North 40 Park: From Wireless to Wags

As January is 'Walk Your Pet Month', it's the perfect time to discover one of Delta's most intriguing dog-walking destinations - the North 40 Park Reserve, where history and recreation beautifully intersect.

📍7330 Churchill St, Delta | Open Daily 8am - 10 pm

At first glance, this expansive chunk of land off Churchill Street might seem like just another undeveloped space or old farming plot in Delta, BC. But, the carefully arranged mature trees, mysterious concrete foundations, and remnants of old street grids hint at a far more intriguing past.

This 100-acre+ flat site holds some of Delta's most fascinating Cold War history. What visitors now see as peaceful dog-walking paths and serene meadows was once a bustling military residential community.

During World War II, the adjacent Boundary Bay Airport was a hub of activity, home to fighter squadrons and bombers. As the war drew to a close in 1945, the site's aviation role ended, but its strategic importance was far from over. In the late 1940s, as Cold War tensions grew, the property became the Vancouver Wireless Station – a crucial signals intelligence station that monitored Soviet communications.

A vibrant military community soon flourished north of the station. By the early 1950s, the area boasted paved streets, tree-lined sidewalks, and streetlights, while an ambitious gardens project added some 2,000 trees and flowering shrubs – many of which are still flourishing today, offering shade and moss beauty for walkers, and a scent-rich experience for pooches.

At its peak, the community housed over 120 buildings, complete with a school and chapel. In 1968 the station was renamed CFS Ladner - but its operational stint was short-lived. By 1971, interference from newly installed power lines in Ladner forced its closure. The buildings were eventually removed, leaving behind a grid of streets and foundations. They may be weathered by time, but they still provide enough of a footpath to feed your imagination of what this site once was and gain a respect for how nature can reclaim spaces.

Today, this City of Delta Park offers an expansive off-leash area that simply can't be matched in the Lower Mainland. The park's layout provides diverse terrain - from open meadows perfect for high-energy pooch play to quieter wooded areas for leisurely walks. During wet weather, most trails remain relatively firm thanks to the old road beneath, though some of the more natural pathways can become muddy, adding to the adventure for more enthusiastic four-legged and human explorers.

Whether you've got a bouncy puppy who needs to burn off energy or a distinguished older pooch who prefers to take things slow, there's a path for every pup.

Nearby Eats & Drinks

📍 SkyHawks Restaurant at Boundary Bay Airport (7800 Alpha Way) provides a unique dining experience with panoramic runway views. Watch small aircrafts take off and land while enjoying their extensive menu, from hearty all-day breakfasts to Chinese cuisine.

📍Just a short drive away, Barnside Brewing Co. (6655 60 Avenue) welcomes both two-legged and four-legged visitors to their recently renovated covered patio. This farm-based brewery crafts beer and sharable dishes or mains using ingredients grown right on their Delta property, offering a true taste of local terroir.

📍Four Winds Brewing's (4-7355 72nd Street) original Tilbury locale has earned a cult following not just for their award-winning craft beers, but also for their legendary tacos and feature menu with locally-infused ingredients.

📍Match Eatery (6005 Hwy 17A within Delta's Cascade Casino & Delta Marriott Delta Hotel) offers a seriously delicious menu of pub favourites and modern comfort food with a spacious patio to meet-up with all your dog-walking pals.

Tips for Trail Time

• Bring waste bags and water for your pet

• Respect leash requirements in designated areas

• Be mindful of wildlife, especially during bird migration seasons

Whether you're a long-time resident or new to Delta, North 40 offers the perfect opportunity to start your year with invigorating walks alongside your faithful companion in the great outdoors, mixed with a dash of history - and likely intense scents for your canine! Remember, a tired dog is a happy dog, and Delta's extensive network of trails ensures plenty of opportunities for both exercise and exploration.