Derby Reach Regional Park — The Markus Project

Markus enjoying the view off of Derby Reach

About Derby Reach

Length: 1.5km
Traffic: Low to Moderate
Route Type: Loop

Our visit to Derby Reach Regional Park in Langley, was filled with a mix of excitement and caution. Nestled along the Fraser River, this expansive park boasts picturesque landscapes, quiet trails and a variety of natural wonders, making it an alluring destination for outdoor enthusiasts. However, knowing Markus' sensitivity to other dogs and new environments, we approached this visit with caution because we knew how busy it could get.

Markus walking along the quiet luscious green path at the back of Derby Reach

Upon entering the park, we came across a massive parking lot and on this particular day, it was busy. Since it was around lunch time, most of the crowds, however, were hanging by the pathways alongside the river where the grills were. We found a short and quiet trail before reaching the pathway and this allowed us to keep a comfortable distance from other visitors and their dogs.

As you're entering from the parking lot, there's a small slightly hidden trailhead on the right. This is right before the main grassy areas next to the water. Note that on the left side is an off-leash dog park. We didn't go there since our dog is reactive, but we did pass by a few dogs in the parking lot that either came from or were headed there.

Markus enjoying some smells by the picnic area at the Edgewater Bar Campground

This luscious green trail (the Trans Canada Trail) took us through the "back" of the park and we emerged next to a large covered picnic area and campsites that were empty when we were there. This turned out to be the Edgewater Bar Campground and we must have walked past dozens of empty sites that will likely fill up over the weekend and in the summer. As an owner of a reactive dog, we didn't mind cutting through this area as it was closed off from cars and it was quiet. There were a few other dog owners walking around this area, but everyone respected each other's space.

One of the highlights for Markus was the chance to dip his paws into the Fraser River. The park provides access to the water, which gave our pup a refreshing and enjoyable experience. The gentle flow of the river, the calming sound of the water and the soft riverbank all contributed to a soothing ambiance that he seemed to appreciate. While Markus wasn't able to interact with other dogs during our visit, the serenity of Derby Reach Regional Park offered a different kind of enjoyment for us.

Markus along the path down the Edgewater Bar Campground along the Fraser River

All in all, visiting Derby Reach Regional Park with Markus was a good experience. By taking the Trans Canada Trail and the Edgewater Bar Campground, we were able to create a positive experience for everyone involved. The park's natural beauty and tranquil ambiance made it a wonderful destination for us to escape the bustle of city life and immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature, all while ensuring our beloved furry companion felt safe and comfortable by our side.

Our Recommendation for Reactive Dogs

We consider ourselves lucky with the timing of the campsites being as quiet as it was. If you are looking for a peaceful and enjoyable outing, we recommend visiting Derby Reach Regional Park, but be aware that there's an off-leash park nearby. The Trans Canada Trail ended up being a quiet and green stroll.

What worked for us was the ability to cut through the Edgewater Bar Campground while it was empty. By doing so, we avoided the busy areas and found more secluded spots along the beautiful trails, allowing Markus to relax and explore without feeling overwhelmed by other dogs or visitors. Whether you're strolling along the Fraser River or sitting by the water's edge, Derby Reach offers a potentially tranquil setting for you and your dog to unwind and enjoy nature together.

What we liked about the trail

It ended up being a quiet stroll in the afternoon even though the park itself was busy and there was an off-leash park nearby.
We got to dip our toes in the water, which is always refreshing!