Green Timbers Urban Forest Park

Located in the centre of Surrey, one of the fastest growing cities in the Lower Mainland, the Green Timbers Urban Forest Park provides a feeling of calm while being surrounded by the chaos of never ending traffic and population growth. Historically the forest covered 5000 acres and was prized for its tall trees that drew tourists to gaze upon them. Unfortunately the area was completely logged by 1930 when those same tall timbers were turned into sawdust.

Luckily a group of concerned citizens saw the value in preserving this land and in the 1930’s with the help of the B.C. Forest Service, plantings of new trees began with 120 seedlings including Douglas fir, Sitka spruce and Western red cedar. A forestry school and nursery were also added and today the park covers 560 acres.

The lush forest here contains over 70 different species of trees and is home to a variety of birds, mammals, and insects. There are 10 kilometres of walking trails to explore and a nature centre for the kids to discover.

Within the park you will find Green Timbers Lake which is open year round for enthusiastic anglers to try their luck at catching the rainbow trout that the lake is stocked with.

We spent about an hour meandering the trails and enjoying the fresh air and peace that the forest provides. This park is definitely a testament to the importance of preserving green spaces within our cities for all to enjoy.