Canby is located in Clackamas County, south of Portland, between Barlow and Oregon City, off of Highway 99E (part of the Portland-Vancouver, Oregon-WA metro area).
Baker, one of the earliest white settlers in Oregon, arrived in the area in 1832 with a cattle drive from California, took an Indian wife and was soon farming. He "squatted" on this land, which is now north Canby. This community was named for Major General Edward R.S. Canby (hero of the Civil and Indian Wars).
Canby is famous as the state's garden spot (flowers). Famous landmarks include Swan Island Dahlia Farm, the Canby Ferry which transports passenger across the scenic Willamette River to Stafford area near Wilsonville. St. Josf's Wine Cellar, Canby Depot Museum, is one of the oldest remaining railroad stations in Oregon. Canby Grower's Market, Fir Point Produce and Hoffman's Dairy Garden which hosts a number of farm festivals.
There is also a Canby, Minnesota.