Aldergrove is a fast-growing suburban community but still offers small-town charm and hospitality.
Nestled inside a large rural, agricultural area of east Langley and west Abbotsford, it's the "city-meets-country" ambience that makes for such a wide and growing range of activities for residents and visitors.
The new South Aldergrove Park sports complex has already attracted thousands of competitors to soccer and baseball games and tournaments. All have sung praises for its design, with eight ball fields and full amenities, including a modern field house and night lighting. This augments a network of community sports fields that also include rugby and football, as well as Aldergrove Community Arena (call 604-856-1517) for ice sports.
There are also the Kinsmen Community Centre (up to 200 people, call 604-856-2899) and Langley Banquet Centre (up to 700 people, call 604-856-9005) for special events and Aldergrove Secondary's gyms for basketball and volleyball, used by both school and private clubs (call 604-856-2521).
There are also a number of exceptional passive parks to walk and play in, including the large Ponder Park owned by the Scouts/Guides, and regional district parks such as Aldergrove Lake and Glen Valley.
Horse riders find much to enjoy in Aldergrove, as there are a number of stables and facilities available, including the Thunderbird Show Park complex in North Otter. For equestrian information call the Horse Council B.C. in Aldergrove: 604-856-4304.
Another popular outdoor activity is meandering through Greater Vancouver Zoo, with 600 varieties of animals exhibited in natural surroundings. For information call 604-856-6825 or see website www.gvzoo.com.
Enjoy a step back in time at the all-new Twilight Drive-in movie theatre, the only one remaining in the region. For listings information call 604-856-5063 see their website http://members.shaw.ca/twilightdrivein/.
History buffs will enjoy the Aldergrove Telephone Museum and Community Archives at Kinsmen Heritage Park, 3190 - 271 St.; call 604-857-0555 for information.
Two long-standing societies, Aldergrove Festival Days and Agricultural Association, have combined forces this year to present Aldergrove Fair Days from July 28 to 30. There will be a Grand Parade downtown, the 94th annual Agricultural Fair, Tractor Pull, Pet Parade, Chili Cook-off, Main-stage Entertainment, Bike Decorating, Midway and Rides and much more. They also bring the annual Santa Claus Parade every Christmas. For information see the website www.aldergrovefairdays.com or call 604-671-8948 or 604-856-2749.
Other special events include the Bradner Flower Show every April, Bradner May Day festivities on the May long weekend, and Mount Lehman Country Fair in September.
There is a superb selection of venues for dining and nightlife, to suit all tastes. Milsean offers teas, sweets and light meals in the renovated former Aldergrove Fire Hall (604-856-5810). Del Pollo has a tapas-style menu and live entertainment weekend nights (604-857-0556). Char's Bar & Grill has fine European dining prepared by top chefs (604-607-1242). Fox & Hounds neighbourhood pub has great pub food (604-856-8111). Mustang's Bar & Grill has a large menu range and also opens up its country-rock cabaret at night (604-856-9004). There is a wide array of ethnic eateries too, offering Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai and Indian foods. The newest addition is the West Abbotsford Station House Bar & Grill steakhouse (604-857-0128).
In addition to the downtown commercial area, there are four major malls: Otter Co-op, Aldergrove Centre, Countryside, and Aldergrove Village shopping centres. Quality lodgings include Country Best Western (604-856-9880)and Super 8 Motel - Langley (1-877-690-7666).