Top 5 Tourist Things to Do in Richmond, BC
Richmond, British Columbia is more than just Vancouver’s neighbour. With waterfront communities, historic sites, beautiful parks, incredible food and a unique connection to the 2010 Winter Olympics, there’s plenty to see and experience throughout the city.
Whether you’re visiting Richmond for the first time, considering moving to Richmond, or you already live here and want to explore more of your own backyard, there are some places that really showcase what makes this community special.
Here are five places worth checking out in Richmond, BC.
1. Visit the Richmond Olympic Oval & Olympic Experience
One of Richmond’s most recognizable landmarks, the Richmond Olympic Oval was originally built as the speed skating venue for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Today, the Oval continues to be a major recreation and sporting facility in Richmond, offering everything from fitness and skating to courts and community programming.
Inside, you can also explore the Olympic Experience, which celebrates the history and spirit of the Olympic Games through exhibits and interactive experiences.
For anyone interested in sports or the legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics, the Richmond Olympic Oval is well worth a visit.
2. Explore Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
Head toward Steveston’s waterfront and you’ll find Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, an important piece of Richmond’s history.
The site provides a glimpse into the fishing, boat-building and maritime industries that helped shape Richmond and the Steveston community.
Historic buildings along the waterfront help tell the stories of the people who lived and worked here, including the diverse communities connected to the area’s fishing industry.
It’s a great place to explore Richmond’s past while enjoying one of the city’s most scenic waterfront settings.
3. Take a Walk Through Minoru Park
Located in the heart of Richmond, Minoru Park offers a peaceful green space surrounded by some of the city’s major community and recreation facilities.
Walking paths, ponds and landscaped areas make it a great spot for a stroll, a quiet afternoon outdoors or simply a break from the busier parts of the city.
Its central location also makes Minoru Park an easy place to incorporate into a day exploring Richmond.
For people considering living in Richmond, parks and recreation spaces like Minoru are also a great example of the amenities available throughout the community.
4. Spend an Afternoon in Steveston Village & Visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
No list of things to do in Richmond would be complete without Steveston Village.
Located along the Fraser River, historic Steveston is one of Richmond’s most distinctive communities and a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Walk along the waterfront, explore the fishing docks, browse the local shops or stop at one of the many restaurants, cafés and businesses throughout the village. The combination of Richmond’s fishing history, waterfront setting and neighbourhood atmosphere gives Steveston a character all its own.
While you’re there, visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. The historic cannery tells the story of Canada’s West Coast fishing industry and the important role fishing and canning played in the development of Steveston and Richmond.
Visitors can learn about the people who worked in the industry, how fishing and canning evolved over time and why the industry became such an important part of the region’s history.
Together, Steveston Village, its working waterfront and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery offer a great introduction to both Richmond’s past and the community you see today.
5. Visit the International Buddhist Temple
Another uniquely Richmond destination is the International Buddhist Temple, located along No. 5 Road.
The temple is an impressive example of traditional Chinese architecture and is known for its ornate buildings, peaceful gardens, artwork and Buddhist statues.
Visitors can explore the grounds and experience a quieter side of Richmond while learning more about Buddhist traditions and the cultural diversity that is such an important part of the city.
The International Buddhist Temple is an active place of worship, so visitors should be respectful of the temple, its customs and those who are there to practise their faith.
There’s More to Explore in Richmond, BC
These five attractions are a great starting point, but they only scratch the surface of what Richmond has to offer.
From neighbourhood parks and waterfront trails to restaurants, recreation facilities, community events, cultural destinations and historic sites, Richmond offers a combination of urban convenience and distinct local communities.
If you’re thinking about moving to Richmond, exploring places like these is also a great way to get a feel for the city beyond simply looking at houses.
Different areas of Richmond offer different lifestyles, amenities and neighbourhood experiences — and understanding those differences can make a big difference when deciding where you want to live.
Thinking About Living in Richmond, BC?
Living in Richmond is our ongoing series exploring the neighbourhoods, businesses, restaurants, events, attractions and real estate that make Richmond, British Columbia such a unique place to call home.
If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Richmond or the Greater Vancouver area, the Dinnell Real Estate Group would be happy to help you learn more about the community and your real estate options.
Dinnell Real Estate Group
RE/MAX Westcoast
Richmond’s Community Realtors
Watch: Top 5 Things to Do in Richmond, BC
Watch our latest Living in Richmond episode as Chris takes you through some of Richmond’s must-see attractions and shares a closer look at the places that make the city special.
