Brae Island Is Officially Part of McMillan Island. Here’s How the River Around Fort Langley Got Its Names

Langley Insiders graphic: Names on the river around Fort Langley

River names

McMillan Island: The island opposite Fort Langley

Brae Island: Rescinded as a separate name in 1957

Bedford Channel: Named around 1859 by Captain Richards, RN

Derby Reach: Named for the 1858 townsite of Derby

One island, not two

The province once treated Brae Island as its own island, separated from McMillan Island by a slough. Later it decided Brae was really the western end of McMillan Island, and on July 4, 1957 it rescinded the Brae name, according to BC Geographical Names.

The regional park still uses the old name, which is why you visit Brae Island Regional Park on McMillan Island.

The channel by the village

Bedford Channel runs along the south side of the island, right past Fort Langley. Captain Richards of the Royal Navy named it around 1859, possibly after the House of Bedford or a pair of admiral brothers named Bedford, the provincial file says. The record isn't sure which.

Downstream

Derby Reach is the stretch of river by the first fort, named for the townsite that nearly became BC's capital. Our Brae Island spotlight is a good next read.

Source: BC Geographical Names (entries 45757, 3299, 14503), read Oct 29, 2026.