TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN RICHMOND, BC
Richmond’s breathtaking nature, rich history and flourishing multiculturalism is unlike anywhere else, and gives you countless options of entertainment and experiences to choose from.
From world renowned culinary experiences and attractions, to a slower pace of soaking in history and wildlife on the boardwalk – here are the top ten can’t-miss experiences while you enjoy your stay in Richmond.
1. TRAVEL THE DUMPLING TRAIL
Few things are as quintessentially Richmond as the Dumpling Trail, a collection of 20 restaurants known for their phenomenal dumplings. It’s on CNN Travel’s list of the world’s 12 most enticing food and drink trails, in addition to being blogged about by foodies and travel writers the world over. Join in the tastes with a self-guided tour, or join The Vancouver Food Tour’s organized Dumpling Trail Tour. One taste and you’ll be hooked.
2. VISIT THE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES
Richmond is home to two important National Historic Sites, both providing perspectives into how the region flourished as a hub of the Pacific fishing industry. At its heyday in the early 20th century, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery packed around 2.5 million tins of salmon every year, while Britannia Shipyards once housed the hard-working men and women from around the world who helped spark the industry’s growth.
3. EXPERIENCE THE SUMMER NIGHT MARKET
The world-famous Richmond Night Market is always abuzz on summer weekends with it’s vibrant foodie and shopping-scene, with over 100 food vendors and 200 retailers. It’s where you’ll try authentic East Asian street food and Insta-worthy treats, while scoring quirky imported merchandise. There’s also live performances on the 50-foot entertainment stage and home to the Magical Dino Park and it’s life-like roaring dinosaurs. Get there early and come hungry! Open from mid May – mid October.
4. EXPLORE TV & FILM SETS
Richmond hosts about 50 film productions per year on average, with many Hollywood blockbusters and primetime shows choosing to set their productions in our wildly unique setting. Shows filmed here include Once Upon a Time, Supernatural, The X-Files, and Bates Motel, while box office hits like Godzilla, The Interview, Deadpool, and Power Rangers also set their productions in Richmond.
5. CHANNEL YOUR INNER ATHLETE
As Canada’s only official Olympic museum, The Olympic Experience at the Richmond Olympic Oval is an a dynamic and interactive sport journey. In one day, you can experience swerving down the bobsled track, driving a Formula 1 race car, and flying off an Olympic ski jump and more on the state-of-the-art Olympic and Sport Simulators. Explore the interactive challenges, where you can test your reaction time, vertical jump or even try your hand at broadcasting an Olympic event. Relive those iconic moments with the ROX Theatre athlete journey video and see hundreds of Olympic and Paralympic artifacts, from medals, torches and equipment.
6. PRESS YOUR LUCK
BC’s largest casino! The River Rock Casino Resort is nestled along the Fraser River is a picturesque West Coast setting, boasting views of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains. As Western Canada’s only Four-Diamond Casino Resort it offers slots, blackjack, roulette, poker and more. The Vegas-style resort also features the River Rock Show Theatre, which has hosted some the world’s top entertainers in showbiz.
7. GET ADVENTUROUS
Richmond is home to Apex Adventure Park, the ultimate adventuretainment park with something for everyone. With access to the entire facility you can go to new heights rocking climbing, shoot hoops on the trampoline basketball court or soar on the largest collection of Super Trampolines in Canada. Try out bubble soccer, test your skills on the ninja obstacle course or the free run parkour course. Close by is 6Pack Beach, the premier location for indoor beach activities, including volleyball and archery tag, or go 10-pin bowling at Lucky 9 Lanes. Need for speed, hit the indoor track and try grand prix style go-karting at TBC Indoor Racing, an experience you won’t soon forget.
8. GET OUT IN NATURE
Owing to its calm terrain and 80 kilometers (50 miles) of trails, Richmond is a very bikeable and walkable city. Many of the city’s trails wind through its extensive parks system, with many connecting to beaches and attractions. Those without bikes can rent them in Steveston.
While in Steveston, you can go on a whale watching expedition, or walk through kilometres of woodlands or peat bog—all while spotting some pretty remarkable wildlife. Richmond is an important stopover for migratory birds, while sea lions and otters can be seen near the waterfront. Out in the open sea, orcas and other whale species can be spotted if you take a whale watching tour. On land, there’s abundant plant life and green space, where you’ll find frogs, hummingbirds, turtles, and more.
9. GET TO KNOW STEVESTON
Steveston was once the centre of the region’s fishing and fish canning industry, so much so that it was colloquially known as ‘Salmonopolis.’ A diverse population of fishermen, shipbuilders, and canners lived and worked here, making it culturally important to the city of Richmond. Today, its fishing legacy lives on through Canada’s largest fleet of active commercial fishing boats and Fisherman’s Wharf, where the public can purchase fresh-caught seafood right from the people who caught it. In addition to National Historic Sites and museums, Steveston’s quaint shops and vibrant streetscape have served as a backdrop to numerous films and television productions, notably being transformed to the fictional town of Storybrooke in ‘Once Upon a Time.’
10. GO SHOPPING
Those in search of locally-made handicrafts should head to Steveston, where artisan merchants sell everything from sweet treats to art and décor. East Asian products can be found at both the Richmond Night Market and any of the city’s Asian malls—Aberdeen Centre, Yaohan Centre, and Parker Place. Not only will you discover delicious and inexpensive bites in their food courts, you’ll also find imported merchandise like cool fashion and technology. Fashionistas should check out McArthurGlen Designer Outlet near Vancouver International Airport, where top labels like Armani, Hugo Boss, and Coach can be found for up to 70% off retail. Familiar favourites like the Apple Store, H&M, and Sephora highlight CF Richmond Centre, and big box stores can be found at Lansdowne Centre along with some smaller local shops.
