Archie MontroseRichmond, BC is a city that blends history with excitement! Did you know that it was actually named after Richmond in England?
From the tantalizing food scene to scenic walks by the river, we’ll list down all the fun that awaits you! *
- What is Richmond, BC?
- Learn about the History of the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
- Walk around Richmond Nature Park
- Sit and Relax at Minoru Park
- Drop by the Fishing Village of Steveston
- Shop at the Aberdeen Centre
- Check out the Japanese Garden at Garry Point Park
- Cool off at Iona Beach Regional Park
- Go Back in Time at the Historic London Farm
- Browse the Richmond Museum
- Join in the Fun at the Richmond Night Market
What is Richmond, BC?
Richmond, BC, is a multicultural destination where diverse cultures and distinctive characters come together in a breathtaking setting.
This city is along the river within Metro Vancouver, located on the south of Vancouver in the Lower Mainland. Its location places it conveniently close to the U.S. border and makes it the proud home of Metro Vancouver’s international airport.
Learn about the History of the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
Website: http://britanniashipyards.ca/
Address: 5180 Westwater Dr, Richmond, BC V7E 6P3, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-238-8050
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 12pm to 4pm
Once a hub for canning, fishing, and boat construction, this 8-acre spot along the Fraser River boasts some seriously ancient heritage buildings.
Nowadays, the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site is the perfect spot to dive into Richmond’s past where visitors tep back in time and get a feel for the lives of Canada’s earliest Japanese immigrants.
You’ll find loads of free info on the history, complete with artifacts, talks, and replicas of shipworks, woodworking, fishing gear, snatch blocks—you name it.
Pro tip:
Read all the plaques, they’re very educational!
Walk around Richmond Nature Park
Website: https://www.richmond.ca/parks-recreation/parks/aboutrnp.htm
Address: 11851 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC V6X 1B4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-238-6188
Operating hours: Saturday and Sunday: 8am to 6pm
A nature reserve in the middle of Richmond, the park’s 5-kilometer walking trails are surrounded by plants, animals, forests, and pond habitats that once dominated large sections of Lulu Island.
The Richmond Nature Park is home to a pristine peat bog, meticulously kept trails, native plants and wildlife, offering a sweet escape from the city hustle.
As a bonus, there’s a quaint playground right at the entrance. Just keep in mind, owing to the delicate bog ecosystem, furry friends aren’t allowed in the park.
Pro tip:
Admission here is by donation and it’s not mandatory.
Sit and Relax at Minoru Park
Website: www.richmond.ca/parks-recreation/parks/parksearch/park.aspx?ID=68
Address: 7191 Granville Ave, Richmond, BC V6Y 4G2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-244-1208
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 5am to 10pm
Minoru Park, right smack in the middle of Richmond’s City Center, is a charming little oasis. It’s the perfect size—big enough for a bit of seclusion where you can easily vanish into the greenery, snag a bench, and just kick back for a bit.
The park offers a bunch of walking routes, including these serene, winding paths around Minoru Lakes. The floral displays and towering trees add to the beauty of the stroll.
As you wander, you’ll catch glimpses of animals and water, creating this tranquil vibe that makes you feel like time’s hit the pause button. After soaking in the peace and recharging your batteries, you head home, all calm and collected.
Pro tip:
In the spring, hundreds of ducks congregate on a small island in the middle of the lake to nest.
Drop by the Fishing Village of Steveston
Website: https://stevestonharbour.com/fishermans-wharf/
Address: 3820 Bayview St, Richmond, BC V7E 4R7, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-272-5539
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8am to 4:30pm
Steeped in history since the 1880s, Steveston perches proudly atop Lulu Island, making a name for itself with a charming historic port and a bustling salmon canning center.
This picturesque fishing village is a true gem, encircled by delightful 1900s-style buildings that house pubs, museums, and a lively fish market.
Stroll through its lanes, and you’ll discover an array of fish and chips joints, alongside other eateries, gift shops, and cozy small hotels, adding to the village’s quaint and inviting atmosphere.
Pro tip:During the fishing season (March and April), you can buy fresh prawns, tuna, salmon, and halibut right off the boats.
Shop at the Aberdeen Centre
Website: http://www.aberdeencentre.com/
Address: 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond, BC V6X 4J7, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-270-1234
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11am to 7pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 8pm
Nestled within the Aberdeen Centre are seven restaurants and a bustling 800-seat food court. This mall is a haven for Asian cuisine enthusiasts, boasting a diverse range of eateries and some unique stores not commonly found elsewhere.
Aberdeen Centre stands out with its top-notch shops offering a variety of fashion, tea, homewares, and just about everything in between.
However, a heads-up: when you head to the food court, it’s wise to bring cash since most merchants prefer that as the mode of payment.
Pro tip:
The third-floor food court is packed with budget-friendly dining options priced under $13 Canadian and typically come with a complimentary soft drink.
Check out the Japanese Garden at Garry Point Park
Website: https://www.flickr.com/photos/collingwood3419/5637100020
Address: 12011 Seventh Ave, Richmond, BC V7E 4X2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-244-1208
Operating hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Garry Point Park stands out with its distinctive rolling and open landscape, encompassing the peaceful Kuno Garden—a Japanese-style memorial garden—along with scattered beached logs and easy beach access.
The park also features an iconic symbol: a fishing net mending needle, a nod to the fishing industry’s common tools, and a compass rose, symbolizing one of the primary instruments for navigation.
Pro tip:
This vantage point offers views of Steveston village and the Ladner area across the water. On clear days, YVR is also visible from this location.
Cool off at Iona Beach Regional Park
Media credit: nitish1057
Website: https://metrovancouver.org/services/regional-parks/park/iona-beach-regional-park
Address: 900 Ferguson Rd, Richmond, BC V7B 1W7, Canada
Contact details: 604-224-5739
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 7am to 5pm
Right above YVR, you’ll find the distinctive Iona Beach Regional Park—a sandy and grassy jetty that gives you stunning views of the Georgia Strait.
Following the trend of British Columbia’s regional parks, this one ticks all the boxes for the average visitor: solid and well-maintained trails and plenty of parking spaces.
The park sets the stage for a tranquil experience, with suggested trails requiring at least 2.5 hours to fully soak it in. Picture this: a peaceful haven, though a tad windy and chilly.
Pro tip:
For a straightforward stroll, head to the jetty, or opt for a more diverse hiking experience by choosing the beach route.
Go Back in Time at the Historic London Farm
Website: https://stevestonheritage.ca/visit/london-farm/
Address: 6511 Dyke Rd, Richmond, BC V7E 3R3, Canada
Contact details: 1 604-271-5220
Operating hours: Saturday and Sunday: 12pm to 4pm
London Farm is a charming four-acre historic site that narrates the tale of Steveston’s farming history from 1880 to 1930. You can explore the flower gardens, tour the house, or indulge in a delightful afternoon high tea.
The high tea experience is a treat, with plates adorned with delectable bites and generous servings of the special London blend of tea. It’s a perfect blend of history, nature, and culinary delights.
Pro tip:
Get you one of those handmade soaps, with a subtly delightful scent, featuring a “Made in BC” label—ideal gift for those from other provinces exploring British Columbia.
Browse the Richmond Museum
Website: https://www.richmondmuseum.ca/
Address: 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond, BC V6Y 1R9
Contact details: 604-247-8300
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00am-9:00pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am-5:00pm
The Richmond Museum is where you can take walking tours of exhibitions of Richmond’s history from prehistory to the modern day. The museum has regularly changing temporary exhibitions like the poppy factory.
Keep an eye out for the regularly changing temporary exhibitions, like the poppy factory showcase. As you wander through the central corridor, you’ll find well-lit alcoves on either side, each housing exhibit that can easily captivate you for hours.
If delving into Richmond’s history is on your agenda, the museum provides a comprehensive and enlightening overview.
Pro tip:
The museum is located just a short walk, less than a minute, from the riverfront. It’s a good idea to take a leisurely stroll while you’re in the area.
Join in the Fun at the Richmond Night Market
Website: http://richmondnightmarket.com/
Address: Lulu Island, Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada
Operating hours: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during summer months April to Thanksgiving
The Richmond Night Market graces us with its presence only in the summer, it’s an experience you wouldn’t want to pass up. For an $8 entrance fee, this annual night market is a culinary extravaganza, featuring over 500 international delicacies.
Sure, the costs for food and games may have gone up a bit, but the joy of sharing the experience with someone makes it all worthwhile. And with a wide array of delectable options, you’re really in for a treat that won’t disappoint.
Pro tip:
Bring cash with you as vendors at the night market only take cash, and the lines at the ATM are almost always long!
