Walnut Grove is a suburban neighbourhood in the north-west of the Township of Langley, close to where Highway 1 crosses the Fraser Valley. It is a tidy, residential place with shopping centres, parks and easy access to the freeway, making it a convenient start and fuel stop for rides heading out of the Vancouver area.
The Golden Ears Bridge, opened in 2009, connects Langley with Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows across the Fraser River just to the north. Nearby, the historic village of Fort Langley offers a charming detour, with the reconstructed Hudson's Bay Company fort and a lively main street.
The riding out of Walnut Grove depends on your direction. Highway 1 heads east up the Fraser Valley towards Abbotsford and Hope, gateway to the mountain roads of the interior. To the west lies the city and the ferry terminals for the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island. Local roads are mostly flat and well maintained, but traffic can be heavy, especially at rush hour.
Fuel, coffee and food are abundant in Walnut Grove, with several service stations near the highway interchanges. It is a good place to meet a group, top up and grab a quick bite before setting off. The ferry ride to the Sunshine Coast, a short drive away, is a wonderful way to start a coastal adventure.