Surrey, Canada Map

Surrey, Metro Vancouver Regional District, Britanska Kolumbija, Kanada

Surrey is one of the fastest-growing cities in British Columbia and forms a key part of the Metro Vancouver region. Situated south of the Fraser River and bordering the United States, Surrey is the second-largest city in the province by population and the third-largest by land area. With a diverse population, expanding urban core, and strong cultural identity, the city plays a central role in shaping the future of the Lower Mainland.

Geography and Neighbourhoods

The city spans 316 square kilometres, combining rolling hills with stretches of flatland in areas such as Tynehead, Cloverdale, Hazelmere, and Colebrook. Surrey is divided into seven major town centres: City Centre (Whalley), Guildford, Newton, Fleetwood, Cloverdale, and South Surrey. Each district has its own identity -Cloverdale is known for its heritage feel, Newton for cultural diversity, and City Centre for its role as Surrey’s rapidly growing downtown hub.

Surrey also protects a significant share of farmland. About 27 percent of its total land lies within the Agricultural Land Reserve, reflecting its balance of urban growth and agricultural roots.

Climate

Surrey experiences an oceanic climate, typical of the Pacific Northwest. Winters are wet and cool, with heavy rainfall stretching into spring, while summers are mild, sunny, and relatively dry. Snowfall is rare and short-lived, but annual rainfall averages nearly 1,400 millimetres. The combination of mild temperatures and lush greenery gives Surrey its reputation for livability throughout the year.

Population and Diversity

According to the 2021 census, Surrey is home to 568,322 residents, making it the 11th largest city in Canada and a major centre in Western Canada. Its population has nearly doubled since 1991, reflecting rapid immigration and suburban growth.

The city is widely recognized for its cultural diversity. Roughly 38 percent of residents identify as South Asian, creating one of the largest South Asian communities in North America. Neighbourhoods such as Newton and Whalley are especially vibrant with Punjabi culture, while South Surrey and Cloverdale remain predominantly European in heritage. Surrey is also home to significant East Asian, Southeast Asian, and Indigenous communities, along with British Columbia’s largest Black population. More than half of Surrey’s residents speak a language other than English at home, underscoring its status as one of Canada’s most multicultural cities.

Culture and Events

Cultural life in Surrey is anchored by institutions such as the Museum of Surrey, the Surrey Art Gallery, and the landmark City Centre Library. Public art installations and community spaces highlight both heritage and modern creativity.

Surrey also hosts a range of major annual events including:

  • Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair – One of Canada’s largest rodeos, attracting families every May long weekend.
  • Vaisakhi Parade – Celebrated every April, this Sikh festival draws hundreds of thousands, making it the largest Vaisakhi gathering outside India.
  • Fusion Festival – A showcase of global food, music, and culture held at Holland Park each summer.
  • Surrey International Writers’ Conference – A global literary gathering for authors, agents, and publishers.

Smaller community events, including live theatre, multicultural festivals, and unique competitions like the Nicomekl River Race, add to the city’s vibrant calendar.

Sports and Recreation

Recreation opportunities in Surrey are extensive, with more than 200 parks, green spaces, and trails. Cricket, soccer, kabaddi, and baseball are widely played, reflecting the city’s cultural diversity. The Surrey Eagles hockey team competes in the BCHL at the South Surrey Arena, while the Canada Cup International Women’s Fastpitch Tournament continues to attract global athletes.

Transportation

Surrey is well connected through regional transportation. The SkyTrain Expo Line links the city to downtown Vancouver via stations at Scott Road, Gateway, Surrey Central, and King George. Future extensions will expand service further east toward Langley by the late 2020s. TransLink’s extensive bus network, multiple rail lines, and proximity to international airports in Vancouver, Abbotsford, and Bellingham provide additional mobility.

Education

Education is a cornerstone of Surrey’s development. School District 36, the largest in British Columbia, operates over 120 public schools. For higher education, the city is home to Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Simon Fraser University’s Surrey campus, which is set to expand with the opening of Western Canada’s first new medical school in more than five decades, scheduled for 2026.

With its rapid growth, strong cultural identity, and strategic role in Metro Vancouver, Surrey is emerging as a true urban centre of Western Canada. Its combination of modern infrastructure, thriving multiculturalism, and commitment to education and innovation positions the city as both a gateway to the Pacific Northwest and a community deeply rooted in its own diverse heritage.