Named for the trees in the way

When settlers arrived, they found alder so thick they had to cut their way through it. The Alder Grove post office opened on Oct 1, 1885, with Edward Whyman as postmaster, according to BC Geographical Names.

The province's notes add a theory from two old Township clerks. A big fire in the 1840s or 1850s probably cleared the land, and alder grows back fast after a fire. By the early 1920s, residents preferred the one-word spelling, Aldergrove.

The park on the edge of town

Aldergrove Regional Park is open 7 am to 6 pm, Metro Vancouver's park page says. The Pepin Brook Trail is a 3.5 km loop, and the Rock 'n Horse Trail runs 6.75 km with some steep, curvy sections that hikers share with horses and bikes.

Dogs stay on leash except in the off-leash area in the park's northeast corner. Keep them out of Pepin Brook, which is home to three species at risk.

Where to eat and shop

Aldergrove has plenty of owners we've written about. The cinnamon buns at Firehouse Cafe help pay for Meals on Wheels. Maple Thai Cuisine is named for the owners' daughter, and Hive Donut Hut is a mother and son team. Stock the freezer at Market 49 Fine Foods.

Bike trouble? Cranky's Bike Shop started in a 400-square-foot garage.

Aldergrove lights its Christmas tree on Sunday, Nov 22, at 270 Street and Fraser Highway, according to the Aldergrove Fair Days organizers. Bring a thermos.

Sources: BC Geographical Names, Metro Vancouver, Aldergrove Fair Days, read Oct 29, 2026.