02 The story
From orchards to new neighbourhoods
Albion’s history goes back to Samuel Robertson, the area’s first non-Indigenous settler, whose farm here included some of the earliest orchards in British Columbia. The district was first called East Haney and was renamed Albion in 1907 when it got its own post office. For generations it was known for farms and for the Albion ferry, which carried cars across the Fraser to Fort Langley until the Golden Ears Bridge opened in 2009.
Since then, Albion has grown quickly. New subdivisions of detached homes and townhouses now fill much of the slope above the river, making it one of Maple Ridge’s busiest family areas.
Fairgrounds and sports
The Albion Fairgrounds, on land that once belonged to the Robertson family, host Country Fest each July along with other large community events and shows. Next door, the Albion Sports Complex has ball diamonds, soccer and football fields, beach volleyball courts, a playground and a spray park, while an arena and a curling club sit nearby. Note that the spray park is closed for resurfacing until spring 2027.
Kanaka Creek Regional Park
Albion’s best outdoor asset is Kanaka Creek Regional Park, which follows the creek down to the Fraser. Upstream, the Canyon Trail runs past a sandstone canyon and waterfalls, while the flatter Riverfront Trail near the creek mouth offers views across the Fraser. The Bell-Irving Hatchery raises salmon and trout for the creek and is worth a stop in the fall. Kanaka Creek takes its name from Hawaiian workers who came to the region with the Hudson’s Bay Company.
Tip: Albion is car-friendly but spread out. Plan a loop that combines the fairgrounds, the hatchery and a creek walk.
