15 Best Things to Do in Delta (Brits-Columbia, Canada)

Part of the Greater Vancouver area, Delta is a city for outdoor lovers, as it’s surrounded by water on three sides and is filled with stunning natural scenery. The city is separated into three distinct geographical communities; the suburban Delta North, the historic fishing village of Ladner and the luxurious residential Tsawwassen.

There is so much to do in all three of Delta’s communities, especially for nature enthusiasts. Hikers, bird watchers, cyclists, foodies and shopaholics will all find things to keep them busy in Delta.

Whether you are visiting the area, passing through or live nearby, these are the 15 best thing to do in Delta.

1. Look at birds

Delta is located in the Pacific Migratory Flyway, which means it has some of the best bird viewings in all of Canada! No matter what time of the year it is, don’t miss the chance to stare at some amazing birds.

From October to April you will get the chance to spot migratory birds, while waterfowl call Delta home throughout the rest of the year. Birds you can expect to see here include the harlequin duck, sandhill crane, American robin, marsh wren, red-winged blackboard and bald eagle.

The best spots to look at birds on Delta include Brunswick Point, the South Arm Marshes Wildlife Management Area, the Tsawwassen ferry causeway and Boundary Bay Regional Park. Be sure to also visit the George C. Reifel Bird Sanctuary, which is one of the best spots around.

2. Go for a ride

Meaning, on a bicycle, as Delta features a plethora of both on and off-road cycling paths. You can cycle through a park, along the waterfront, on winding back-country roads or even in the city centre itself.

There are literally cycling paths everywhere in Delta, keeping any avid cyclist occupied for days. Still, even an amateur can enjoy cycling on scenic trails in at Watershed Park or along the Ladner Millennium Trail.

Visit in July and take your cycling one step further by joining the three-day Tour de Delta. People flock to the city from all over the globe to participate in this adrenaline pumping race.

3. Spend a day at the beach

Being a city surrounded by water, it makes sense that there would be a beach here. This beach is Centennial Beach, which is on the very southeast part of Delta in the Tsawwassen community.

Centennial Beach is located in Boundary Bay Regional Park and accessible by vehicle or by hiking along one of the park’s trails. The entire family can have fun here, what with its long stretch of sandy beach and children’s playground.

There is a small café at the beach, though a great way to enjoy your time here is by bringing a picnic lunch. Be sure to take all rubbish with you, as the beach is a known bird habitat.

4. Splash around

If you are visiting Delta in the summer with the kids, be sure not to miss the Big Splash Water Slide Park. The 2.8 hectare water park features numerous slides, hot tubs, a splash pad and a large outdoor pool.

Adrenaline junkies should test their fear on the Boomerang tube slide, while those that are more timid can try the Eddy’s Eagle Run. There are also tube slides, twisting open slides and smaller slides for the young ones.

After enjoying time splashing around, head to the onsite café, restaurant or bar. Or book a cabana for the day and lounge on stylish loveseats and chairs, with some even having a private raised deck with 360 degree views of the pools and hot tubs.

5. Learn how to fly

The Canadian Flight Centre lets you take hold of an aircraft and soar above the Greater Vancouver area. Pegged the ‘familiarization flight’, you will start by doing the pre-flight and pre-take-off inspection with an instructor, followed by take-off right from the pilot’s seat!

Once in the air, you will be able to fly the plane for 30 minutes. It’s definitely the chance and the thrill of a lifetime.

Travelling with kids in tow? They too can have fun at the Canadian Flight Centre by enjoying one of its 30 minute or 60 minute flight simulations, in which there are 40 different ones to choose from.

6. Go back in time

There are nearly 50 properties in Delta that are on the National Heritage Register, giving visitors the chance to go back in time. Go on a self-guided tour around the city and visit some or all of these great sites.

Popular historic spots in the city include the Annieville Cannery, the East Delta Oyster Plant, Butler’s Corner and St. David’s Anglican Church. Don’t forget to also head to the Early First Nation Settlement and the Tsawwassen First Nation Reserve.

There are also some magnificent residences on the list, including the Nesbitt Residence, Johnson Residence, Iverson Residence and Stegavik Residence. A guidebook and map marking all of the city’s historic sites can be found at Delta’s public libraries, Municipal Hall and Boundary Bay Park.

7. Play golf

Avid and novice golfers alike will not have a hard time playing a round of golf in Delta, as the city is home to six golf courses! Of these only one is private -Beach Grove Golf- while the rest are open to the public.

Golf 18-holes at Tsawwassen Springs Golf, King’s Links By the Sea, Delta Golf Course or Sunshine Woods Golf Centre. Cove Links Golf Course is home to a 9-hole course.

Little ones can also enjoy playing golf in Delta at the Sunshine Woods Golf Centre, which is a par 3 course. It also offers golf lessons, and has a putting green and a driving range.

8. Sample local wine

Although not really a famous wine region, Delta is home to a few wineries. Visit these local vineyards to sample some great locally produced flavours.

Be sure to go to the award-winning Angel Estate Winery to sample their blueberry, blackcurrant or tayberry wine, or opt for raspberry, strawberry or red current. Wellbrook Winery is best known for its cranberry and blueberry wines, which are also available in sparkling.

If beer is more your thing, be sure to visit the Four Winds Brewing Company for a tasting of some of their local selections. You can also just sit at their bar and enjoy a pint and some tasty house-made Mexican treats.

9. Visit a market

There are three fabulous markets in Delta; one in each of its three communities. Each of them features farm-fresh produce, food trucks, live entertainment and products made by local artisans.

The Ladner Village Market happens every other Sunday in June, July and August and is known for its great produce and artisan foods. The Tsawwassen Farmers Market is every Saturday from mid-June until September and is a gem complete with food trucks, handicrafts and live entertainment.

The North Delta Farmers’ Market is the largest of them all, taking place every Sunday from mid-May until the beginning of October. It boasts over 30 local venders that offer everything from jewellery to freshly baked goods.

10. Shop till you drop

Whether you want to purchase the latest fashion or something unique for your home, the best place to do this is in Ladner Village. The historic village is lined with shops to suit everyone, even your pet!

Delta, of course, wouldn’t be a city without a shopping mall or two, or even four! Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall, Scottsdale Centre and Tsawwassen Mills all house known brand name shops as well as fast food restaurants.

For more locally made products, opt for the Nordel Centre, which has home décor shops, hardware stores and know chain restaurants, amongst other things.

11. Wander around a garden

Sitting within the McKitrick Park, McKitrick Garden is an oasis that is great for the entire family. The garden is home to walking trails, picnic tables and, of course, some beautiful native plants.

Take it one step further by taking a workshop to learn how to grow a magnificent garden, a home vegetable garden or to learn all about composting. The park even offers classes on natural pest control.

Pack a lunch and spend an afternoon strolling through the garden and enjoying the tranquil scenery. Be sure to also visit the community garden that is housed here.

12. Indulge on gelato

There are a few traditional gelato shops in Delta that are a must for any gelato or ice cream lover. All products are locally made with 100 per cent natural ingredients.

If you’re in Tsawwassen, go to ‘On The Go! Gelato’ at the ferry causeway and try some delicious gelato, sorbet or frozen yoghurt. If you’re shopping at Tsawwassen Mills, you must go to ‘popbar’ and have a gelato, sorbet or yoghurt bar dipped into anything from chocolate chips to pistachios.

13. Try virtual reality

Virtual Land will take you to places you’ve never been before, and experience things out of the ordinary. Enter the world of virtual reality and stimulate all of your senses.

Get chased by zombies, ride a thrilling roller coaster or wander around Jurassic Park. You can also ride a fitness bike, race a car or fly a fighter jet.

Virtual Land can be found in Tsawwassen Mills, making it a great break while shopping around the large mall. It is also just a great place to take the kids, especially on a rainy day.

14. Look at local art

The Tsawwassen Arts Centre is dedicated to local artists, with visual arts exhibits rotating every three to four weeks. The centre also hosts art classes.

In addition to the Tsawwassen Arts Centre, Delta is also home to Gallery 1710, which is run by the South Delta Artists Guild. The gallery is used by local artists in order for them to showcase their work.

Gallery 1710 has a variety of different shows throughout the year, as well as offering workshops and courses. Be sure to go to their website to see what is on while you are in town.

15. Walk around a farm

There are a few local farms in Delta, as well as farm stores and farmers markets. If you really want to experience what it’s like to be a farmer, pick your very own stuff at Emma Lea Farms, which has been in operation since 1885!

Visit Westham Island Herb Farm to see how fresh herbs are cared for, and leave with homemade raspberry honey, fresh picked herbs or a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Sunflowers, daisies, zinnias, and other colourful flowers are grown here.

Snow Farms is the place to go to for certified organic vegetables. They even have seedlings so you can grow your own organic vegetables in your very own home garden.