Liam AndersonRichmond might look like just a small slice of Vancouver, but don’t let that fool you. Sure, life here can feel a bit same-old, same-old, but this place has way more personality than meets the eye.
If you’ve been here for a while, it’s easy to get stuck in the routine. But all it really takes is shaking things up and trying something different.
And when your brain goes blank on what to do next, that’s where we’ve got your back. We went out and did the exploring for you. Yes, it was fun, and yes, we ate too much along the way.
Now we’ve pulled together a list to make your life easier. Think of it as your cheat sheet to making Richmond way less repetitive and way more fun!
- Historical and Cultural Things to Do in Richmond, Vancouver
- 1. Step back in time at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
- 2. Unearth Richmond’s maritime past at Britannia Shipyards
- 3. Take a tour of the London Heritage Farm
- 4. Dive into Steveston Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
- 5. Enjoy the stunning outdoors at Water Sky Garden
- 6. Explore contemporary works at Richmond Art Gallery
- Food and Drinks to Try in Richmond, Vancouver
- Entertaining Things to Do in Richmond, Vancouver
- Outdoor Things to Do in Richmond, Vancouver
Historical and Cultural Things to Do in Richmond, Vancouver
1. Step back in time at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
– Media credits: gogcannery
Address: 12138 Fourth Ave
Contact details: +1 604-664-9009
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Price: Free
If you’re strolling along Steveston’s waterfront, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is one stop you don’t want to skip. This 1894 salmon cannery was once the biggest on the Pacific coast. Today, it’s a time machine that takes you straight into BC’s fishing past.
The restored canning line and herring plant show just how noisy and chaotic a real working cannery must have been. Kids, who often might roll their eyes at the thought of history, often end up glued to the interactive activities and don’t want to leave.
Adults can dive into the stories of the diverse workers—from Indigenous to Chinese, Japanese, and European communities. They all kept the cannery buzzing for decades.
| Pro tip: If you’re visiting in the summer, you can save a little cash because the museum often offers free entry. |
2. Unearth Richmond’s maritime past at Britannia Shipyards
Media credits: britanniashipyards
Address: 5180 Westwater Dr
Contact details: +1 604-238-8050
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM – 3:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Price: Free
Britannia Shipyards is a slice of history with riverfront views. It’s a great spot to visit to give you a peek into life a hundred years ago, when canneries, boatyards, and worker homes shaped the local economy.
You can wander along wooden boardwalks, check out the old Chinese and Japanese bunkhouses, and peek into the manager’s house.
Sure, some buildings are still under construction. You might have to dodge a spider or two, but it just makes the place feel real.
| Pro tip: Check which buildings are open. Around half of the 13 buildings are often under renovation, so visit their official website or check with the staff to know which buildings are accessible that day. |
3. Take a tour of the London Heritage Farm
– Media credits: hello.kseniia and londonfarmsteveston
Address: 6511 Dyke Rd
Contact details: +1 604-271-5220
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: Closed
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Price: Free
Founded in the 1880s by brothers William and Charles London, the London Heritage Farm was a hub of early community life. They built one of the first dykes along the Fraser, set up a cannery, and even ran a steamship landing.
We personally loved the farmhouse as it was meticulously restored. Six rooms are filled with period furniture, clothing, and household items that show a vivid look at daily farm life. We could even imagine the family cooking, sewing, and raising kids in these rooms.
Outside, there are heritage and herb gardens, a restored barn, chicken coops, and a tiny hand tool museum.
| Pro tip: We suggest planning your visit around tea time (which you can check on their website). Keep in mind that tea service is more like a light snack, so don’t expect a full meal. |
4. Dive into Steveston Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
– Media credits: mini.manian
Address: 4251 Moncton St
Contact details: +1 604-238-8084
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Price: Free
The Steveston Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre celebrates the Japanese Canadian community that’s been shaping this fishing town for over a century. You’ll love this for its beautiful location and events focused on Japanese culture.
From cultural clubs to language classes, there’s always something going on. The history of martial arts comes alive too, though don’t expect to be throwing kicks yourself.
Mostly, you’ll catch some impressive demos and pick up a few fascinating stories about the art and its roots in the community.
| Pro tip: After exploring the centre, make the most out of your experience and walk around Steveston Village. There are a few cultural spots nearby, like the Buddhist temple, the Nikkei Fisherman’s statue, and the Japanese Hospital plaza. |
5. Enjoy the stunning outdoors at Water Sky Garden
– Media credits: leanneprain
Address: 5098 Hollybridge Way
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Price: Free
Skip the boring strolls and head to the Water Sky Garden, which is right by the Richmond Olympic Oval.
Janet Echelman’s design is basically a giant playground for your eyes. A red-stained cedar boardwalk winds through the space while massive netted “sky lanterns” float above. At night, they glow and make the whole place feel so magical.
The whole setup nods to Richmond’s fishing and canning past, Japanese and Chinese gardens, and the Musqueam people’s fishing traditions. It’s a whole lot of culture wrapped in a stroll.
| Pro tip: Locals often use the space for evening walks, so weekday mornings or late afternoons tend to be quieter. This gives you more breathing room and photo opportunities without people constantly walking through your shots. |
6. Explore contemporary works at Richmond Art Gallery
– Media credits: richmondartgallerybc and aspirerichmond
Address: 7700 Minoru Gate #180
Contact details: +1 604-247-8363
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Price: Free
The Richmond Art Gallery might be small, but it’s definitely packed with interesting Canadian, Indigenous, and international contemporary art.
Their curation is thoughtful. Exhibitions often tackle themes like cultural identity, environmental issues, and technological innovation in art.
It sits inside the Richmond Cultural Centre, right near the library, so it’s super convenient if you’re exploring downtown.
Exhibitions change every month or two, so there’s almost always something new to see. We suggest you catch a guided tour too. The docents make the art come alive, and suddenly those abstract pieces aren’t so intimidating.
| Pro tip: The signage can be easy to miss, especially in summer when trees partially hide the gallery’s name. The main entrance isn’t obvious at first glance. Look for the Richmond Cultural Centre doors instead when navigation becomes tricky. |
Food and Drinks to Try in Richmond, Vancouver
7. Devour fresh seafood at Steveston Seafood House
– Media credits: stevestonseafoodhouse
Address: 3951 Moncton St
Contact details: +1 604-271-5252
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 4:30 PM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9 PM
Price: $$$
For a place famous for fishing, it’d be a crime to skip a proper seafood meal. Steveston Seafood House is the best spot we’d point you to. Their sablefish here is light, tender, and miso-packed—basically the kind of fish that makes you feel fancy.
We also loved the Mighty Fraser, which comes with roasted veggies. The best part is, they actually taste like veggies, not the sad garnish you get at most places.
Oysters here are a cheap thrill at a buck fifty each, but don’t be shocked if they’re a little inconsistent in size.
| Pro tip: Save room for dessert. Finish with the tiramisu if you want something delicate, or the cheesecake if you want a fruity punch. |
8. Grab a classic at Pajo’s Fish & Chips
– Media credits: yvrairport and pajos_fishchips
Address: 12351 Third Ave
Contact details: +1 604-272-1588
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 6:30 PM
Price: $$
Pajo’s Fish & Chips’ menu keeps it simple—fish and chips or fish tacos. Some of us wish for more variety, like shrimp or calamari. However, since they really shine in what they do best, we’d let it slide.
The fish is fresh and the batter is light and crispy. Their slightly higher price feels justified too, since they’re very generous with their portions.
Its location is probably their biggest asset, though. Positioned right on the water, with boats drifting by and seagulls overhead, you’ll get the whole Richmond summer vibes in full effect.
| Pro tip: Don’t be shy about asking for refills on fries. They’re generous and perfectly seasoned. Pair them with the tartar sauce or malt vinegar to enjoy them even better. |
9. Slurp the best pho at Pho 37
– Media credits: nickandrhea and pho37
Address: 8300 Capstan Wy #1008
Contact details: +1 604-447-5158
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Price: $$
Pho 37 is the place to go to if you’re looking for good, authentic Vietnamese food. They really know how to do comfort food right: huge portions, bold flavours, and fast service.
As the name of the restaurant itself, the pho is the real star. Even while the server was walking up to us, we could already smell that rich and fragrant broth like it’s been simmering all day. The beef is also tender and fresh!
If you’re being adventurous, the beef short ribs and lemongrass chicken were also well-seasoned.
We also noticed that if you’re a couple or a party of two, you’ll likely be seated right away. Larger groups, like us, had to wait a few minutes.
| Pro tip: Go early, especially on weekends. Lines start forming around 11:30 AM, so aim to arrive by 11 if you want to avoid waiting. |
10. Try some wines at Cask Whisky Vault
– Media credits: cask.yvr
Address: 8400 West Rd #105
Contact details: +1 604-242-2767
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Thursday: 6 PM – 1 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 6 PM – 2 AM
- Sunday: 6 PM – 1 AM
Price: $$$
Cask Whisky Vault is inside the Versante Hotel, and the entrance is easy to miss. But once you’re in, you’ll enjoy the stylish retro vibe of it. You can hear the person across the table without shouting over the live music.
The drinks are where Cask really shines. The whisky wall, with bottles from all over the world, is enough to persuade you into trying a lot of them. Even the cocktails are very good, as everything looks gorgeous and smells amazing.
On the other hand, their food didn’t receive much praise from our team. A few of them had punchy flavours, especially when paired with a good whisky. The others are salty or just okay on their own.
| Pro tip: The whisky list is huge, so a flight is the best way to sample different styles without committing to a full pour. It’s also fun to compare them side by side, especially if you’re with friends. |
Entertaining Things to Do in Richmond, Vancouver
11. Try your luck at River Rock Casino
– Media credits: riverrockcasinoresort
Address: 8811 River Rd
Contact details: +1 604-273-1895
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Price: $$
To feel like you’ve landed in a mini version of Vegas without the long flight, Richmond has the River Rock Casino. It’s the thrill of knowing you might walk out with more cash than you came in with.
Slots are everywhere, from the old-school classics to the modern ones. If you like table games, you’ll find roulette, blackjack, and more. Baccarat is a nice standout here since it doesn’t come with banker commission.
You can even manage to walk out with a small win after signing up for the players’ club. This will give you free play credits. For roulette fans, you might find the options a little thin since there are only a couple of tables.
| Pro tip: Don’t worry if you miss the old free-serve drinks. There are rolling carts with waitresses and late-night snacks that will keep you covered, so you’ll never go thirsty or hungry when you play. |
12. Catch a show at Gateway Theatre
– Media credits: gatewaythtr
Address: 6500 Gilbert Rd.
Contact details: +1 604-270-1812
Operating hours:
- Depends on the show schedule
Price: $$
Gateway Theatre is big enough to feel legit and small enough that you don’t need binoculars to see the actors.
The place itself is comfy and well laid out—no bad seats, no weird angles. Parking is free, though it does fill up if the night’s a big one. They’ve even got free Wi-Fi, so we really flexed our cultured evening on Instagram before the lights dimmed.
The not-so-fun part would be the concession line at intermission. Let’s just say it moves more slowly than the plot of a three-hour opera.
There is a pre-order option for snacks and drinks, but it wasn’t really advertised much. Most of us only noticed the sign once we’d already given up in line.
| Pro tip: We suggest buying a concession as soon as the lobby opens. The concession stand usually opens an hour before the show, so get your drinks or snacks early to avoid the line. |
13. Experience a lively hockey game at the Minoru Arena
– Media credits: richmond.sockeyes
Address: 7551 Minoru Gate
Contact details: +1 604-238-8465
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 6 AM – 11 PM
Price: $
If you’re looking for a fun night out, catching a hockey game at Minoru Arena is one of the best calls you can make.
You’ll be lucky if you catch the Richmond Sockeyes playing. It’s the time when you’d really feel the community spirit—crowd cheering, boards rattling, and even that collective gasp when someone misses a breakaway shot.
It’s a small-town hockey energy in the best way. Bonus part: you won’t lose feeling in your toes because the arena actually keeps things warm enough for spectators.
| Pro tip: Minoru Arena offers public skating at fair prices. If you want a quieter skate experience, the best time to go is during weekday daytime sessions. |
14. Watch a movie at SilverCity Riverport Cinemas
– Media credits: miss_jennifeeerrr
Address: 14211 Entertainment Way
Contact details: +1 604-277-5993
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 12 AM
Price: $$
SilverCity Riverport Cinemas is the biggest theatre in Metro Vancouver, so if you’re into huge screens and booming sound, you’ll be in movie heaven.
Booking tickets is a breeze—online or at the self-service machines. No awkward fumbling at the counter, so you’ll just pick your seat and go. We also loved how we were greeted with a smile while ordering a bucket of popcorn!
And if you try the DMAX ones, it’s like your movie got a glow-up. Action flicks especially feel next-level in here. It feels like you’re right there at every car chase and every explosion.
| Pro tip: Weeknights and matinees are your friends if you hate crowds. Big blockbusters and weekend evenings draw the most people, so aim for a Tuesday or a 1–4 PM show if you want elbow room and a quieter lobby. |
15. Heal your inner child at Game On GO!
– Media credits: julio_eats and gameongo.ca
Address: 9111 Beckwith Rd #1040
Contact details: +1 236-234-8638
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 1 PM – 10 PM
- Friday: 1 PM – 1:30 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: $$
Who wouldn’t want to heal their inner child, right? Game On GO! is one of those spots that makes you feel like a kid again, except this time, you’ll probably break a sweat while you’re at it.
The place is basically a gym disguised as an arcade. Instead of lifting weights or running on a treadmill, we had fun dodging lasers, hopping across glowing floor tiles, and playing a hide-and-seek game.
It’s chaotic in the best way possible! You’ll quickly realise this is less about working out and more about laughing at yourself (and your friends) while you move around.
The space isn’t huge, so this works best with a small group. The prices are a little on the steep side, and sometimes not all the bells and whistles work.
| Pro tip: Crow, the host, is very friendly. Don’t be shy to ask him for tips or a suggested strategy for each game. He’ll tweak difficulty and sometimes throw in little extras. |
16. Play and splash at Watermania
– Media credits: cityofrichmondbc
Address: 14300 Entertainment Blvd #14300
Contact details: +1 604-448-5353
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6 AM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 6 AM – 8:15 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 9 PM
Price: $$
If you’re looking for something fun to do with the family, Watermania is a good option. Think of it as the indoor water park that doesn’t try too hard but still delivers on the fun.
Our favourite would be the wave pool. Every 15 minutes, a buzzer goes off, kids go wild, and suddenly you’re in your own mini surf decision. Bring a floatie and you’ll enjoy it even more.
There’s also a kids’ area with little slides and a lazy river-style pool for splashing around, plus two big slides for the braver bunch. The red slide is the easygoing one, while the blue slide shoots you down in the dark a lot faster.
Outside of the splash zone, you’ve got a proper lane pool with diving boards if you want to get serious about swimming. There’s also a gym and physio centre in the same building.
| Pro tip: Bring coins for lockers. Lockers use coins (two 25-cent pieces), so stash 50 cents in your pocket or bring extra change. The front desk can usually help with the change, but it’s faster to come prepared. |
Outdoor Things to Do in Richmond, Vancouver
17. Hit the greens at West Richmond Pitch & Putt Golf Course
– Media credits: soberlyyours
Address: 9751 Pendleton Rd
Contact details: +1 604-204-7888
Operating hours:
- Monday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 12 PM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Price: $
You don’t need to be a pro to have fun at West Richmond Pitch & Putt Gold Course. It’s perfect for beginners, kids, or anyone who wants to laugh at their own golf swing. The 9-hole course keeps things short and sweet, with every hole under 100 yards.
Our team loved how affordable it is. For around 12 bucks, you can play around. If you’re feeling it, there’s even a discount for a second go.
The place is well-kept and full of tall, shady trees. The greens are nicer than we’d expect at this price point.
The tee boxes are a bit on the DIY side, though. Every now and then, you’ll run into someone skipping ahead to an open hole, which can be a little annoying. But the staff is friendly and the atmosphere here is super chill.
| Pro tip: Bring bug spray if you’re playing in the summer, unless you want the mosquitoes to carry you off mid-putt. |
18. Stroll through Garry Point Park
– Media credits: gar.field.w
Address: 12011 Seventh Ave
Contact details: +1 604-244-1208
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 6 AM – 9 PM
Price: Free
Garry Point Park is a place that just works no matter the season. It’s basically the all-in-one package: cherry blossoms in spring, ocean breezes in summer, golden sunsets in fall, and peaceful walks in winter.
Families will love it here because kids can run around the sandy patches, fly kites, or just burn energy while parents actually sit for a moment. Photographers usually chase the cherry blossoms and the Mount Baker views, and honestly, we get it.
If you’re here to just stretch your legs, there are plenty of trails that wind past Scotch Pond and the Fishermen’s Memorial too.
| Pro tip: Take advantage of the seasonal concessions near the entrance if you get hungry. The fish tacos are amazing, but it can be closed in winter. If it’s closed, Steveston Village is a short walk away and has plenty of options. |
