Richmond Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Richmond Travel & Tourism, Free Richmond Travel Guide Online

Richmond Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Richmond Travel & Tourism, Free Richmond Travel Guide Online

On an island at the mouth of the Fraser River, Richmond first was settled in 1879. The town grew and prospered with its farming, fishing and waterborne trade industries. Today, Richmond's major industries include aviation, berry farming, high technology and manufacturing.

Steveston, an early fishing village now part of the southwest corner of Richmond, has been restored and is an area of shops, restaurants and businesses. Hundreds of boats line the docks as fishermen dry their nets and unload their catches for sale.

The Richmond Nature Park, 44 hectares (109 acres) at 1181 Westminster Hwy., has a bird pond, beehive displays, mounted birds, a quaking bog and plants identified by markers. A naturalist conducts hour-long tours of the park on Sunday.

From fisheries to cranberries to whales, this exciting and beautiful city located in Western Canada. Many residents believe Richmond to be the most beautiful city on earth and, after visiting, you may agree with them. There are a host of attractions and sites to see, unique events, and some of the most beautiful scenery ever created by Mother Nature.

Easily accessible by air or car,. The Richmond Nature Park offers free admission and provides fun as well as education for all ages. Winding trails with a total length of approximately 5km provide visitors with the opportunity to encounter plants and animals in bog, forest and pond habitats.

Throughout the entire summer, a must-do event is the Richmond Night Market Summer Festival. The event is fun for the whole family with music, rides, fairway and electronic games. Sample delicious treats from over 30 food court vendors too. Speaking of fun, why not get wet! WaterMania, a local water theme park, offers an exciting wave pool, waterslides, 50 meter pool, diving boards, and, to soothe those sore muscles, a sauna, steam room and whirlpools as well. Of course, if just seeing nature at its best is what you like, be sure to take a chance and see whales frolicking in their own environment.

Richmond has a season for everyone to enjoy. With a

temperate west coast climate, and, little or no snow most winters, and because of Richmond's distance from the mountains, the average rainfall is light.

In spring, see and hear the territorial flights of hummingbirds as bog flowers bloom below. Summer days are long, and the trails provide cool evening walks. Fall brings owls, northern migratory birds, and spectacularly colored foliage as well as the annual Cranberry Festival. It's the largest in Canada and a must see event. In winter, hear varied thrushes and see winter birds at the feeders, or follow coyote tracks in the snow. Summer is a special time in Richmond. Seeing a magnificent whale enjoying a day at sea is a sight never to be forgotten. Whatever the season, Richmond is rich in things to do and sites to see.

Richmond's natural setting appeals to the adventurous spirit in us all and whatever your age or ability, activities abound year round. Enjoy the city's spectacular scenery and fresh coastal air by strapping on a pair of roller blades, cycling or walking along any one of the many scenic trails. Catch the sunrise, and you're likely to see kayakers and fishing boats course across the open water. When the wind picks up, look for windsurfers skimming across the whitecaps. And if you just want to enjoy nature at its very best, there are seals, whales, and some magnificent birds that help make this island community such a special destination.

One final interesting fact about this vibrant city: according to statistics, residents of Richmond have the greatest life expectancy in all of Canada. Just think, you might even add to your lifespan just by visiting.

Richmond Attractions: Richmond Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Richmond Travel & Tourism, Free Richmond Travel Guide Online

Richmond Museum

7700 Minoru Gate,

Richmond, B.C., V6Y 1R9

604-231-6461

Open: Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 9:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Admission is Donation

The Richmond Museum is open to the public with a wide range of collections, temporary and traveling exhibits, programs, and special events for people of all ages. The purpose of these activities is to increase public awareness and appreciation of Richmond's diverse history.

Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site of Canada

12138 Fourth Avenue

Richmond, B.C., V7E 3J1

604-664-9009

Open April – October, call for exact days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Situated atop wooden pilings over the mighty Fraser River, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is one of the few remaining 19th century salmon canneries on the coast of B.C.The Cannery is open to the general public April - October. Pre-booked tours can be arranged from March through November.

International Buddhist Society

9160 Steveston Highway

Richmond B.C., Canada V7A 1M5
604-274-2822

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Free

The Kuan Yin Temple of the International Buddhist Society is considered by many to be the most magnificent and authentic temple of traditional Chinese architecture in North America.

Richmond Art Gallery Association

7700 Minoru Gate

Richmond, BC, Canada

604-231-6457

Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 - 9:30 pm, Saturday/Sunday 10:00 - 5:00 pm, closed on statutory holidays.

Admission Charged

The Richmond Art Gallery Association's Vision for the Richmond Art Gallery is: to be one of the most important public galleries in Canada, and to increasingly enlarge our audiences and their understanding and enjoyment of contemporary art.

Richmond Nature Park

11851 Westminster Highway

Richmond, B.C. V6X 1B4
604-718-6188

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Free

The Park provides recreation and education for all ages. Winding trails with a total length of approximately 5km provide visitors with the opportunity to encounter plants and animals in bog, forest and pond habitats. The shortest trail, which surrounds a pond, is an elevated boardwalk accessible to wheelchairs. Other trails are soft-surfaced with wood chips. All trails are well-marked, and a free trail guide is available in the Nature House.

The Basketball Centre

Richmond, B.C.

604-241-0700

Call for schedule and operating hours

Admission Charged

"Hoop Heaven." Premier Hardwood Sports Facility in Canada. Full sized NBA gyms featuring basketball courts, 6 volleyball courts and ability to convert to other hardwood court uses. Accompanying change rooms with lockers and glassed viewing area make the facility ideal for leagues, tournaments as well as special event bookings.

Greenacres Golf Course

Richmond, B.C.

604-241-0722

Call for tee times and additional information

Admission Charged

Year-round Par 70 Public Golf with special winter rates. Practice putting and chipping greens, outstanding pro shop with rental carts and clubs. Licensed lounge and outdoor eating area. Full service dining room, complete banquet facilities available.

Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club

Richmond, B.C.

604-276-0505

Call for tee times and additional information

Admission Charged

One of Lower Mainland's premier golf facilities, located minutes from downtown Vancouver and the International Airport.

TBC Indoor Racing

Richmond, B.C.

604-232-9196

Call for additional information

Admission Charged

Grand Prix style kart racing at its best. TBC Indoor Racing is the only facility that utilizes indoor kart racing as a basis for Team Building. Offer events for special occasions, parties, celebrations, promotions and much more.

Richmond Go-Karting

Richmond, B.C.

604-278-6103

Open seven days a week, weather permitting, call for directions and additional information.

Admission Charged

1/2 mile track with single and double-seater karts, concession facilities and arcade.

WaterMania

Richmond, B.C.

604-448-5354

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

WaterMania offers an exciting wave pool, waterslides, 50 meter pool, diving boards, sauna, steam room and whirlpools. Also includes fitness centre, meeting rooms, concession, swimwear shop, sports therapy clinic and much more.

Trev Deeley Motorcycle Museum

13500 Verdun Place (at the south end of the Knight Street Bridge, at Bridgeport and Viking Way)

Richmond, B.C.

604-273-5421

Open: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm.

Admission Charged

Home to more than 250 antique and classic motorcycles, representing 51 brands.

Nearby Attractions

Britannia Heritage Shipyard – National Historic Site

5180 Westwater Drive, at the foot of Railway Avenue

Steveston Village, B.C.

604-718-8050

Open: May 1 - September 30: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm, closed Mondays and October 1 - April 30: Saturday 10 am - 4 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 4 pm.

Admission Charged

Built in 1889, it is the oldest cannery building on the Fraser River. In about 1918 the building was converted to a ship yard and repair facility for the ABC Packing Company. The Britannia Shipyard Museum features displays about Steveston ship building and fishing. Often, wooden boats are being repaired using traditional boat building skills.

London Heritage Farm

6511 Dyke Road (between No. 2 & Gilbert Roads)

Steveston, B.C.

604-271-5220

Open for tea and tours on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4:00 pm.

During Summer July and August, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Admission is Donation

Dating from the 1890s, this restored and furnished farm house offers a tea room and tours as well as Herb and Flower Gardens. The site also features the Spragg Barn, chickens, Territorial Seeds Demonstration garden, a collection of prewar farm equipment, rose arbor and gazebo. Picnicking, special events, horseshoe pitch and washrooms.

Steveston Museum

3811 Moncton Street

Steveston, B.C.

604-271-6868

Open: Mon – Sat, 9:30am - 1:00pm and 1:30pm-5pm

Admission Charged

A community museum in the area's first bank building. The main floor "general store" display includes a working post office. Pick up a walking tour guide and enjoy a day in Steveston Village. Step back in time to a history rich in diversity and culture. The Steveston Museum offers a glimpse into the past of this historic village.

Vancouver Whale Watch

Tours leave from and return to Steveston, BC

604-274-9565

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Killer Whales, bow riding Dall's porpoises, sea lions, seals, and other wildlife can be seen on daily trips, April to October, leaving from historic Steveston. Professional naturalists are on board our 12 and 40 passenger zodiac-type vessels.

Richmond Events: Richmond Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Richmond Travel & Tourism, Free Richmond Travel Guide Online

Events

Late February – Early March

Annual Community Art Auction

604-231-6425

Admission Free

Richmond Art Gallery's Annual Community Art Auction. Each year there is a different theme to pique the visitor's interest. Call for exact dates and additional information

Mid May

Chorfiesta!

MacNeill Secondary School, 6611 No. 4 Roador

604-276-2747

Admission Charged

The Richmond Orchestra & Chorus is proud to host Chorfest 2004, the BC Choral Federation's annual gathering of singers from all over BC. "ChorFiesta!" features Latin-American music. This intensive three-day event culminates with a grand performance on Sunday.

Call for exact dates and additional information

Early July

Steveston Salmon Festival

604-718-8080

Steveston Community Centre and Community Park, Parade 10:00 am, Free Admission to the Fair Grounds, Bull Head Derby at Garry Point Park, Chowder Contest, and Flower & Garden Show. Fun for the whole family

Call for exact date and additional information

Summer

Richmond Night Market Summer Festival

At the Bridgeport Market.

604-244-8448

The annual season of the Richmond Night Market Summer Festival is usually held from early June to early October. The event attracts tens of thousands of families and tourists.

Music, rides, fairway and electronic games. Sample delicious treats from over 30 food court vendors. Variety of clothing, accessories, electronics, crafts and household goods for sale.

Call for exact dates and additional information

Mid-October

Cranberry Harvest Festival

Richmond Nature Park, 11851 Westminster Highway, Richmond

604-718-6188

Celebrate Canada's largest cranberry harvest. Fresh Cranberry Sales, Guided Tours of Cranberry Fields and the Ocean Spray Cranberry Plant, Stalking the Wild Cranberry, Puppet Shows, Story Telling, Face Painting and Games and Live Entertainment.

Call for exact dates and additional information

December

Nature Comes to Light

Richmond Nature Park, 11851 Westminster Highway, at No. 5 Road,

Numerous nature themed displays and 200,000 lights greet the guests as they take a 15 minute stroll along the board walk through the Richmond Nature Park

Open 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm daily, call for exact dates

Arts and Entertainment

Richmond Orchestra & Chorus

10691 Shellbridge Way

Richmond, B.C. CANADA
604-276-2747

Call for schedule

Admission Charged

The Richmond Orchestra & Chorus have entertained Richmond since 1986. We perform up to six concerts per season and also make several public appearances.

Gateway Theatre

6500 Gilbert Road,
Richmond, B.C. V7C 3V4

604-270-1812

Hours: Monday – Friday: Noon to 6 pm, Saturday: 2 pm to 6 pm

Admission Charged

As one of the most beautiful theatres in Canada, this 560-seat theatre offers some of the best live performances in the Lower Mainland.

Richmond Facts: Richmond Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Richmond Travel & Tourism, Free Richmond Travel Guide Online

Population:

168,000

Elevation:

3 feet above sea level

Area:50 square miles

Location:

The City of Richmond is located on Canada's Pacific Coast in the province of British Columbia within the Greater Vancouver Regional District in close proximity to downtown Vancouver and the U.S. border. It is comprised of a series of islands in the mouth of the Fraser River. They include Sea Island, most of Lulu Island, and fifteen smaller islands.

Time Zone:

Richmond is located within the Pacific Standard Time Zone, which puts it three hours behind the Eastern Time Zone (when it is 11a.m. here, it is 2p.m. in cities like Toronto) and four hours behind the Atlantic Time Zone.

Area Code:

The telephone area code for Richmond is 604. This area code must be used when dialing local telephone numbers (ie. 604-888-8888), and also when dialing long distance telephone numbers (ie. 1-604-888-8888). The 604 area code applies when dialing anywhere in the Lower Mainland.

Local Seasons:

Richmond enjoys a

temperate west coast climate. Unlike other parts of Canada the west coast gets little or no snow most winters, and because of Richmond's distance from the mountains, the average rainfall is 30% less than Vancouver's, making this city a great choice to visit.

In spring, see and hear the territorial flights of hummingbirds as bog flowers bloom below. Summer days are long, and the trails provide cool evening walks. Fall brings owls, northern migratory birds, and spectacularly-colored foliage as well as the annual Cranberry Festival. It's the largest in Canada and a must see event. In winter, hear the songs of thrushes and see winter birds at the feeders, or follow coyote tracks in the snow. Summer is a special time in Richmond. Seeing a magnificent whale enjoying a day at sea is a sight never to be forgotten.

Weather:

Getting there

By Air

Vancouver International Airport

3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, B.C. V7B 1Y7
604-207-7077

Vancouver International Airport is your entry point into Richmond by air. The airport is located in the City of Richmond.

Regular bus service, taxi service, limousine service and hotel shuttle is available to take you to your destination from the airport.

By Car

If traveling by car, you can access Richmond via Highway 1, Highway 10 or Highway 99, depending on your starting point. From the U.S., Interstate 5 will bring you across the U.S. Border and into Canada. From there, follow Highway 99 Northbound into the city.

By Ferry

B.C. Ferries is another way in which to travel to Richmond. The Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal or the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal will both bring you into Richmond. From the Tsawwassen terminal you are approximately 30 minutes from the city, while the Horseshoe Bay terminal is approximately 60 minutes travel time.

Getting around:

By Ferry

604-277-0277

The B.C. Ferry terminal is only 20 minutes from downtown Richmond with sailings to Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Regular daily sailings to Swartz Bay (Victoria) leave the Port of Tsawwassen every two hours on the odd hour with more frequent sailings during summer months and holidays. Daily sailings are also available on the Mid-Island Express from Tsawwassen to Nanaimo.

Call the Ferry Hotline at

for rates and seasonal schedules. Advance reservations can be made for an additional fee. Paid parking is also available if you want to leave your vehicle at the Ferry Terminal on the mainland.

By Bus

The Coast Mountain Bus Company services operate throughout Richmond and Greater Vancouver and are easy to access and very convenient. Call

604-521-0400 for routes and schedules.

Taxation:

Goods & Services Tax (GST)
Provincial Sales Tax (PST)
Most goods and services are subject to both GST (7%) and PST (7.5%). These taxes may be in addition to the price of an item. Out of country visitors are eligible for rebates of the GST paid on certain goods and accommodations. Receipts will verify the amount of tax paid. Exemptions from GST exist for certain goods and services. For more information, call within Canada 1-800-66-VISIT, or outside Canada (902) 432-5608.

National Holidays:

New Years Day January 1

Good Friday Varies

Easter Monday Varies

Victoria Day Monday proceeding May 25

Canada Day July 1 The

Holidays Act provides that July 2 is Canada Day when July 1 is a Sunday.

Labour Day First Monday in September

Thanksgiving Day Second Monday of October

Remembrance Day November 11

Christmas Day December 25

Boxing Day December 26

Richmond Kids Activities: Richmond Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Richmond Travel & Tourism, Free Richmond Travel Guide Online

Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site of Canada

12138 Fourth Avenue

Richmond, B.C., V7E 3J1

604-664-9009

Admission Charged

The Cannery is open to the general public April - October. Pre-booked tours can be arranged from March through November.

Richmond Nature Park

11851 Westminster Highway

Richmond, B.C. V6X 1B4
604-718-6188

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Free

The Park provides recreation and education for all ages. Winding trails with a total length of approximately 5km provide visitors with the opportunity to encounter plants and animals in bog, forest and pond habitats. The shortest trail, which surrounds a pond, is an elevated boardwalk accessible to wheelchairs. Other trails are soft-surfaced with wood chips. All trails are well-marked, and a free trail guide is available in the Nature House.

TBC Indoor Racing

Richmond, B.C.

604-232-9196

Call for additional information

Admission Charged

Grand Prix style kart racing at its best. TBC Indoor Racing is the only facility that utilizes indoor kart racing as a basis for Team Building.

WaterMania

Richmond, B.C.

604-448-5354

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

WaterMania offers an exciting wave pool, waterslides, 50 meter pool, diving boards, sauna, steam room and whirlpools. Also includes fitness centre, meeting rooms, concession, swimwear shop, sports therapy clinic and much more.

Nearby Attractions

Steveston Museum

3811 Moncton Street

Steveston, B.C.

604-271-6868

Open: Mon – Sat, 9:30am - 1:00pm and 1:30pm-5pm

Admission Charged

A community museum in the area's first bank building. The main floor "general store" display includes a working post office. Pick up a walking tour guide and enjoy a day in Steveston Village.

Step back in time to a history rich in diversity and culture. The Steveston Museum offers a glimpse into the past of this historic village.

Vancouver Whale Watch

Departs from Steveston, BC

604-274-9565

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Killer Whales, bow riding Dall's porpoises, sea lions, seals, and other wildlife can be seen on daily trips, April to October, leaving from historic Steveston. Professional naturalists are on board our 12 and 40 passenger zodiac-type vessels.

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