Top Things to do in Richmond
- 1. Steveston Heritage Fishing Village
- 2. George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
- 3. Sea Dragon Charters
- 4. Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic SiteVisit Richmond, BCThings to do in Steveston
- 5. Garry Point ParkVisit Richmond, BCThings to do in Steveston
- 6. International Buddhist Society (Buddhist Temple)
- 7. Minoru Park
- 8. VanDusen Botanical Garden
- 9. Britannia Shipyards National Historic SiteVisit Richmond, BCThings to do in Steveston
- 10. Richmond Olympic Oval
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10 Things to Do in Richmond That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Richmond, Canada including Steveston Heritage Fishing Village, George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Sea Dragon Charters, Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic SiteVisit Richmond, BCThings to do in Steveston, Garry Point ParkVisit Richmond, BCThings to do in Steveston, International Buddhist Society (Buddhist Temple), Minoru Park, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Britannia Shipyards National Historic SiteVisit Richmond, BCThings to do in Steveston, Richmond Olympic Oval.
Restaurants in Richmond
1. Steveston Heritage Fishing Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
A 19th-century frontier seaport is reborn more than 100 years later into a picturesque working fishing village.
Reviewed By William C - Vancouver, Canada
The next sunny day we have, pull out the bikes put 'em on the rack and drive westwards right to the end of Westminster Highway in Richmond.
There's free parking just before you get to the dyke so leave your car there and suit up for one of the nicest rides around.
Up on the dyke it's graveled and flat so the only thing to set you back is the possibility of a wind coming off the ocean, an ocean which is right next to you as you head south to Steveston.
Remember though, what you have to fight to get there will blow you back home, and vice versa, so don't each too much lunch or imbibe too much while you're in the village if you're facing a headwind on the return trip.
The village itself is a charming little resort these days with lots of restaurants, knick-knack stores, beautiful oceanside walks and a Cannery Museum.
(Once there were many of them running 7 days a week 24 hours a day!)
Freshly caught fish/ shrimp/salmon can be bought at the main wharf much cheaper than the stores, but you should check what's in season if you have anything in particular in mind. A reminder that it's not such a good idea to ride with a ten pound dead salmon in your backpack.. better to drive your car down there after the ride!
You can easily while away a couple of hours and not notice the time slipping by.
I usually take my lunch at Pajo's floating fish and chip shop right on the waterfront, it's starting to get a bit pricey but one meal will do two of you if you're not starving.
Don't worry if there's a big line up because they know how to move the crowds through very quickly
You can carry on riding along the riverfront if you like, and a mile or two down the path you'll find London Farm, where you can get an English Style afternoon tea for a very reasonable price. ( It's not always open so check the website before you make the effort)
They serve the tea inside the farmhouse which is still maintained in the style of the early 1900s with photographs and furniture from that period, they also have a wonderful garden you can walk around.Some people plan their wedding ceremonies there too.
You get the full treatment, with fine bone China teapots and cups along with scones biscuits and jam.
They have their own brand of tea there,I forget the name for the moment but I''m pretty sure it's called London Lady Blend. It's delicious tea and you can buy packages to take home!
The way back to Westminster Highway can be a struggle if the ocean wind's in your face but there's lots of benches/viewpoints to stop and rest and before you know it you're back where you started.
There are other starting access points to the dyke further north, for the people with more stamina (Just look at google maps) but wherever you get on you'll enjoy the ride.
Plan for about two hours of easy riding with an additional couple of hours exploration time.
It's fun and traffic free enjoy!
BillC
2. George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Situated upon 850 acres along the Fraser estuary at the mouth of the Fraser River, the George C. Reifel Migratory bird sanctuary is a must for birding enthusiasts. Easy hiking trails, bird blinds, and panoramic views await. See eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, waterfowl, songbirds, and the elusive Sandhill Crane.
Reviewed By Margaret G - Lowestoft, United Kingdom
Great walk in the autumn Sunshine, saw mainly ducks, and chickadees, which you can hand feed (buy seeds from the reception desk and feed the right seeds to each bird type).
We were also lucky to see an Owl hiding in the trees. The sanctuary is reasonable size and I was pleased to see an eco porta loo half way round. Good views over the estuary.
3. Sea Dragon Charters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 110 reviews
Snorkel and kayak with seals for a true West Coast experience just minutes from Vancouver - No experience necessary! The Sea Life Cruise, a multi-activity excursion, departs from Horseshoe Bay taking you to the nearby seal colony of Pam Rocks in scenic Howe Sound. Here, marine lovers have the chance to experience a face-to-face encounter with harbour seals in their natural environment. A 'sightseeing only' option is also available for guests who wish to stay dry on board. Are you interested in scuba diving in British Columbia and the Pacific North West? Then you've also come to the right place! Wall diving, pinnacles, Canyons, seals, drifts, sponge bioherms, aritfical reefs, and stunning ocean and mountain scenery - explore it all on this 5-Hour boat diving adventure! Take the customized boat Topline out to explore the Emerald waters of Howe Sound where you can commonly see Pacific octopus, wolf eels, nudibrachs, and beautifully bizarre fish such as the decorated warbonnet and the grunt sculpin.
Reviewed By Yen-Hsi L - Taipei, Taiwan
Great memories in this tour. 10 customers on the boat and I think this group number just fine, otherwise it would be too crowded on the boat. 7mm wetsuit, gloves and socks are provided. Water temperature was about 15C and felt like just 10. Snorkeled in two different places, 40mins and 20mins respectively. Some people skipped the second one since it was too cold, quite flexible. Hot chocolate and soup are offered during the trip. After the snorkeling, we were dropped off near some island and started kayaking/sup. Not much instruction was given but since the water was flat, it was okay.
Anyway, I would recommend this trip to all my friends :)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 372 reviews
Built in 1894 in the historic fishing village of Steveston, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site is one of B.C.'s few historically intact canneries. The 121 year old cannery is now home to a museum commemorating the history of Canada's West Coast fishing industry from the 1870's to the present. Learn about our unique local history through interactive exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages!
Reviewed By CdnWorldTraveller14 - Toronto, Canada
Nice place to go all year round. We learnt a lot about the cannery and workers. Wear a warm coat in winter as it's not heated inside. We had a great guide who was very informative about the cannery and the area. Enjoyed looking at...MoreDear CdnWorldTraveller14, Thank you for visiting the Cannery and for posting a review! We're happy to hear that you enjoyed your visit and guided tour. Thanks also for bearing the winter cold! We hope to see you again soon.
5. Garry Point ParkVisit Richmond, BCThings to do in Steveston
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
Reviewed By Chris D - New Westminster, Canada
For locals and tourists alike - the views of familiar landmarks are quite different. Walk the dyke trail to the north and see the north shore Mountains and gulf Islands from quite a different perspective. Or, walk east and enjoy the olde fishing village with lots of services. Or sit and people watch.
6. International Buddhist Society (Buddhist Temple)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
The International Buddhist Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in North America, housing the largest Buddhist statue on the continent and the largest Buddhist mural in the world.
Reviewed By rainyday83 - Toronto, Canada
- The temple is absolutely beautiful. Walking in, breathing in the fresh air and incense, taking in the beautiful scenery and feeling the peaceful vibes of the Temple was wonderful. We came for this. This is where I wanted to sit and meditate. Some descriptions about Lord Buddha are there to read and for information.
- Parking is plenty and free.
- I believe photography is allowed outside in the garden, but not inside the temple.
- There is a fire to light your incense sticks outside (but you can only buy incense sticks from inside the temple area for $3. They also provided us two different meditation audio "boxes" at no charge).
- Once you go inside, the statues and serenity are calming.
Now the awkward part:
There were many signs stating that the food/meals were by donation. Not a problem, of course donations are needed to run such a beautiful Temple.
We walked to the back of the temple to find a restaurant. Open Wed - Sunday (I believe) until 3 pm. Sat down and this loud up-in-my-face man came to us with a menu and spoke really quickly about what food we can order.
- $18 minimum and the other items on the menu were "free". I think I looked very confused to him, and he repeated it again and ran away to the kitchen.
- Then he was back in a few minutes and asked if we were ready to order. We said yes and then we gave him the information. Now he said "ok just to confirm, what you ordered costs $18 + $18 + $6 + $6." Wait what?? He repeated it AGAIN. Weird and then he made some really odd comment about someone walking out without paying and that's why he was repeating the price.
- It was horribly awkward. Is this a "donation"?
- Food was quite delicious actually. Vegan yumminess, no complaints here!
- But we left the temple not feeling that serenity we initially felt.
In conclusion, I would return to the temple to meditate. I would not come back to the restaurant.
7. Minoru Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By Bima77 - Queen Charlotte
Tucked between Richmond General Hospital, Westminster Highway, and the bustling area around Richmond Centre Mall, this Asian-themed park is a delight. Trails wind around and between ponds filled with waterfowl, Gardens filled with exotic plants and flowers are reflected in the water, there are pleasant places to sit, and sports fans can watch local residents engage in some spirited lawn bowling. If you're cooped up in a nearby hotel room, this is a great escape.
8. VanDusen Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 55-acre oasis in the heart of Vancouver with over 7,500 plant species and varieties from around the world! Spot and photograph local wildlife, find your way through an Elizabethan hedge maze, unwind in a serene setting, dine on the patios of Truffles Cafe or Shaughnessy Restaurant, or browse the garden-themed gift shop. VanDusen has something for everyone to enjoy! The Garden's multi-award winning LEED Platinum Visitor Centre was named Most Sustainable Building of the Year in 2014. Shaped like an orchid when viewed from above, its organic lines echo the way nature and conservation have been considered at every turn.
Reviewed By b l - Vancouver, Canada
Don't get me wrong, this is a beautiful place and I highly recommend visiting. However, the management is lacking. They do not treat their long-term members well. The front desk has undertrained people working there that have no clue what is happening and no authority to do much.
9. Britannia Shipyards National Historic SiteVisit Richmond, BCThings to do in Steveston
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Britannia Shipyards is an authentic representation of a once thriving community of canneries, boat yards, residences and stores. City of Richmond staff and dedicated volunteers work together to preserve and restore the shipyard and surrounding buildings as an active wooden boat centre and waterfront park. Tour the oldest shipyard buildings in British Columbia, and observe ongoing boat restoration projects as you experience a bygone time when fishing and boatbuilding were flourishing industries on the Fraser River. Many of the buildings date back to 1885 and tell the stories of multi-ethnic residents and workers at the Britannia Cannery and Britannia Shipyards: Chinese, European, First Nations and Japanese. This collection of buildings has national value and was designated a National Historic Site in 1992 by the National Historic Sites and Monuments Board.
Reviewed By Chch_NZ_couple - Christchurch, New Zealand
Vancouver downtown tourist information center suggested we visit Richmond for the Maritime Festival and we were so glad we did, as it was centered on this site.
The Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site is very well set up with interactive displays showing human impacts on the region, and the fishing industries impact on salmon numbers, all housed in several historic buildings. You can see typical accommodation for the period, and witness accounts of life working at the cannery.
Also there were several historic ships open to visitors (several visiting for the festival). Don't forget to keep an eye on the water for any marine life that might be swimming by. I spotted a seal.
There were lots of additional activities & things to see as part of the Festival, making for a very enjoyable day out - all for a cost of $2 for the car park right by the entrance they provided on the day.
10. Richmond Olympic Oval
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By Kevin D - Maple Ridge, Canada
First visit to this beautiful building. With the striking wood celling, and a lot of unique detail this multi useful building is a structure to be truly proud of. The huge truss roof structure with the all glass waterfront and green area helps this building be a wonderful destination spot. The wood is reclaimed Beatle kill pine, and even the drainage spillways are some of the amazing details to look for. The concrete drains with salmon cameos give the look of fish swimming up stream. So many other features to see.
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