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Let’s be honest — when most people think about a Vancouver itinerary, Richmond BC barely gets a mention. It’s always “Oh, it’s near the airport” or “Great for dim sum” and then everyone moves on. But spend even one full day here and you’ll quickly realize Richmond has been quietly holding back on everyone. Whether you’re a Vancouver local who’s somehow never crossed the bridge, a traveller killing time before a flight (though you’ll want way more than a few hours), or someone planning a proper Richmond deep-dive, this guide on things to do in Richmond BC has everything you need. Pull up a chair. We’re staying a while.
Britannia Shipyards — Step Into BC’s Rugged Fishing Past
Start your Richmond adventure at the waterfront and let the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site do the heavy lifting. This beautifully preserved heritage site sits right on the Fraser River and tells the story of BC’s cannery and fishing industry going back to the late 1800s. The buildings themselves are stunning — weathered wood, old machinery, the smell of salt and history — and entry is completely free.
What makes this place stand out is how lived-in it feels. You’re not staring at things behind glass. You walk through actual buildings, see the nets, the equipment, the bunkhouses where workers lived. On weekends there are often demonstrations and guided tours that bring the whole era to life. If you’re someone who likes your sightseeing with real substance, this one delivers.
Fisherman’s Wharf — Fresh Fish, Fish & Chips, and All the Coastal Vibes
A short drive from Britannia Shipyards brings you to Fisherman’s Wharf in Steveston Village, and this is where things get seriously good. Pull up to the docks and you’ll find local fishers selling the catch of the day straight off their boats — salmon, halibut, Dungeness crab, spot prawns in season. It doesn’t get fresher than this, and the prices are genuinely reasonable when you’re buying direct.
If cooking isn’t on your agenda, the fish and chips options nearby are legendary. The queue at the popular spots moves fast and the portions are enormous. Eating crispy golden fish where the Fraser River spills into the Strait of Georgia is one of those simple, perfect travel experiences. Don’t skip it, no matter what else is on your list.
Whale Watching — Wild BC Waters Right From Steveston Village
Here’s something a lot of Richmond visitors don’t realize — Steveston Village puts you in the perfect spot for one of the best whale watching experiences in North America. Orca pods, humpbacks, minke whales — the waters off the BC coast are genuinely world-class, and half-day tours run regularly right from this harbour.
If this is on your radar (and it should be), grab a spot on the Vancouver Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure. It’s a brilliant way to round out a Richmond/Vancouver trip, especially if you’ve ticked off the Steveston waterfront already. The tour combines stunning Pacific scenery with a genuinely good shot at wildlife sightings — experienced guides know exactly where to look.
Gulf of Georgia Cannery — Where BC’s Salmon Industry Comes Alive
Still in Steveston and absolutely worth your time — the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is one of the most fascinating historic sites in the Lower Mainland. Built in 1894, it quickly became the largest salmon cannery and leading canned salmon producer in all of British Columbia — earning it the nickname “Monster Cannery” among the 15-plus canneries that lined Steveston’s waterfront. The Parks Canada-supported site does an excellent job of putting you right in the middle of what life looked like during the cannery boom. The machinery is all still there, still enormous, still slightly intimidating in the best way.
The exhibits cover not just the machinery but the human stories — the Japanese, Chinese, First Nations, and European workers whose labour built this industry. It’s genuinely moving in places. Plan about 60–90 minutes here; it’s the kind of spot where you keep finding one more interesting thing around every corner.
Fishers Walk — The Free Outdoor Harbour Experience
If you’re between attractions in Steveston and want something that doesn’t require any planning or admission fee, Fishers Walk is exactly the kind of hidden gem that makes Richmond worth exploring on foot. This free outdoor trail brings Steveston’s fishing industry to life through bold visuals, quirky fish facts, and a focus on the people and marine life that make this harbor such a special place.
It’s relaxed and genuinely enjoyable — you’re outside, you’re learning something interesting, and the setting along the harbor is beautiful regardless of the season. Kids love the fish facts (adults do too, honestly), and if you’re a fish lover like me, you’ll be completely in your element — the marine life details alone are worth the walk. The installations are well done and the whole experience is one of those underrated things to do in Richmond BC that doesn’t get nearly enough credit.
Garry Point Park — Sunsets, Sea Views, and Sweet Doing Nothing
Garry Point Park has a different personality for every season — and honestly, it’s worth visiting in all of them. Come in spring (late March to mid-April) and you’ll walk into one of the most spectacular cherry blossom displays in Metro Vancouver — 255 Akebono cherry trees in full pink bloom, with the Fraser River as your backdrop. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival happens right here every April, celebrating Richmond’s deep Japanese-Canadian heritage with taiko drummers, tea ceremonies, and hanami picnics under the trees.
Summer brings kite flyers, dog walkers, wide blue skies and those jaw-dropping views of the Gulf Islands and Mount Baker on clear days. Autumn turns the park golden and quiet. And winter? Winter is when Garry Point gets moody and cinematic — low fog rolling off the water, the harbour almost still, the kind of dramatic Pacific Northwest atmosphere that makes for stunning photos and an oddly peaceful solo walk.
Whatever season brings you here, the park sits at the very tip of Steveston where the Fraser River meets the Strait of Georgia, and the light over the water at sunrise and sunset is genuinely something else. Bring a blanket, bring a coffee, and just slow down for a minute. Richmond moves fast — this is where you remember to breathe.
Richmond Public Market — Local Flavors, Zero Fuss
The Richmond Public Market is a wonderful place to get lost for an hour or two. It’s lively, it’s unpretentious, and it’s got that authentic local market energy that’s hard to fake. You’ll find fresh produce, Asian groceries, ready-to-eat food stalls, and the kind of random retail mix that always turns up something interesting.
It’s a great stop if you’re self-catering, want to pick up some BC products to take home, or just want to eat well without spending a lot. The food court section in particular is a solid lunch option — multiple cuisines, low prices, busy for all the right reasons.
International Buddhist Temple — A Moment of Calm Like No Other
The International Buddhist Temple is one of those places that genuinely stops you in your tracks. Modeled after Beijing’s Forbidden City, it’s one of the largest and most authentic Buddhist temples in North America — golden-tiled rooflines, flared eaves, two scholar’s courtyards, and a classical Chinese garden with lotus ponds, twin gazebos and a stone bridge that feels worlds away from suburban Richmond.
Inside, don’t miss the Seven Buddha Mural — at 22 metres long, it’s said to be the only Buddhist mural of its size anywhere in the world. It’s a functioning place of worship, which means the calm here is real — not manufactured for tourists.
Dress modestly, move quietly, and be mindful of no-photography signs inside the temple — this is an active place of worship, not a tourist attraction, and the atmosphere deserves that respect.Whether you’re Buddhist or not, this is one of the most visually spectacular and genuinely moving places in all of Richmond. Don’t miss it.
Richmond Art Gallery — Small Space, Big Ideas
The Richmond Art Gallery is a small but punchy cultural space that tends to fly under the radar even among locals. Free admission means there’s literally no reason not to stop in, and the rotating exhibitions have a knack for showcasing thoughtful, contemporary work with strong regional and Pacific Rim connections.
It’s not a day-long destination, but it’s a great 45-minute stop if you’re already in the city centre area and want something that’s not food or history. The gallery does a good job of connecting Richmond’s cultural identity to broader artistic conversations — worth a look.
Richmond Olympic Experience (ROX) — Where You Actually Feel Like an Olympian
Located inside the Richmond Olympic Oval, the Richmond Olympic Experience is the only Canadian member of the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Museums Network and the first in North America. Your visit begins with an inspirational film in the Richmond Olympic Experience Theatre before opening into three levels of immersive galleries exploring Olympic and Paralympic history, Canada’s Olympic achievements, and hundreds of authentic artifacts including historic medals, torches and uniforms from Games around the world.
The five simulators are the highlight designed to recreate the thrill of elite competition. Test your shot put strength, grip a climbing hold, or measure your vertical jump against elite athlete benchmarks. Hockey fans can explore a gallery celebrating Canada’s favorite game and its Olympic legacy. The Richmond Olympic Experience is currently open Thursday–Sunday from 10am–5pm.Plan 60–90 minutes to experience everything.
Eat Incredible Asian Food — Richmond’s Real Claim to Fame
Let’s talk about what Richmond is genuinely, undeniably world-class at: the food. Specifically, the Asian food scene here is not just the best in Canada — it’s legitimately world-class by any standard. With 74% of its population Asian and many authentic restaurants — more per capita than anywhere else in North America — Richmond doesn’t just have a food scene. It has a food identity.
Where do you start? Dim sum is the obvious answer — and Richmond’s dim sum scene is extraordinary. The Dumpling Trail is a brilliant way to navigate it.
Check out the official Richmond Dumpling Trail— it maps out the best spots for Xiao Long Bao, Har Gow, Siu Mai, Potstickers and everything in between. Follow the trail and eat your way across Richmond like it’s your actual job.
Richmond Night Market — North America’s Largest
If you’re visiting Richmond between May and October, the Richmond Night Market is non-negotiable. This is not some small-town fair with a few food stalls — it is the largest night market in North America.
Beyond the food, there are vendors selling everything from phone cases to vintage streetwear, live performances, carnival games, and an energy that’s genuinely electric on a warm summer night. In 2025 they’ve even added a 600-foot zip line soaring above the entire market. Come hungry, and come with cash — most vendors are cash only. This is one of the best experiences in Metro Vancouver and one of the top things to do in Richmond BC during summer — period.
Richmond BC — The Perfect Vancouver Itinerary Add-On
Already building a Vancouver itinerary? Block off a full day for Richmond — it’s 20 minutes from downtown, directly on the Canada Line, and offers a completely different side of the city that most visitors never see. For Vancouver locals, it’s the easiest weekend escape you’re not taking nearly enough advantage of.
And if you’re transiting through YVR with a few hours to spare, Richmond is absolutely worth leaving the terminal for. Steveston Village is 15 minutes from the airport by SkyTrain — enough time for a waterfront walk, fish and chips at the wharf, and a story worth telling. Best layover decision you’ll ever make.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Richmond BC
Richmond BC has this slightly unfair reputation as a stopover — a place you pass through on the way to Vancouver, or a quick detour for dim sum. Spend a full day (or two) here and that impression evaporates completely. You’ve got Steveston’s working waterfront and layered industrial history, one of the most remarkable religious sites in Canada, an Olympic legacy venue, a food scene that punches well above its weight class, and a summer night market that has no right to be as good as it is.
The best things to do in Richmond BC aren’t hidden exactly, but they’re definitely under-appreciated — and that’s part of what makes discovering them so satisfying. Whether you’re arriving for the first time or finally giving Richmond the proper exploration it deserves, this city rewards curiosity. Come with an appetite (literally and figuratively), and you won’t leave disappointed.
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