Surrey (British Columbia) - second largest city in British Columbia, Canada

Surrey is a suburb of Vancouver. It is the largest city in land area in the Lower Mainland region and the second largest city in population (518,000 in 2016) after Vancouver. Surrey is very culturally diverse. Surrey is mostly a working-class suburb, but it also has a sizeable industrial area -- mostly factories and warehouses.

Understand

Surrey is Vancouver's largest suburb in both population and area, and is one of the fastest growing cities in British Columbia. It is expected to be the most populated city in British Columbia by around 2030. The city contains a sizable immigrant population from South Asia (30.9%), primarily from India's Punjab province, as well as a sizeable population from other parts of Asia (16.9%).

The city is divided by North and South, mostly by demographics and economics. North Surrey is for the most part middle class, while South Surrey is much more affluent. South Surrey, often incorrectly referred to as White Rock (a small city that South Surrey surrounds), borders the United States and the Pacific Ocean. It has beaches on the ocean, notably Crescent Beach.

Surrey has a number of neighbourhoods, officially known as "town centres". They include:

• Surrey City Centre - A gleaming new high-rise neighborhood around the Surrey Central Skytrain station, which is effectively Surrey's downtown area. An area in transition, where the city has spent years gentrifying. This area is within Whalley.
• Whalley - North-west part of the city. A combination of residential, commercial, and some industrial.
• Guildford - North-east part of the city. Home to Guildford Town Shopping Centre and Guildford Surrey Public Library.
• Newton - Central-west part of the city. An old village, absorbed by Surrey, and now home to corporate office parks. It's roughly in the middle of Surrey (by land area). Most South Asian shopping complexes in Surrey are located here.
• Fleetwood - Central-east part of the city, to the north of Cloverdale. Mostly a residential area with some shopping.
• Cloverdale - Central-east part of the city, to the south of Fleetwood. is a historic village known for its small town charm. If you love antiques, then you have come to the right place. The traditional Cloverdale Town Centre is well known for being the “Antique Capital of BC”, famous for its antiques and collectibles. It was the setting of "Smallville", a fictional location used during the filming of the popular American television series Smallville.
• South Surrey - South part of Surrey extending from the western to eastern city limits. Often incorrectly referred to as part of White Rock, this community is more affluent than most other areas of Surrey. Areas of South Surrey are the only areas within the city limits that border the Pacific Ocean.
  • Crescent Beach - An area of South Surrey adjacent to a beach with the same name. Popular activities at Crescent Beach include swimming, kayaking, crabbing, fishing, boating, and bird watching (e.g. bald eagles). There are shops nearby and restaurants with ocean views.

Get in

See Vancouver for options to get in the Vancouver area by plane, by bus, and by train, and by boat.

By plane

The nearest airport to Surrey is Vancouver International Airport (IATA: YVR) in nearby Richmond. Surrey is a 30-minute drive from the airport via Highway 91 or Highway 99. Taxis and airport limousines available at the airport will also take you to Surrey. Rail rapid transit from the airport is also an option, using the Canada Line and the Expo Line, transferring between those lines at Waterfront station.

Abbotsford International Airport (IATA: YXX) is a smaller, easier to navigate option to the east of Surrey easily accessed via 16th Ave. Bellingham International Airport (IATA: BLI) is immediately south of Surrey, about 25 minutes from the US border. It offers a limited range of direct destinations but with connections can be a good way to get cheaper fares than YVR offers.

Boundary Bay Airport in Delta accepts private aviation traffic.

By bus

Most long distance bus or train services reaching the Lower Mainland area terminate at Vancouver's Pacific Central Station. From there, passengers can ride public transit to Surrey via the SkyTrain's Expo Line. The following inter-regional buses stop in Surrey:

• Ebus, 49.193101°, -122.802415°. Travels daily between Kamloops and Vancouver, and Kelowna and Vancouver on two separate routes. Both routes have stops in Merritt, Hope, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and Surrey. The Abbotsford stop is at Abbotsford International Airport. Same day transfers at Kamloops to and from Prince George are available on three days per week per direction 2022-02-27
• Quick Shuttle, 49.193115°, -122.80249°. Scheduled service between downtown Vancouver and Seattle, including Bellingham International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. 2022-02-27
• Rider Express, 49.193115°, -122.80249°, contact@riderexpress.ca. Multiple days per week service along the Trans-Canada Highway from between Calgary and Vancouver with stops in Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Golden, Revelstoke, Sicamous, Salmon Arm, Sorrento, Chase, Kamloops, Merritt, Hope, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and Surrey. From Calgary, this service provider offers routes that enable passengers to reach Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon. The route's Abbotsford stop is at Abbotsford International Airport. 2022-02-27

By car

Highways reaching Surrey:

• Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway). Surrey can be reached by traveling east from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) ferry terminal and Vancouver, and can reached from by traveling west from Kamloops and the Fraser Valley. Connects with Highways 10, 15, and 17. Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) ferry terminal is the point of arrival for travelers from Bowen Island, Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast
• Highway 10. Reaches Surrey heading east from Delta and heading west from Langley. Connects at its eastern end with Highway 1 and with Highway 99.
• Highway 15. North-south highway connecting Highway 1 and 17 with the United States border. Hwy 543 in Washington state becomes Highway 15. Highway 543 travels only a few kilometres between Interstate 5 and the international border. Cars and trucks are allowed at this crossing.
• Highway 17. Terminates in Surrey after traveling from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) ferry terminal in Delta, about 30 minutes away from Surrey. This highway connects with Highways 1, 17, 91, and 99. Vancouver (Tsawwassen) ferry terminal is the point of arrival for travelers from Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands.
• Highway 99. Travelers heading north on Interstate 5 in Washington state from Seattle and Bellingham cross the international border at Surrey, at which point the Interstate 5 becomes Highway 99. Travelers heading south reach Surrey from Vancouver, Richmond, and Delta. This highway connects with Highways 10, 17, and 91. The border crossing for Interstate 5 / Highway 99 is for cars. For trucks, they must exit the highway and travel a short distance to cross at Highway 15.

Get around

King George Boulevard (BC 99A) is the major surface street that runs from South Surrey to North Surrey.

By public transit

TransLink, +1-604-953-3333. The main public transit network in the Vancouver area, including: Bowen Island, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Langley, Lions Bay, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Port Moody, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, West Vancouver, and White Rock. Its network includes buses, SkyTrain (rail rapid transit), SeaBus (ferries), West Coast Express (commuter rail), and HandyDART (door-to-door shared-ride service for those who cannot ride public transit without assistance).

Passengers can pay for fares using Compass Cards ($6 refundable deposit), Compass Tickets, or tap-to-pay using contactless credit cards (only American Express, Mastercard or Visa) or mobile wallets. Passengers using Compass Cards and Compass Tickets pay discounted fares. Passengers can transfer for up to 90 minutes, except if taking West Coast Express, in which case they can transfer for up to 120 minutes. On bus and HandyDART, passengers can also pay in cash, but in that case will not receive change and are not eligible for transfers.

Zone based fares apply between Monday and Friday for trips starting before 6:30 pm, if travel involves SkyTrain or SeaBus. Outside of those hours or for travel on only bus or HandyDART, a single zone rate applies. If traveling by West Coast Express, a higher cost zone based fare system applies regardless of time of travel.

Children 12 and under can ride for free. People aged 13 to 18, and 65 and older pay discounted concession fares. 2022-03-27

Two zone fares are roughly 1½ times the price of one zone fares, and three zone fares are roughly twice the price of one zone fares. Effective July 2021, one-zone fares are $3.05 (effective July 2021) and three zone fares (for travel between Surrey and Vancouver) is $5.90.

Point to point trip planning of routes and schedules are available both on TransLink's website and on Google Maps.

By SkyTrain

The Expo Line SkyTrain connects Surrey with Vancouver's neighbouhoods of downtown, Yaletown-False Creek, Gastown-Chinatown, and East Van, and beyond Vancouver in Burnaby and New Westminster. Surrey Skytrain stations from west to east include:

• Scott Road station, 49.204416°, -122.874028°. 2022-02-27
• Gateway station, 49.198832°, -122.850577°. 2022-02-27
• Surrey Central station, 49.189534°, -122.847913°. 2022-02-27
• King George Station, 49.182532°, -122.844167°. 2022-02-27

King George station is about a 45-min trip from Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver.

By bus

Some notable bus routes:

• N19 - Operates only during overnight hours, when the Expo Line does not operate, between downtown Vancouver and Surrey Central station (Expo Line) with stops in Burnaby and New Westminster.
• R1 - A frequent, rapid bus service with limited stops that operates all day each day. It connects Scott Road and King George stations in Whalley with Guildford and Newton town centres.
• 301 - Between Newton Exchange and Brighouse station (SkyTrain's Canada Line) in Richmond with stops in north Delta.
• 319 - Between Scott Road station (Expo Line) and Newton Exchange. Travels along Scott Road and 72 Ave. Scott Road is the border between Surrey and Delta.
• 320 - Between Surrey Central station (Expo Line) and Langley with stops in Guildford, Fleetwood, and Cloverdale.
• 321 - Between Surrey Central station (Expo Line) and South Surrey (near border with White Rock) with stop at Newton Exchange. Travels mostly along King George Blvd.
• 502 - Between Surrey Central station (Expo Line) and downtown Langley with stops at King George station (Expo Line) and in Fleetwood. Travels along Fraser Hwy.
• 503 - Limited stop route between Surrey Central station (Expo Line) and Aldergrove in east Langley with stops at King George station (Expo Line), Fleetwood. and downtown Langley. Travels along Fraser Hwy. From Aldergrove, route 21 operated by BC Transit (Central Frasey Valley Transit System) travels to Abbotsford.

Direct bus service is available from Surrey to Burnaby, Delta, Richmond, Langley, New Westminster, and White Rock.

By taxi

• Green Cab (Delta Taxi), +1 604 594-1111. 2022-02-28
• Newton Whalley Hi-Way Taxi Ltd, +1 604-581-1111. 2022-02-28
• Pacific Cabs, +1 604-596-6666. 2022-02-28
• Surdell-Kennedy Taxi Ltd, +1 604-588-8888. 2022-02-28
• Surrey Metro Taxi, +1 604-585-8888. 2022-02-28

By ride hailing

• Kabu. 2022-07-29
• Lyft. 2022-07-29
• Uber. 2022-07-29

By boat

Inland Ferries. Operated under contract for British Columbia's Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, inland ferries are vehicle ferries that connect roads across rivers and lakes. Routes operate throughout the year, but some river ferries may not operate during parts of the Spring due to river conditions. FreeFerry serving Surrey:

• Barnston Island Ferry, 49.19217°, -122.7248°. M-Th 6:15AM – 11:55PM, F-Su 6:15AM – 12:55AM. Crosses the Fraser River between Surrey and Barnston Island. 5 minutes crossing. Operates on demand.

See

• Darts Hill Garden Park, 1633 170 St, 49.031646°, -122.751718°, +1 604-501-5050, info@dartshill.ca. This horticultural paradise is without equal in the region for its variety of rare and native plants, shrubs and trees. Gifted to the City of Surrey by Francisca Darts upon the death of her husband, Edwin, the city maintains the garden with the help of the Darts Hill Garden Conservancy Trust. $5 per person 2021-03-06
• Go North Surrey GM, 15250 104 Ave, 49.191259°, -122.798976°, +1 604-332-6533. This car dealership has a hard not to notice landmark: one of the tallest flag poles (86 metres) flying one of the largest Canadian flags in Canada. Free 2022-01-01
• Museum of Surrey, 17710 56A Avenue, 49.104522°, -122.732181°, +1 604-592-6956, museum@surrey.ca. M-F 8:30AM to 4:30PM. Local history museum and gallery. Free 2021-02-25
• Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88 Avenue (in Bear Creek Park), 49.162312°, -122.842306°, +1 604-501-5566. On-site facilities include Surrey Art Gallery (free) and live performances in the Surrey Civic Theatres. 2021-03-06

Do

• Barnston Island, Port Kells neighbourhood, 49.1952°, -122.7079°. Barnston is a small island, only about 2-3 square miles. You get to it by taking a 5-minute ferry ride across Parson's Channel to the island (See the "By boat" section above under "Get around"). The ferry is a barge operated by a small tug which serves Barnston Island and the ride is free. The trip is a very unique and a fun experience. Barnston Island is flat, with not much on there but farms. The eastern and western tips of the island are part of the Barnston Island Regional Park. The island is under the landing circuit for Pitt Meadows airport just to the north, so you can frequently see small planes 1000 ft overhead. It takes about an hour to bike around the whole island. 2022-09-02
• Cineplex Cinemas Strawberry Hill, 12161 72 Ave, 49.135605°, -122.885941°, +1 604-501-9400. Features Hollywood movies, though more notable for its extensive Bollywood movie options (likely the most Bollywood movie options and screens showing Bollywood movies in Western Canada). Reserving tickets is strongly recommended. 2020-11-01
• Fraser Valley Heritage Railway, 17630 56 Ave (at 176 St, Cloverdale Station), 49.1033°, -122.7344°, +1 604-574-9056. May-Sep: Sa Su 9:30AM–4PM. A heritage railway operating a BCER interurban car, speeders and velocipedes. 2016-09-25
• White Rock Sea Tours, 12555 Crescent Rd, 49.05633627514787°, -122.8715000103659°, whiterockseatours@gmail.com. Go whale watching. 2021-03-07

Events

March and April

• Surrey Vasaiki Parade, 49.15033259728365°, -122.868013°. This is the largest Vasaiki parade outside of India with crowds in the hundreds of thousands of people, where free food is handed out throughout the route during the whole the event. Typically this annual parade occurs either a week before or a week after Easter (March or April) on a Saturday. Although this event is in celebration for the Sikh religion, all are welcome. Free 2021-03-06

May

• Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair, 6050A 176 St, 49.113837°, -122.7343644°, +1 604-576-9461, info@cloverdalerodeo.com. A popular four-day event that ends on Victoria Day (third Monday in May). This venue also holds the Cloverdale Market, a popular flea market, almost every Sunday, except during winter months. 2021-03-06

July

• Surrey Canada Day, 6050A 176 St, 49.1135616°, -122.7337506°. Canada Day (July 1) celebration held within Cloverdale Rodeo Fairgrounds. 2021-03-06
• Surrey Fusion Festival, 13428 Old Yale Rd, 49.1836057°, -122.8478652°, specialevents@surrey.ca. Two-day festival celebrating various cultures around the world, including food, music performances, and cultural performances. Held in in Holland Park in late July during a weekend. 2021-03-06

Parks

• Bear Creek Park, 13750 88 Ave, 49.16044815301844°, -122.84108654411926°, +1 604-501-5050. Dawn-dusk daily. This city park offers the Bear Creek Gardens, a miniature railway, a running track, and several trails. Surrey Arts Centre is located within the park. Free 2021-03-06
• Blackie Spit Park, 3136 McBride Ave, 49.05946879892277°, -122.88023492663719°, +1 604-501-5050, parks@surrey.ca. Dawn-dusk daily. Watch birds at the Pacific Ocean coastline. Free 2021-03-07
• Crescent Beach, 12160 Beecher St, 49.052226°, -122.885507°, +1 604-501-5050, parks@surrey.ca. Dawn-dusk daily. Enjoy beach time at Crescent Beach located in the neighbourhood of Crescent Beach. The beach extends along the western edge of Surrey from Blackie Spit Park at the north end to almost 24 Ave at the south end. Free 2022-02-25
• Green Timbers Urban Forest, 14600 Block of 100 Ave, 49.1819035°, -122.8228625°, +1 604-501-5050, parks@surrey.ca. Dawn-dusk daily. One of Surrey's largest parks is about a kilometre from Surrey's city centre. Features numerous forest walking trails and a lake stocked with fish for fishing. Note that fishing requires a provincial fishing licence. Free 2021-03-06
• Peace Arch Provincial Park, 49.0037303°, -122.7581645°, +1 604-541-1217, peaceparkmanagement@gmail.com. Next to the border with the United States. Have a picnic or meet the American neighbours without having to go through border control. This park connects with Peace Arch Historical State Park on the United States side. Visitors from both sides of the border are allowed to access both parks including crossing the border without going through border control, but it is illegal to go beyond the park boundaries into the other country. Free 2021-03-07
• Redwood Park, 17900 200 Ave, 49.035985°, -122.725043°, +1 604-501-5050, parks@surrey.ca. Dawn-dusk daily. Contains a grove of redwood trees. There is also a fairy forest with hundreds of fairy houses. Free 2022-01-01
• Tynehead Regional Park, 17200 Block of 96 Ave, 49.177885968719735°, -122.76145070031879°, +1 604-530-4983, regionalparks.info@metrovancouver.org. This forested park features over 14 km of trails including along a stream. Also has a popular designated off leash dog area and a group camping area. Free 2021-03-06
• Surrey Bend Regional Park, 17775 104 Avenue, 49.1940722°, -122.7297703°, +1 604-530-4983, regionalparks.info@metrovancouver.org. Park with trails for walking and biking next to the Fraser River. Free 2021-03-06

Golf

There are many golf courses in Surrey. Several PGA tournaments have in the past been hosted in Surrey and parts of the movie Happy Gilmore were shot here.

• Eagle Quest Coyote Creek, 7778 152 St, 49.1433153°, -122.7991564°, +1 604-597-4653. 2021-03-07
• Guildford Golf and County Club, 7929 152 St, 49.147021483282586°, -122.80187172158647°, +1 604-594-1435. 2021-03-07
• Morgan Creek Golf Course, 3500 Morgan Creek Way, 49.064612853258545°, -122.7808375711861°, +1 604-531-4653. 2021-03-07
• Nico Wynd Golf Club, 3601 Nico Wynd Dr, 49.06898613173255°, -122.83548157971669°. 2021-03-07
• North View Golf and Country Club, 6857 168 St, 49.124663904090525°, -122.76499810713422°, +1 604-574-0324. The two golf courses were designed by professional golfer Arnold Palmer. The PGA had tournaments at this course for 7 years, ending in 2002. 2021-03-07
• Peace Portal Golf Club, 16900 4 Ave, 49.009222°, -122.7538055°, +1 604-538-4818. 2021-03-07

Learn

Buy

Surrey has several major shopping areas, including:

• Central City, 10153 King George Blvd, (Ssuth of Surrey Central Skytrain station.), 49.186086°, -122.847925°, +1 604-587-7773. M Tu 10AM-7PM, W-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Mall that features 140 stores and Simon Fraser University's Surrey campus. 2021-03-06
• Historic Cloverdale, 49.1078°, -122.7349°. Has a high concentration of antiques shops. 2022-08-09
• Guildford Town Centre, 10355 152 St, 49.190231°, -122.80368°, +1 604-585-1565. M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 11AM-7PM. The largest mall in Surrey. Includes over 200 stores. To south-east of the mall around 152 St and 101 Ave are Asian stores and restaurants. 2021-03-06
• Newton, King George Blvd between 68 Ave and 78 Ave, 49.133544°, -122.845559°. A major shopping area including Surrey's only Costco. 2021-03-06
• Payal Business Centre, 8128 128 St, 49.149754°, -122.865566°. Features 200 business including banquet halls, South Asian restaurants, South Asian clothing stores, and other stores. One of the largest and most popular retail areas frequented by South Asians in British Columbia. Note that there are a number of other South Asian smaller business centres focused toward the South Asian market within a few blocks north and south on 128 St. 2020-11-01
• Surrey-Delta border, Scott Road between 80 Ave and 96 Ave, 49.170546°, -122.890132°. Much of this section of Scott Road lined with South Asian stores and restaurants, especially the northern half. 2021-03-06

Surrey has plenty of shops and restaurants, including the largest variety of South Asian ones in British Columbia. Metrotown, British Columbia's most visited mall, is in Burnaby, about 20 minutes ride from Surrey on Skytrain.

Eat

Surrey has many of the standard national and international fast food chains and mid-range family restaurant franchises. Beyond this, Surrey has hundreds of independently-run local restaurants, with a particular focus on sushi, westernized Chinese, and Punjabi food. That said, Surrey's diverse population also allows one to find a surprising number of Mexican, Korean, Vietnamese, and Filipino eateries, as well as more unusual one-offs for the adventurous. For more upscale dining, look to South Surrey.

Whalley

• Sushi King George, 102-10344 King George Blvd, 49.190291°, -122.844998°, +1 778-395-8989. M-F 11:30AM-10PM, Su 11:30AM-9PM, Sa closed. Sushi restaurant the Central City area. 2022-01-01

Guildford

• Edo Japan, 840-3041 152 St (across from Save-on-Foods at South Point Exchange), 49.056382°, -122.801403°, +1 778-294-0737. 10AM-9PM. Offering traditional Teppanyaki grill. Choose from chicken, beef or seafood and fresh vegetables served over steaming hot rice or Yakisoba noodles topped with Teriyaki Sauce. Offers dine in or take out with a kids menu as well. $2-12 2021-03-06
• Earls (Earls), 10160 152 St, 49.186946°, -122.800537°, +1 604-584-0840. M-Th 11AM-11PM; F 11AM-midnight; Sa 10AM-midnight; Su 10AM-11AM. The Guildford location of this higher end chain of restaurants with dishes inspired by trips around the world. 2022-01-01

Newton

See also Delta for restaurants on the west side of Scott Road, a major street lined with businesses, which also the boundary between Surrey and Delta.

• Aggarwal Sweets, 8158 128 St, 49.151336°, -122.865387°, +1 604-543-0772. Restaurant offering Indian sweets, Punjabi menu items, and some south Indian menu items. Located in Payal Centre. 2022-01-01
• Apna Chaat House, 112-7500 120 St, 49.138980°, -122.889077°, +1 604-502-8081, info@apnachaat.ca. Daily 11:30AM-8PM. Offers a chaat and a variety of other Indian street foods. 2022-01-01
• ChongQing Restaurant, 8220 120 St., 49.152623°, -122.889866°, +1 604-593-6929. Daily 10PM-10PM. Offering Szechuan-style Chinese food. 2022-01-01
• Mahek Restaurant & Lounge, 9470 120 St (near Scott Road), 49.175133°, -122.889345°, +1 604-585-3331. A great place for authentic Punjabi cuisine. Punjabis don't go out for Indian food often, but when they do, they go to Mahek. 2021-03-06
• Prabu Sweets, 105-7035 128 St, 49.130318°, -122.868365°, +1 604-596-1308, prabusweets@hotmail.com. W-M 9AM-7PM, Tu closed. This tiny Indian sweets shop is well known and well-visited South Asian community in Surrey. It also has some non-sweets such as dosas. There is no seating. 2022-01-01
• Spice 72 Indian Restaurant & Lounge, 12025 72 Ave (near Scott Road), 49.1343°, -122.8896°, +1 604-503-1172. Su-Th 11:30AM-10:30PM, F Sa 11:30AM-11PM. A trendy restaurant offering traditional Indian fare from various regions of India. There are several areas where guests can enjoy themselves - the lounge, the private dining room, the bar, or the patio. 2016-12-28
• Thai by Thai, 9164 120 St, 49.169833°, -122.889834°, +1-604-593-5244. M-F 11:30AM-3PM, 5PM-10PM; Sa 5PM-10PM; Su noon-3PM, 5PM-9PM. Offers authentic Thai food. 2022-01-01
• The Keg Steakhouse & Bar, 7948 120 St, 49.147478542026796°, -122.8898674525142°, +1 604-591-6161. Steak. Steak and potatoes. Steak and crab. Steak and beer. But mostly steak. A chain restaurant. 2021-03-06
• The Old Surrey Restaurant, 13483 72 Ave (just west of King George Highway), 49.1338501°, -122.8492915°, +1 604-596-2313. Tu-Su 5PM—; M closed. This restaurant began as an old train station, but has been the Old Surrey Restaurant for as long as anyone can remember. Providing a five-star experience, the establishment specializes in French cuisine with the Chateaubriand Bouquetiere being a perennial favorite special. Reservations recommended Entrees $20-38, prix fixe menu $40-60 2021-03-06

Cloverdale

• Sea Shanty, 5737 176 St (in the heart of old Cloverdale), 49.10657494910494°, -122.73514370210648°, +1 778-571-1721. W-M 11AM-8:30PM, Tu closed. Don't be fooled by the unassuming 'diner' look. The friendly staff make everything fresh on the premises, which means that simple dishes like fish and chips are a cut above the usual. Breakfast served all day. A variety of fish, including halibut and salmon. Burgers from $6, Dinner to $17 2021-03-06
• The Vault Restaurant, 5764 176 St, 49.107128°, -122.735245°, +1 604-576-4243. Home of fabulous food, wicked wines and mouth watering martinis. 2021-03-06

South Surrey

See also White Rock, a separate municipality surrounded by South Surrey.

• Afghan Kitchen South Surrey, 115-16120 24 Avenue, 49.044585°, -122.776644°, +1 604-727-0070. Tu-Th 4PM-9:30PM, F 4PM-10PM, Sa noon-10PM, Su noon-9:30PM. Offers of a variety of Afghani dishes, 2022-01-01
• Cactus Club Cafe, 15079 32nd Ave, 49.186946°, -122.800537°, +1 604-535-8799. Su-Tu 11:30AM-11PM, W-Sa 11:30AM-midnight. A local high end restaurant chain that offers global cuisine using local, fresh ingredients served in a vibrant, contemporary setting. 2022-02-27
• Delrios Restaurant, 1669 128 St, 49.032645°, -122.867966°, +1 604-536-2544. Su-Th 11AM-9:30PM, F Sa 11AM-10:30PM. Pasta, burgers, steak. Highly rated. entrees $15-18 2022-08-09
• Hooked Fish Bar, 12157 Beecher Street, 49.052434°, -122.884937°, +1 604-542-4665. Daily 11AM-close. The wrap-around deck makes the most of the beachfront location. In the spring you can watch migrating birds play as you dine. If you prefer, order to take out, and eat while strolling the beach. Much of the menu is ocean-inspired: fish and chips, chowder. $12-18
• My Shanti, 15869 Croydon Dr, 49.04592995014325°, -122.78224632623245°, +1 604-560-4416. One of celebrity chef Vikram Vij's Indian restaurants. 2021-03-06
• The Cabin at Crescent Beach, 12302 Beecher Street, 49.0528°, -122.8809°, +1 604-541-8432, info@cabincrescentbeach.com. Daily 11:30AM-late. Seafood, steaks, pasta, beer, and wine with "upscale casual" vibe. appetisers $10, mains $16-27 2022-08-09

Drink

Surrey has neighbourhood pubs where food can be found reasonably cheap - usually $5-8 for a burger and fries and around $10 for an entree. BC has very high taxes on liquor, so although the food is reasonably priced at pubs, alcoholic beverages can be quite expensive with a jug of beer costing between $12 and $18 and highballs upwards of $5 each.

Those looking for a vibrant nightlife are advised to look to Vancouver, which has a number of popular bars and night clubs on its Granville strip.

Whalley

• Central City Brewers and Distillers, 11411 Bridgeview Dr, 49.2098474°, -122.8638967°, +1 604-588-2337, needbeer@centralcitybrewing.com. Brewery and distillery with store and tasting room. 2021-03-06

Guildford

• The Taphouse, 15330 102A Ave, 49.1884484°, -122.7977197°, +1 604-583-8828. Fairly upscale with cheap drinks (by Vancouver standards) and a young crowd. 2021-03-06

Newton

• River's Bend Winery tasting, 15560 Colebrook Rd (South of Highway 10, just east of 152nd St), 49.0985258°, -122.790492°, +1 604-574-6106. Tu-Su 10AM-6PM. The only winery in Surrey, and thus the best. 2020-11-01

Sleep

Whalley

• Civic Hotel, 13475 Central Ave, 49.19036865234375°, -122.8482894897461°, +1 604-951-3331. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Boutique hotel with 144 rooms adjacent to city hall in Surrey City Centre. One block from King George Station and Simon Fraser University's Surrey campus. Hotel is owned by Marriott. Parking is extra. $166 per night and up 2020-11-01
• Days Inn by Wyndham Surrey, 13373 King George Blvd (550 m north of Gateway Skytrain station), 49.203180°, -122.851310°, +1 604-585-2300. Check-in: 3 PM, check-out: 11AM. In Surrey City Centre near the northern end. $119 per night and up 2022-02-27

Guildford

• Four Points by Sheraton Surrey, 10410 158 St, 49.192058°, -122.783632°, +1 604-930-4700. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Has on-site bar and grill. Also has outdoor pool and fitness centre. $152 per night and up 2022-01-01
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Surrey, 15808 104 Ave, 49.191111°, -122.783961°, +1 604-930-8510. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Includes breakfast and wifi. $136 per night and up 2022-01-01
• Sandman Suites Surrey-Guildford, 10608 - 151A St, 49.195178°, -122.801535°, +1 604-582-7263, reservations@sandman.ca. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Free wi-fi and pet friendly chain of hotels. Bar and grill on site. $158 per night and up 2022-01-01
• Sheraton Guildford, 15269 104 Ave, 49.192039°, -122.798828°, +1 604-582-9288. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. 279 guestrooms and suites available with city or mountain views. Some rooms have fridge, microwave or jacuzzi. Internet is available in all rooms for a fee. A block away from Guildford Town Centre mall. For decades, has been a conference venue for groups of several hundred people. Parking is extra. $175-370 per night in summer, $130-155 per night in low-season 2020-11-01

Newton

• Best Western King George Inn & Suites, 8033 King George Blvd, 49.1489063°, -122.8465694°, +1 604-502-9000, info@bestwesternsurrey.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Part of a chain of hotels price at the mid-upper price range. Has a pool and fitness facilities. Located on a major bus route between two major retail areas on King George Blvd, but has limited amenities within walking distance. $126 per night and up 2021-03-06
• Linda Vista Motel, 6498 King George Blvd, 49.120840°, -122.845160°, +1 604-591-1171, lindavistamotel@hotmail.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Includes wifi and bathrooms with jetted bathtubs. $94 per night and up 2022-02-27
• Motel 6, 6542 King George Blvd, 49.12163486897201°, -122.84480203324452°, +1 604-591-6001. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Free WiFi, and parking. Indoor hot tub and sauna. Fitness centre. All guest rooms are furnished with coffee makers, desks, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards. Rooms with kitchenettes can be requested. Pet-friendly hotel. $120 per night and up 2022-02-27

Fleetwood

• Comfort Inn & Suites, 8255 166 St (corner of Fraser Hwy and 166th St), 49.15238°, -122.762162°, +1 604-576-8888. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. A mix of queen- and king-size rooms. Kitchenettes and jacuzzi rooms are also available. Amenities include a shuttle service, indoor pool with slide and fitness classes. All rooms come with flat screen TVs, Ipod alarm clocks, pillow-top beds and free Wi-Fi. $120 per night and up 2022-02-27

Cloverdale

• Holiday Inn & Suites Surrey East - Cloverdale, 17530 64 Ave, 49.118490°, -122.737010°, +1 604-576-8862, info@hisurrey.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Within walking distance of the Cloverdale Rodeo Fairgrounds. $152 per night and up 2022-02-27

South Surrey

See also White Rock.

• Best Western Peace Arch Inn, 2293 King George Blvd, 49.043460°, -122.791390°, +1 604-541-8100. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Includes wifi, continental breakfast, a pool, and fitness centre. $110 per night and up 2022-02-27
• Grandview Inn, 2160 King George Blvd, 49.041410°, -122.787800°, +1 604-535-1110, info@grandviewhotel.ca. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. All rooms include wifi, fridge, and microwave. $99 per night and up 2022-02-27

Stay safe

Parts of Surrey suffer from an image problem with a perceived crime and drug problem. However, Surrey's crime rate is often lower than many other cities in British Columbia. Crime within a couple of blocks of King George Boulevard in Whalley and Newton is higher than other areas of the city. Surrey is attempting to gentrify the Surrey City Centre area of Whalley, including by focusing development of new residential and business buildings there. The city also has been funding infrastructure in Surrey City Centre, such as relocating city hall to there and building a new main library. In this regard, the Surrey City Centre area is in a stage of transition, as although new million-dollar developments are sprouting up, homelessness and drug dealing can be found within the same city blocks in some cases. Compared to tougher parts of similarly sized US cities, no area in Surrey is very bad though.

Cope

Newspaper

• Surrey Now-Leader, +1 604-572-0064. The local newspaper. Free 2023-03-29

Hospitals

• Surrey Memorial Hospital, 13750 96th Ave, 49.17559°, -122.84422°, +1 604-581-2211. Has two side by side emergency departments that operate 24/7, including one for adults and one for children. 2023-03-29
• If you are in southern Surrey, a hospital with an emergency department operating 24/7 is located in White Rock.

Go next

White Rock, with its popular beach, water-view dining and pier, is surrounded by South Surrey. To the east is Langley, which has historic Fort Langley and the Vancouver region's zoo.