Delta

Delta is located on the southwest corner of BC and is bounded by either the ocean or the Fraser River on three of its four borders. The municipality consists of North Delta, Ladner and Tsawwassen, all of which are quiet communities surrounded by farms, fields or water.

Delta is home to some of the most environmentally sensitive areas of Vancouver and hosts large bird sanctuaries and nature reserves. Boundary Bay and the surrounding farmlands and marshlands are major stop-overs for migrating birds travelling the Pacific Flyway and are very well-known for their excellent bird-watching opportunities.

The nature reserves and oceanside parks of Delta are beautiful, quiet places in which to enjoy the outdoors. It is one of the sunniest and driest regions in the Lower Mainland, perfect for walking, cycling, golf and kayaking or just strolling on a soft-sand beach.

  • Population (2006 Census)… 96,723
  • Distance from Vancouver… 29 km (18 mi)
  • Distance from Richmond… 23 km (14 mi)
  • Distance from Whistler… 156 km (97 mi)
  • Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities

    To Vancouver:
    Driving time from Delta to Vancouver is approximately 30 minutes.

    Public buses connect Delta to Vancouver calculator. North Delta is near Surrey, whose SkyTrain route usually provides the most efficient way to travel to Vancouver.

    To Richmond:
    The drive from Delta to Richmond takes approximately 25 minutes.

    Vancouver’s public transit buses connect Delta and Richmond.

    To West Vancouver:
    It takes approximately 50 minutes to drive from Delta to West Vancouver.

    Public transit buses connect Delta to West Vancouver. Passengers can also take a SkyTrain from Surrey, which is near North Delta, to Vancouver then transfer to a bus to West Vancouver.

    To Whistler:
    The drive from Delta to Whistler takes approximately 2.5 hours via Vancouver and the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway.

    Accommodation

    Delta has many bed and breakfasts in or near Ladner and Tsawwassen, including river-front locations.

    There are a limited number of larger hotels located near major highways and in Tsawwassen itself.

    Tsawwassen also has an RV campground located a short drive from the ferry terminal.

    Things To Do

    Delta provides many options for enjoying its peaceful natural environment including walking, running or cycling the long trails in Boundary Bay Regional Park, mountain biking or hiking the forest trails of Watershed Park, or kayaking on the bay.

    Visitors can also enjoy the water with a boat cruise of Ladner Harbour to view its picturesque fishing boats and floating homes, or explore the shallow tidal pools at Centennial Beach.

    The entire Delta region is a bird watcher’s paradise. To join in, head to the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Westham Island, take a guided kayak tour of the Fraser River Estuary - a designated Important Bird Area - or simply keep an eye out while walking the nearby trails.

    Other outdoor leisure options for those staying in the area include taking in a round of golf at one of the courses in the area or hit the North Shore Mountains’ three world-class ski areas which are approximately 50 km (31 mi) north of Delta. Cypress Mountain will host freestyle skiing and snowboard during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, while Seymour and Grouse mountains are also great for winter activity buffs.

    Delta’s First Nations, farming, fishing and canning history is on display via exhibits and artefacts at the Delta Museum and Archive, and wine and food fanatics should stop by Delta’s two fruit wineries for a tasting or to sample locally made preserves.