Summary of Richmond Highlights
The coastal city of Richmond, situated within the Metro Vancouver region, is an attractive destination renowned for its blend of history and culture. Comprising four distinct islands, this city boasts picturesque scenery.
Richmond’s landscape features a combination of farmland, parks, and green spaces interspersed with modern high rises and shopping centers, preserving some of its historical fishing village allure.
Once overlooked by travelers, Richmond has transformed significantly, with tourism now playing a vital role in its economy. This evolution is evident in the diverse array of activities and sights available for exploration.
Let’s examine the best experiences in Richmond:
1. Visit a Cannery
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery, established in 1894, was a prominent producer of canned salmon in British Columbia. Currently, it serves as a National Historic Site and museum.
Located in the village of Steveston at the Fraser River’s mouth, the cannery offers insight into its historical significance and industrial legacy.
Guided tours operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, featuring various exhibits such as the Canning Line, the Herring Reduction Line, and The Pull of the Net: Commercial Fishing in Canada.
2. Pray to Buddha
The International Buddhist Temple invites visitors to explore its beautiful grounds. Notably, it is the largest authentic Chinese Buddhist temple in North America.
Individuals of all faiths are welcome to appreciate its exquisite architecture, which reflects the traditional Chinese Imperial style reminiscent of the Forbidden City in Beijing.
Additionally, the temple features a classical Chinese garden, the stunning Siddhartha Gautama Pool, and five prominent Buddha and Bodhisattva statues. After your visit, you may wish to browse the gift shop or savor a vegetarian meal at the café.
3. Hike Through a Forest
Richmond Nature Park spans 81 hectares, characterized by a bog-forest ecosystem rich in mosses, shrub-like trees, and Heath shrubs. A hike through this forest presents an opportunity to encounter diverse flora and fauna.
The park features four primary trails with lengths ranging from 1.8 to 0.35 kilometers, where hikers may spot coyotes, Douglas squirrels, black-tailed deer, eagles, owls, and garter snakes.
All trails are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors. While there are no food vendors on-site, picnic areas, restrooms, and a playground are available.
4. Taste Wine
British Columbia is recognized for its exceptional wines, with three notable producers located in Richmond. Enjoy a tour at any of these vineyards to savor the exquisite flavors of BC wine.
Among the wineries, Lulu Island Winery, formerly known as Blossom Winery, is particularly celebrated for its ice wine. Sanduz Estate Winery offers a broad selection of grape wines, complemented by a spacious tasting room.
Isabella Winery specializes in Old World-style wines. Visiting any of these wineries provides an opportunity to sample their remarkable selections, with an option to purchase your preferred bottle at the winery’s shop.
5. Have Full Tea
The historic London Heritage Farm, a family farmhouse from the 1880s overlooking the Fraser River, features a delightful tea room serving traditional tea in fine bone china.
In addition to enjoying tea, visitors can stroll through the charming gardens, which showcase an array of berries, herbs, perennials, annuals, bulbs, and vines. A rose garden was established in remembrance of the original farmhouse proprietors, the Londons.
The farmhouse itself operates as a museum, with rooms curated to reflect the style of life between 1880 and 1940, including a bedroom, corridor, nursery, and weaver’s room.
6. Go to the Market
The Richmond Night Market operates annually from May to October and has become a renowned attraction, drawing visitors from around the world.
This market is more than just a shopping venue; it features an array of food options, amusement rides, games, and entertainment. Delight your palate with diverse culinary offerings while enjoying live performances.
Dive into the Magical Dino Park where 18 dinosaur figures create an engaging experience as you explore. Finish off with a thrilling ride or try your hand at an arcade game.
7. Play at the Casino
River Rock Casino Resort is the largest and most frequented casino in British Columbia, averaging 10,000 visitors each day.
Guests can indulge in poker, slots, roulette, blackjack, craps, and baccarat, with high-limit tables available for those seeking a premium experience.
The casino also features a 55-seat racebook for horse racing, where guests can place bets while enjoying food and beverages.
8. Spend Time at a Park
Minoru Park occupies a site that was once an airstrip and horse racing track, now serving as a central hub for culture and community activities.
More than just a park, it encompasses an aquatic center, cultural center, library, and arena, alongside two extensive tracks.
The recreational area includes football fields and tennis courts, offering numerous options for activities such as swimming, ice skating, relaxing in a hot tub, or playing tennis.
9. Watch the Planes Take Off
Vancouver International Airport, Canada’s second largest airport, is situated in Richmond, offering an excellent opportunity for travelers to observe takeoffs and landings.
Moreover, visitors can enjoy views of the air traffic from both the Globe@YVR and the Jetside Bar, located within the luxurious Fairmont Vancouver Airport.
Dining in the award-winning restaurant and enjoying cocktails at the sports bar are available to all, not just hotel guests, while taking in the stunning runway vistas.
10. Go for a Walk
Given its location surrounded by water, Richmond offers several picturesque walking paths, especially along the waterfront.
The city maintains seven waterfront trails suitable for walking and cycling, with some allowing horseback riding while providing spectacular views across the water.
These trails vary in length from six to 43.5 kilometers and offer differing levels of difficulty, alongside various parks and scenic viewpoints.
11. Head to the Beach
Iona Beach, located on Iona Island and part of the Iona Beach Regional Park at the Fraser River’s mouth, is renowned for its unique dune vegetation.
A significant stop for migratory birds, you can observe over 300 species in this region.
The beach stretches along an extensive coastline, making it an ideal destination for enjoying a sunny day with opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and cycling.
12. Visit a Bird Sanctuary
For avian enthusiasts, the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, located in Delta just across the Fraser River, offers a remarkable experience.
Recognized as a site of Hemispheric Importance, the sanctuary is home to over 250 species of birds across its 300 hectares.
Visitors can spot bald eagles, sandhill cranes, spotted towhees, and lesser snow geese, among many others. The sanctuary also features walking trails, observation points, and a quaint gift shop for souvenirs.
13. Explore a Fishermen’s Village
Once a small fishing village in the southwest part of Lulu Island, Steveston has evolved into a historic area within Richmond, replete with attractions and activities.
Beyond the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, Steveston features a fishermen’s wharf, public parks, and historical structures. Exploring this enchanting area provides rich insights into the city’s maritime history.
The Steveston Museum is a highlight and provides a detailed account of the village’s past, while the wharf offers a scenic view of the incoming and outgoing vessels.
14. Discover the Diversity
Richmond is characterized by its multicultural population, vividly represented along No. 5 Road.
This route features various religious shrines that highlight the city’s diversity, including the International Buddhist Temple, Vedic Hindu Society, Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Jama Masjid, and Cornerstone Evangelical Baptist Church.
Additionally, visitors will find a Buddhist center, an Indian cultural center, and a Jewish day school, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of different cultures and religions.
15. See the White Rock
The iconic 400-ton rock is located in the center of a beach in the community of White Rock, which was named after this significant attraction.
White Rock is situated about a 20-30 minute drive from Richmond and is also known for its expansive beach, ideal for picnicking and leisure activities.
The village boasts a lengthy pier extending 500 meters from the shore, where visitors can enjoy walking, relaxing on the beach, and dining in one of the many beachfront restaurants while witnessing the beauty of the White Rock.
