community’s foundation centuries before Europeans arrived.

From Settlement to Cityhood: Surrey’s Municipal Journey

Surrey grew from wagons rolling through muddy paths to the connected city we know today. Back in the late 1800s, determined settlers cleared thick forests and built farms that fed their families and communities. We became a district municipality in 1879, making us one of the oldest in Metro Vancouver. Those original homesteads grew into our six distinct town centres that shape Surrey today. Each area still reflects the strong character of the families who decided to make this place their home.

Cultural Heritage and Community Identity

Thousands of years before settlers arrived, Indigenous communities shaped this land. The Semiahmoo, Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations lived along our Fraser River, establishing traditions we still honour in our city’s canoe-adorned coat of arms.

We now celebrate this heritage through over 100 sites across Surrey. We visit Historic Stewart Farm’s festivals, learn about our roots at the Museum of Surrey, and research our history at Surrey Archives. Each summer brings us together at Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair, linking our farming heritage with today’s multicultural community—building a home where everyone belongs.

Museums, Archives, and Historic Sites

Walking into our Museum of Surrey is like flipping through a family photo album—you’ll find stories that built our neighbourhoods, from Indigenous traditions in the special hall to hands-on exhibits where children explore Surrey’s growth in the TD Investigate Zone. When you want stronger ties to Surrey’s past, visit Surrey Archives on 56th Avenue, where old photographs show familiar streets from decades past. Surrey houses gems like the Stewart Farmhouse along Nicomekl River, where costumed interpreters tell stories from the 1890s. You can check out historic sites across our Heritage Register, learning Surrey’s history through self-guided walking tours in Cloverdale.

Modern Surrey: Growth and Future Outlook

Modern Surrey: Growth and Future Outlook

We’ve watched Surrey transform from those early farming settlements of 200 residents in 1880 into the thriving metropolis you see today—one that’s set to outpace Vancouver’s population soon.

From 200 farming settlers to a booming city poised to surpass Vancouver—Surrey’s remarkable growth story continues unfolding before our eyes.

Our growth reflects real change through strategic urban development across 316.11 km². Since we gained city status in 1993, we’ve built seven distinct town centres that keep our neighbourhood character intact.

• Cloverdale keeps its historic rodeo charm while adding modern amenities
• City Centre shows off Surrey’s ambitious skyline and transit-focused development
• Agricultural Land Reserve protects 27% of our farming heritage

Surrey’s story keeps writing itself—our future means continued growth for all of us who call this place home.

Questions Often Asked

What Is Surrey, BC Known for Historically?

Surrey’s history runs deep through our Indigenous heritage with the Semiahmoo, Katzie, and Kwantlen peoples, our agricultural past, and the famous Cloverdale Rodeo that’s been bringing folks together since the 1800s.

What Is the Nicest Part of Surrey, BC?

South Surrey takes the top spot for good reason. You’ll find oceanfront trails, the lovely Crescent Beach, and tree-lined Elgin Park creating a coastal haven where your best memories take shape.

What Are People From Surrey, BC Called?

People from Surrey, BC are called Surreyites. We go by this name and feel good about it. When new residents ask what we call ourselves, we tell them we’re Surreyites – the people who’ve worked together to build this great community.

Is Surrey the Fastest Growing City in Canada?

Yes, Surrey is the fastest-growing major city in Canada.

When you drive through Newton’s new developments, you’re seeing Canada’s fastest-growing major city up close. We’ve consistently grown faster than the national average, and we’re set to overtake Vancouver’s population by 2025—making history in your backyard.