Richmond (British Columbia) - city in British Columbia, Canada

Richmond is a riverine city to the south of Vancouver in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Comprising several islands, the city is protected by a system of dikes from the Fraser River's occasional flooding. Richmond has the country's largest Asian-Canadian population by percentage, many Cantonese speaking; over 60% of the population is non-white. Richmond is mainly composed of four main islands: Lulu Island (Richmond proper), Sea Island (Vancouver International Airport (YVR)), Mitchell Island (industrial) and Iona Island (parks and city maintenance). Steveston, a former fishing village that is now a tourist and shopping district, sits at the southwestern tip.

The character of Richmond has changed dramatically since the 1980s. It used to be primarily a farming community with a large fishing village. It has become a centre of new immigrants, mostly from Asia, especially Hong Kong and mainland China. There are now many residential high rise towers and Hong Kong-style shopping malls like Aberdeen Centre.

Get in

See Vancouver for options to get in the Vancouver area by plane, by bus, and by train, and by boat.

By plane

Vancouver International Airport is located on Sea Island within Richmond. It's a short ride by taxi or on public transit using SkyTrain from the airport (remember to transfer to a train heading south to Richmond Centre at Bridgeport Station). If you're already in Vancouver, or elsewhere in the Lower Mainland, Richmond is well integrated with the region's road and public transit system.

By car

The main highway in and out of Richmond is Highway 99. From Vancouver, it is accessed via the Oak St bridge. If coming from Surrey or New Westminster, Highway 91/91A can also be used.

By SkyTrain

SkyTrain's Canada Line, connects Richmond with Vancouver. The Canada Line reaches Vancouver's neighbourhoods of downtown, Yaletown-False Creek, Mount Pleasant, and South Vancouver. For destinations south of Bridgeport station, trains alternate between travelling to either to Brighouse station (Richmond's downtown) or YVR Airport station (Vancouver International Airport's domestic and international terminals).

By bus

The following buses all run direct to Richmond from other localities within Greater Vancouver:

• #301 - Connects Bridgeport station to North Delta and Surrey
• #351 - Connects Bridgeport station to South Surrey and White Rock
• #410 - Connects Brighouse station to 22nd Street SkyTrain station in New Westminster
• #430 - Connects Brighouse station to Metrotown station (SkyTrain Expo Line) in Burnaby
• #480 - Connects Bridgeport station to the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver
• #351 - Connects Bridgeport station to South Surrey and White Rock
• #601 - Connects Bridgeport station to Delta's Ladner and Tsawwassen areas. Its southern terminus is within walking distance of Point Roberts.
• #620 - Connects Bridgeport station via Delta to Tsawwassen Ferry for travel Vancouver Island and Southern Gulf Islands

Get around

Richmond is mostly a grid with fairly wide streets so driving around isn't a problem. Major north-south roads tend to be numbered (No. 1 Rd, No. 2 Rd, and so forth, with No. 3 Road considered the main street). Major east-west streets include Bridgeport Rd (alternate access to the airport), Westminster Highway (access to Richmond Centre, the closest thing Richmond has to a 'downtown') and Steveston Highway.

By public transit

TransLink, +1-604-953-3333. The main public transit network in the Vancouver area. Its network includes buses, SkyTrain (rail rapid transit), SeaBus (ferries), West Coast Express (commuter rail), and HandyDART (door-to-door shared-ride service for those who cannot ride public transit without assistance).

Passengers can pay for fares using Compass Cards ($6 refundable deposit), Compass Tickets, or tap-to-pay using contactless credit cards (only American Express, Mastercard or Visa) or mobile wallets. Passengers using Compass Cards and Compass Tickets pay discounted fares. Passengers can transfer for up to 90 minutes, except if taking West Coast Express, in which case they can transfer for up to 120 minutes. On bus and HandyDART, passengers can also pay in cash, but in that case will not receive change and are not eligible for transfers.

Zone based fares apply between Monday and Friday for trips starting before 6:30PM, if travel involves SkyTrain or SeaBus. Outside of those hours or for travel on only bus or HandyDART, a single zone rate applies. If traveling by West Coast Express, a higher cost zone based fare system applies regardless of time of travel.

Children 12 and under can ride for free. People aged 13 to 18, and 65 and older pay discounted concession fares. 2022-03-27

The standard fare (effective ) to get into Richmond is by bus and by SkyTrain (for a two zone ticket) from most places in the Greater Vancouver area. Fares for travel within Richmond are . A trip from Vancouver International Airport to Richmond costs , consisting of for a one-zone transit fare and for an airport AddFare. This AddFare only has to be paid on trips from the airport, not on trips to the airport. You can avoid the AddFare by buying prepaid transit tickets from the 7-Eleven or Pharmasave in the bottom level of the Domestic terminal of the airport (but not standard Compass cards, which will still be charged the AddFare).

By bus

Brighouse station is the transit hub for buses within Richmond with connections to Steveston (buses #401, #402, #406, and #407), the Riverport Complex (buses #403 and #404, evening and weekend trips on bus #408) and the Buddhist temple (bus #403).

By taxi

Richmond based taxi companies:

• Garden City Cabs, +1-604-233-1111. 2022-02-28

• Kimber Cabs, +1-604-238-8888. 2022-02-28

• Richmond Taxi, +1 604-272-1111. 2022-02-28

By ride hailing

• Kabu. 2022-07-29
• Lyft. 2022-07-29
• Uber. 2022-07-29

See

• International Buddhist Temple, 9160 Steveston Highway (between No. 3 and No. 4 Rd), 49.1332°, -123.1234°, +1 604-274-2822, temple@buddhisttemple.ca. The first and largest authentic Chinese Buddhist temple in North America. It is noted for its attention to detail (see the holden ceramic roof tiles in the four grand halls), the traditional Chinese art pieces, such as paintings, calligraphy and statues, and for housing the largest Buddha statue in North America and the largest Buddhist mural in the world, which took over two years to complete. The classical Chinese garden is serene and beautiful, with its gazebos, wisdom fountain, lotus ponds, dragon fountains, and stone bridge. Guided tours can be held for groups of 15 or more people. The cafeteria serves Chinese vegetarian lunches, and the gift shop offers a variety of Buddhist items. The temple welcomes everyone and admission is free
• Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate, 49.1638°, -123.141°. M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-4PM. Centred around a public library, this centre is home to a small selection of museums and shops. 2022-04-13
  • Richmond Museum. M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-4PM. Artifacts and photos about the history of Richmond. 2021-06-06
  • Richmond Art Gallery, +1 604 247 8363. M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa Su 10AM-5PM. Artifacts and photos about the history of Richmond. 2022-04-13
• Minoru Chapel (Minoru Park), 6540 Gilbert Road, 49.167222°, -123.146111°. Rental chapel. This small picturesque chapel lies within a public park with an adjacent flower garden. It was built in 1991. 2021-06-06
• No.5 Road Religious Shrines. (Portion of No.5 Road between Blundell Road and Steveson Hwy) A portion of the road has religious shrines celebrating all sorts of religions. Given Vancouver's multicultural nature, this is a great way to express it. The International Buddhist Temple, Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Vedic Hindu Society, Jama Masjid, and a Jewish day school are here. This is a great way to learn of other religions and cultures.

Steveston

Steveston is in the southwest corner of Richmond where the Fraser River meets the Pacific Ocean. It used to be a fishing village and is now a tourist destination. There are good fish and chip shops in Steveston, and on sunny days you can sit out by the water on the boat docks and eat. Many movies and television series have been filmed here. A nearby park towards the western end of the village offers great views of the ocean and is a common area for barbecues in the summer. During the summer there is a popular farmers market.

• Gulf of Georgia Cannery, 12138 Fourth Ave, 49.125°, -123.187°, +1 604-664-9009. May - mid Oct: M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-5PM (closed Tu W during Sept Oct). National Historic Site in Steveston. Commemorates the history of Canada's West Coast fishing industry from the 1870s to the present. Adult $7.80, child $3.90
• Steveston Museum (Town Square Park), 3811 Moncton St (at First Ave), 49.1253°, -123.1829°. Post Office M-Sa 9:30AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM. A 1905 wood-frame house houses the Steveston Museum for local history as well as an active post office. Public gardens (dubbed Town Square Park) lie adjacent to the building. 2021-06-06
• Steveston Tram, 4011 Moncton St (at No 1 Road), 49.1254°, -123.1807°. The museum has one of only seven preserved interurban trams of the former British Columbia Electric Railway. Car 1220 (built in 1913) is on static display within its own building. 2021-06-06
• Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, 5180 Westwater Dr, 49.1211°, -123.1695°. A historic collection of canneries, boat yards, residences and stores with some buildings dating back to 1885. 2021-06-06
• London Heritage Farm, 6511 Dyke Rd, 49.1146°, -123.1520°. A preserved, Victorian-era farm on the Frazer River. 2021-06-06

Do

• Riverport Sports & Entertainment Complex (SilverCity), 14211 Entertainment Way (south end of 6 Road, near the Ironwood mall), 49.13495993138095°, -123.0656449821812°, +1 604-271-2739. A commercial zone dedicated to fun times and activities. Includes a huge movie theatre with an Imax screen, bowling, a large swimming pool, Canada's largest indoor trampoline park and an indoor waterpark.
• Sanduz Estate Wines tasting, 12791 Blundell Rd, 49.15668612824072°, -123.08166029670961°, +1 604-214-0444, info@sanduzwines.com. 11AM-6PM. A variety of grape and other fruit wines, for tasting and purchase. Free 2022-08-10
• TBC Indoor Cart Racing, 2100 Viceroy Pl, 49.1975893673528°, -123.0588896721477°, +1 604-232-9196. Su-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight. Drive small but fun go-karts around a twisty indoor course. A typical race is 10-12 laps in 7-8 minutes. Helmets supplied and wear closed-toe shoes. Kids are ok with parents signature. $20/race (discounts to $10) 2022-08-10
• River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Rd, 49.1961°, -123.12768°. Slots, poker, table games, and racebook. 2023-02-20

Buy

• Lansdowne Mall, No. 3 Road at Alderbridge Way, 49.1755°, -123.133°, +1 604-270-1344. M Tu 10AM-6PM, W-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 9:30AM-6PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Shops include a Best Buy, and a food court with a mix of franchises and independents. 2022-08-10
• Richmond Centre Mall, No. 3 Rd (opposite Minoru Park), 49.1671°, -123.138°, +1 604-713-7467. M Tu Sa 9:30AM-7PM, W-F 9:30AM-9PM, Su & hol 11AM-6PM. The largest mall in Richmond. With over 240 stores, it's a shopper's delight. They have a food court on a dining terrace. 2021-08-14
• Steveston Village, 3651 Moncton St, 49.125413°, -123.183848°. A wide variety of small shops line this popular tourist area. 2022-08-10

Asian shopping malls

There is a large number of Asian shopping malls in Richmond. These usually have many small shops with a huge variety of things for sale.

• Aberdeen Centre, 4151 Hazelbridge Way, 49.1841°, -123.134°. Su-W 11AM-7PM, Th-Sa 11AM-9PM. 2022-08-10
• Parker Place Shopping Centre, 4380 No.3 Rd, 49.1817°, -123.136°, +1 604-273-0276. Su-Th 11AM-7PM, F Sa 11AM-9PM.
• Union Square, 8328 Capstan Way, +1 604-304-2759.
• Yaohan Centre, 3700 No. 3 Rd, 49.1863°, -123.133°, +1 604-231-0601. 2022-08-10

Night markets

Richmond has enjoyed Asian-style night markets on summer weekends since at least 1998, but the locations and operators change with the years. Expect a token admission fee, huge crowds, lots of food stalls, vendors overflowing with cheap merchandise, and a few attractions for the kids. A pleasant way to pass a summer evening.

• Richmond Night Market, 8351 River Rd (Canada Line to Richmond-Brighouse Station, then 5-min walk west along River Rd; or drive along No. 3 road to free parking; do not try to park in the River Rock Casino Parkades), 49.193458°, -123.132906°, +1 604 244-8448. Late Apr to mid-Oct: F Sa 7PM-midnight, Su & hol 7-11PM. Dozens of food booths with Chinese, Japanese, bubble tea, and many other cuisines. Dozens more booths with kitsch items, cheap clothing, other merchandise. Haggling is part of the fun. Large yellow ducks are something of a mascot. Most vendors only accept cash. ATMs are available on site. $7 per person, free for under 7 or 60+. $35 Zoom Pass offers 6 admissions, transferable 2022-09-21

Eat

There are a number of fine dining places and a variety of Asian cuisines in Richmond. A Seattle newspaper columnist credited Richmond with having the best reasonably-priced Chinese food in the Northwest. In addition to the restaurants listed here, the night markets overflow with food stalls, and shopping malls offer an abundance of choice at their food courts.

Budget

• #9 Restaurant, 5300 No 3 Rd, Unit 816 (in Lansdowne Mall next to Kinko's), 49.175736°, -123.132566°, +1 604 278-7700. Casual Hong Kong-style Chinese food (noodles, congee, rice, bbq, etc.) 24-hour restaurant 7 days a week, all year round (including holidays). 2022-08-10
• Fukuroku, 4260 No. 3 Rd, 49.182727°, -123.13631°, +1 604-273-0622. Japanese cuisine serving fresh and tasty sushi and udon. Main restaurant is in downtown Richmond as well as an Express Bar nearby. Enjoy authentic meals at a reasonable price.
• Lamajoun, 11782 River Rd #128, 49.195922010531426°, -123.09512362699792°, +1 778-896-4200. 11AM–7PM. The only Armenian restaurant in the Lower Mainland specializes in flatbread dishes but also serves various others Armenian and Georgian dishes. It only has counter service but there is seating available upstairs. $10 can feed one person 2022-01-15
• Pajos, 12351 3 Ave (on a floating wharf near the intersection of Bayview and Third Avenue), 49.124174°, -123.186485°, +1 604-272-1588. Famous for fish and chips, having won several awards. Sit on the wharf and enjoy some take-away while seagulls fly overhead. 2022-08-10
• Parker Place mall food court, 4311 Hazelbridge Way, 49.181462°, -123.135149°. The food court’s 19 stores offer tasty, convenient authentic cooking from a range of Asian cuisines.
• Richmond Public Market, 8260 Westminster Hwy (near Buswell), 49.170339°, -123.133052°. Asian food court, located on the upper level, where you will find some of the cheapest and most delicious fast food in Richmond.
• Harvey's & Swiss Chalet, 3211 Grant McConachie Way (in Vancouver International Airport (YVR), before security, domestic Level 2), 49.197000°, -123.181170°, +1 604-273-4441. Daily 7AM-9PM. A chain burger and rotisserie restaurant. 2022-08-10

Mid-range

• Kisamos Greek Taverna, 3420 Moncton St (in Steveston), 49.124962°, -123.185371°, +1 604-277-5626. Restaurant serving authentic Greek cuisine, such as roast lamb and souvlaki. The house platters are very good value for groups or families. 2021-08-31
• Neptune Seafood Restaurant (龍皇鮑翅海鮮酒家), 8171 Ackroyd Rd #100 (facing No. 3 Road), 49.172919°, -123.134368°, +1 604-207-9888. Usually packed with locals, dining on the very popular dim sum and/or great seafood. 2015-10-04
• Papi's Ristorante Italiano, 12251 No. 1 Rd, 49.124775°, -123.181338°, +1 604-275-8355. An Italian restaurant serving traditional food at a reasonable price. Its located a block away from the water in Steveston. The owners also run Mercato Nel Vicolo, the deli next door that stocks Italian groceries (hams, pasta, etc.) and pre-made dishes.
• Steveston Pizza Co., 100-3400 Moncton St, 49.131469°, -123.185148°, +1 604-204-0777. Pizza joint in Steveston that serves tasty thin crust pizza. 2015-10-04
• Sun Sui Wah, 102-4940 No. 3 Rd, 49.181055°, -123.135673°, +1 604 273-8208. M–F 10:30AM–3PM, 5–10:30PM; Sa Su 10AM–3PM, 5–10:30PM. Chinese seafood restaurant that offers an amazing dim sum on the weekends. Roast squab is also one of their specialties. 2015-10-04
• Tapenade Bistro, 3711 Bayview, 49.124641°, -123.184641°, +1 604-275-5188, moreinfo@tapenade.ca. Tu–F 11:30AM–2:30PM, 5–9PM; Sa Su 11AM–3PM, 5–9:30PM; M closed. Near the wharf, the Tapenade offers quality food served in generous portions amongst warm surroundings. 2015-10-04
• Top Gun J&C, #2020 Excel Centre, 8766 Mckim Way, 49.186553°, -123.126077°, +1 604-231-8006. Dim sum, congee (porridge) and other Cantonese delicacies. Each diner gets to choose his/her own tea leaves for traditional Chinese tea. Their bo lo pao (sweetened buns) is excellent. Parking available. 2015-10-04

Splurge

• Origo Club, 6888 River Rd #110, 49.175473°, -123.146666°, +1 604-285-8889. Offers a lunch menu from 11AM-3PM, dinner is offered from 5-9PM. Closed on Monday, lunch is not offered on weekends. Upscale French cuisine in a beautiful space. Dishes cost around $35-45 for dinner 2022-08-10

Drink

• Pioneer's Pub, 200-10111 No. 3 Rd, 49.140059°, -123.137863°, +1 604 271-6611. Quality beer sold at hard-to-match prices in Vancouver. Great pub atmosphere and standard meal fare.
• Flying Beaver, 4760 Inglis Dr, 49.177314°, -123.168225°, +1 604-273-0278. Watch the seaplanes take off and land on the Fraser River while enjoying a cold beverage and tasty snacks on the patio. You can't get a better place to enjoy a beer and watch the floatplanes. 2022-08-10

Sleep

There are a number of hotels and motels that serve the airport, including the Fairmont Vancouver Airport, which is in the U.S. departures area of the airport.

Mid-range

• Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport, 7311 Westminster Hwy (near Brighouse station), 49.17043763924444°, -123.14533508803618°, +1 604-278-5555. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Hotel for business and leisure travellers near Richmond's city centre. Has both standard rooms and luxury suites available. Around $120 a night for a basic room, more for luxury suite 2022-04-13
• Hampton Inn by Vancouver Airport, 8811 Bridgeport Rd, 49.1921°, -123.1275°, +1 604 232-5505. Check-in: noon, check-out: 3PM. Located near the Skytrain Bridgeport Station and minutes away from the airport, its an option for the business traveler or for a stop-over. While the rooms are simple and bland, the friendly service staff go out of their way to help you with your trip. $100-300
• Sandman Hotel by Vancouver Airport, 3233 St. Edwards Dr, 49.1910°, -123.1142°, +1 604-303-8888. Contemporary architectural hotel near the airport that is clean and comfortable. Rooms include kitchenettes and air conditioning.

Splurge

• Fairmont Vancouver Airport, 3111 Grant McConachie Way, 49.1947°, -123.1760°, +1 604-207-5200. Located inside the International Terminal, this luxury hotel provides guests with views of runways & mountains. Canapes and complimentary breakfast are served in lounge and rooms are well appointed.
• Hilton Vancouver Airport, 5911 Minoru Blvd, 49.1717°, -123.1404°. Hotel 5 km from the airport and about 20 minutes by Skytrain (get off at the Lansdowne Station of the Canada Line) or car from Downtown Vancouver. For a nice view, ask for a room facing the northwest. Complimentary shuttle service to and from Airport.
• Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel, 7571 Westminster Highway, 49.1704°, -123.1405°, +1 604-276-2112. In the heart of Richmond and a couple of minutes from the airport. It is close to the Richmond Centre Mall. Rates from $152/night

Connect

Cope

• Richmond Hospital, 7000 Westminster Hwy, 49.16888°, -123.14658°, +1 604-278-9711. Hospital with a emergency department operating 24/7. 2023-03-29

Go next

• Delta to the immediate south-east
• Vancouver South to the north, across the Fraser River
• White Rock and its beach are 20-30 minutes south-east on Highway 99 or take bus #351 from Bridgeport SkyTrain station.
• The Tsawassen ferry terminal is 20-30 minutes south-west on Highways 99 and 17 (or take bus #620 from Bridgeport Canada Line station). It has connections to Victoria, the provincial capital, Duke Point (mid Island) and several of the Southern Gulf Islands.