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.
Seaside restaurants in Richmond
Richmond is mainly composed of four main islands connected by roads: Lulu Island (by far the largest and most populated of the islands), Sea Island (mostly occupied by Vancouver International Airport (YVR IATA)), Mitchell Island (industrial land) and Iona Island (a park and a wastewater treatment plant). 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. Today, the heart of Chinese Vancouver beats here in Richmond and not in Chinatown.
Mandarin and Cantonese are commonly heard in Richmond due to the large population of Chinese immigrants who have settled here. If you look East Asian, service staff at many businesses may instinctively address you in Mandarin or Cantonese. If you don't speak either of those, just politely say that you don't understand, and you will be accommodated in English.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR IATA) is located on Sea Island within Richmond. The airport consists of the 49.1949-123.181Domestic and International Terminals and 49.1805-123.17032South Terminal. It is a short ride by taxi or on public transit using SkyTrain from the airport's Domestic and International Terminals (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.
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.
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 49.19559-123.12593Bridgeport station, trains alternate between traveling to either to 49.16812-123.136274Brighouse station (Richmond's downtown) or 49.19422-123.178355YVR-Airport station (servicing Vancouver International Airport's domestic and international terminals).
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.
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). (updated Mar 2022)
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.
The standard fare (effective July 2024) to get into Richmond is $3.20 by bus and $4.65 by SkyTrain (for a two zone ticket) from most places in the Greater Vancouver area. Fares for travel within Richmond are $3.20. A trip from Vancouver International Airport to Richmond costs $8.20, consisting of $3.20 for a one-zone transit fare and $5 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).
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).
49.1332-123.12341International Buddhist Temple, 9160 Steveston Highway (between No. 3 and No. 4 Rd), ☏ +1 604-274-2822, [email protected]. 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.
49.1638-123.1412Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate. M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-4PM. Centred around a public library, this centre is home to a small selection of museums and shops. (updated Apr 2022)Minoru Chapel
Richmond Museum (In the Richmond Cultural Centre.). M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-4PM. Artifacts and photos about the history of Richmond. (updated Jun 2021)
Richmond Art Gallery (In the Richmond Cultural Centre.), ☏ +1 604 247 8363. M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa Su 10AM-5PM. Artifacts and photos about the history of Richmond. (updated Apr 2022)
49.167222-123.1461113Minoru Chapel (Minoru Park), 6540 Gilbert Road. Rental chapel. This small picturesque chapel lies within a public park with an adjacent flower garden. It was built in 1991. (updated Jun 2021)
49.1509-123.09174No. 5 Road Religious Sites (Portion of No.5 Road between Blundell Road and Steveston 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. (updated Apr 2023)
49.188599-123.0661365RAPS Cat Sanctuary, 3380 No 6 Rd (Behind the greenhouse), ☏ +1 604-285-7724, [email protected]. Sa-Su 1-4pm. 380 cats live in this local non-profit cat sanctuary. Visit includes unlimited cat treats and a sticker. $16.82. (updated Jun 2024)
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.
49.125-123.1876Gulf of Georgia Cannery, 12138 Fourth Ave, ☏ +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.
49.1253-123.18297Steveston Museum (Town Square Park), 3811 Moncton St (at First Ave), ☏ +1-604-238-8026. 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. (updated Jun 2021)
49.1254-123.18078Steveston Tram, 4011 Moncton St (at No 1 Road), ☏ +1-604-238-8081. 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. (updated Jun 2021)
49.18401-123.1489411Larry Berg Flight Path Park, Russ Baker Way. Daily 5AM-11PM. Observers can view aircraft activity at the southern runway while learning the airport's history. The park also has a miniature of the three runways making up YVR, with a globe in the center highlighting the distance between Vancouver and select cities, surrounded by plaques explaining the airfield's history. (updated Apr 2021)
49.21249-123.1682212McDonald Beach Park, 3500 McDonald Rd (turn right at Canada Post Processing Centre). Daily 6AM-7PM. A park alongside Fraser River with a splendid view. A lot of picnic tables and boat ramps. (updated Apr 2021)
49.13496-123.0656451Riverport Sports & Entertainment Complex (SilverCity), 14211 Entertainment Way (south end of 6 Road, near the Ironwood mall), ☏ +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.
49.197589-123.058893TBC Indoor Cart Racing, 2100 Viceroy Pl, ☏ +1 604-232-9196, fax: +1 604-232-9197. 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). (updated Aug 2022)
Iona Jetty within Iona Beach Regional Park49.1961-123.127684River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Rd, toll-free: +1 866-748-3718. Slots, poker, table games, and racebook. (updated Feb 2023)
49.2188-123.21335Iona Beach Regional Park, 900 Ferguson Rd, ☏ +1 604-224-5739. Located on Iona Island, northwest of the Vancouver International Airport, this park features Iona Jetty a 3.4 km long straight jetty heading southwest with a gravel path over top, North Arm Jetty heading northwest with the north arm of the Fraser River on one side and a sandy beach facing the ocean on the other side, and Iona Beach, a sandy beach between the two jetties. It is home to a rare community of sand dune plants, and sits in the midst of the Pacific Flyway – making it a mecca for thousands of migrating birds. (updated Jul 2023)
49.1851-123.14421British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) - Aerospace Technology Campus, 3800 Cessna Dr, ☏ +1-604-434-5734, toll-free: +1-866-434-1610. Publicly funded. Considered one of the best technical colleges in Western Canada. It is known for its proactive approach, taking advice from local businesses and industry when designing its programs. The college specializes in technology and trades career preparation (ranging from computer/network administration, project management, marketing, welding, airplane and marine repair, plus others), but also offers a number of evening courses and part-time options. (updated Mar 2022)
49.1755-123.1331Lansdowne Mall, No. 3 Road at Alderbridge Way, ☏ +1 604-270-1344, fax: +1 604-270-1140. 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. (updated Aug 2022)
49.1671-123.1382Richmond Centre, No. 3 Rd (opposite Minoru Park), ☏ +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. (updated Aug 2021)
49.125413-123.1838483Steveston Village, 3651 Moncton St. A wide variety of small shops line this popular tourist area. (updated Aug 2022)
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.
49.193458-123.1329068Richmond 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), ☏ +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. (updated Sep 2022)
49.19756-123.139759McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport, 1000-7899 Templeton Station Rd (a 5-minute walk opposite Templeton Skytrain station), ☏ +1 604-231 5525. Daily 10AM-8PM. For posh items from various luxury brands for only a fraction of the original price, mostly from their old models, head here before you leave Canada. (updated Apr 2021)
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.
49.175736-123.1325661#9 Restaurant, 5300 No 3 Rd, Unit 816 (in Lansdowne Mall next to Kinko's), ☏ +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). (updated Aug 2022)
49.182727-123.136312Fukuroku, 4260 No. 3 Rd, ☏ +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.
49.195922-123.0951243Lamajoun, 11782 River Rd #128, ☏ +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. (updated Jan 2022)
49.124174-123.1864854Pajos, 12351 3 Ave (on a floating wharf near the intersection of Bayview and Third Avenue), ☏ +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. (updated Aug 2022)
49.181462-123.1351495Parker Place mall food court, 4311 Hazelbridge Way. The food court’s 19 stores offer tasty, convenient authentic cooking from a range of Asian cuisines.
49.170339-123.1330526Richmond Public Market, 8260 Westminster Hwy (near Buswell). Asian food court, located on the upper level, where you will find some of the cheapest and most delicious fast food in Richmond.
49.197-123.181177Harvey's & Swiss Chalet, 3211 Grant McConachie Way (in Vancouver International Airport (YVR), before security, domestic Level 2), ☏ +1 604-273-4441. Daily 7AM-9PM. A chain burger and rotisserie restaurant. (updated Aug 2022)
49.124962-123.1853718Kisamos Greek Taverna, 3420 Moncton St (in Steveston), ☏ +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. (updated Aug 2021)
49.172919-123.1343689Neptune Seafood Restaurant (龍皇鮑翅海鮮酒家), 8171 Ackroyd Rd #100 (facing No. 3 Road), ☏ +1 604-207-9888, fax: +1 604-207-9920. Usually packed with locals, dining on the very popular dim sum and/or great seafood. (updated Oct 2015)
49.124775-123.18133810Papi's Ristorante Italiano, 12251 No. 1 Rd, ☏ +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.
49.131469-123.18514811Steveston Pizza Co., 100-3400 Moncton St, ☏ +1 604-204-0777. Pizza joint in Steveston that serves tasty thin crust pizza. (updated Oct 2015)
49.181055-123.13567312Sun Sui Wah, 102-4940 No. 3 Rd, ☏ +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. (updated Oct 2015)
49.124641-123.18464113Tapenade Bistro, 3711 Bayview, ☏ +1 604-275-5188, [email protected]. 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. (updated Oct 2015)
49.186553-123.12607714Top Gun J&C, #2020 Excel Centre, 8766 Mckim Way, ☏ +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. (updated Oct 2015)
49.175473-123.14666615Origo Club, 6888 River Rd #110, ☏ +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. (updated Aug 2022)
49.140059-123.1378631Pioneer's Pub, 200-10111 No. 3 Rd, ☏ +1 604 271-6611. Quality beer sold at hard-to-match prices in Vancouver. Great pub atmosphere and standard meal fare.
49.177314-123.1682252Flying Beaver, 4760 Inglis Dr, ☏ +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. (updated Aug 2022)
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.
49.18519-123.107421Accent Inn, 10551 St Edwards Dr, ☏ +1 604-273 3311. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Large and colourful rooms, some equipped with kitchenette. No free shuttle during COVID-19 but will cover taxi fare to/from the airport. Few restaurants in the surrounding but there is an Eggspectation restaurant next door. From $180 per night. (updated Apr 2021)
49.170438-123.1453352Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport, 7311 Westminster Hwy (near Brighouse station), ☏ +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. (updated Apr 2022)
49.1921-123.12753Hampton Inn by Vancouver Airport, 8811 Bridgeport Rd, ☏ +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. Includes WiFi and breakfast. $100-300. (updated Aug 2023)
49.19224-123.11974Holiday Inn Express Vancouver Airport, 9351 Bridgeport Rd, ☏ +1 604-273 8080. A budget but modern hotel with free hot breakfast and WiFi. Also available: complimentary gym, business center, laundry, complimentary coffee and snacks for purchase in lobby. Can be noisy as the property is sandwiched between the highway and entrance to the adjacent Costco. From $130 per night. (updated Apr 2021)
49.1961-123.127686River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Rd, ☏ +1 604-247 8900. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. A gigantic hotel with restaurant options including Chinese, buffet, seafood, Italian, and a food court. Across the street from Bridgeport Skytrain station. From $180 per night. (updated Apr 2021)
49.191-123.11427Sandman Hotel by Vancouver Airport, 3233 St. Edwards Dr, ☏ +1 604-303-8888. Contemporary architectural hotel near the airport that is clean and comfortable. Rooms include kitchenettes and air conditioning.
49.1717-123.14048Hilton Vancouver Airport, 5911 Minoru Blvd. 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.
49.17096-123.141949Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, 7551 Westminster Hwy, ☏ +1 604-273-7878. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. One of the oldest hotels in Richmond, though kept in good condition and close to downtown area. (updated Aug 2023)
49.19041-123.134110The Westin Wall Centre Vancouver Airport, 3099 Corvette Way (Entrance from Corvette Way, the first right turn on Sea Island Way from the airport after the bridge), ☏ +1 604-303 6565. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. A ritzy hotel with high floors overlooking the mountains north of Vancouver. Has its own restaurant, and walking distance to shops and other restaurants. From $250 per night. (updated Apr 2021)
49.1947-123.17612Fairmont Vancouver Airport, 3111 Grant McConachie Way, ☏ +1 604-207-5200. Located inside the Vancouver International Airport's 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.
49.19086-123.1403213Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina, 3500 Cessna Dr, ☏ +1 604-278-1241. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. A large hotel with rooms overlooking the marina. Complimentary shuttle to the airport provided. Two restaurants and one harbor deck for food options. Includes WiFi, a fitness centre, and a free shuttle to the airport. While it is a short taxi ride to lots of retail and food options on Lulu Island, there is not much of anything within a short walking distance. From $250 per night. (updated Aug 2023)
49.16888-123.146584Richmond Hospital, 7000 Westminster Hwy, ☏ +1 604-278-9711. Hospital with an emergency department operating 24/7. (updated Mar 2023)
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.
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