Tourism Richmond

Challenges

Guiding Principles
Four guiding principles were established as the foundation for developing the Tourism Master Plan, with each principle deeply integrated into the research, industry engagement, and creation of the strategic framework.

1. Create a Shared Vision: Through the process of developing the Tourism Master Plan, extensive community and industry consultation will enable a greater understanding of multiple perspectives with the aim that the final Plan reflects a shared vision to guide activities to enhance Richmond as a tourist destination.

2. Grow Sustainably: The Tourism Master Plan will guide future growth of the tourism sector in Richmond and will identify opportunities to grow the visitor economy sustainably over the long-term, building resilience to address shorter-term impacts. The lens of social, cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability will seek to provide long-term opportunities for the greatest breadth of residents and communities possible.

3. Positively Impact the Community: In considering future growth of the sector, the Tourism Master Plan will be guided by a focus on approaches and actions that positively impact the broader Richmond community.

4. Guide Future Investments: The Tourism Master Plan will help provide direction for future public and private investments related to tourism in Richmond over the longer term. This includes guiding future MRDT applications, investments, and associated activities undertaken by the City and its partners to support growth and development of the tourism sector in Richmond.

GOAL 1: Enhance Connectivity and Accessibility
Create a seamlessly connected destination that prioritizes multi-modal, accessible and sustainable transportation options enhanced through technology and barrier-free access to attractions and experiences for visitors and residents.

Strategic Initiative 1.1: Build a Smart and Seamless Mobility Ecosystem

Transform Richmond's transportation ecosystem through technology-enabled, sustainable, and interconnected mobility solutions.

Strategic Initiative 1.2: Advance Accessibility across Richmond's Tourism Experiences

Position Richmond as a national leader in accessible tourism by ensuring attractions, experiences, and activities are inclusive, welcoming, and barrier-free.



GOAL 2: Elevate and Diversify Visitor Experiences
Develop Richmond into a vibrant year-round tourism hub, providing a wide array of immersive activities that encourage extended visitation and create community pride.

Strategic Initiative 2.1: Cultivate Signature Year-Round Experiences

Transform Richmond into a year-round destination through a calendar of iconic events and experiences that celebrate heritage, culture, food, nature and community.

Strategic Initiative 2.2: Showcase Sport, Culinary and Agritourism Leadership

Leverage Richmond's identity and established programs to anchor its tourism brand, create new experiences and expand its influence as a hub for leaders in sport, culinary and agricultural tourism.

Strategic Initiative 2.3: Enhance Tourism Offerings

Broaden Richmond's appeal by enhancing a range of authentic local experiences to develop new visitor markets and extend length of stay.



GOAL 3: Advance Tourism Infrastructure Development
Encourage the development of top-tier tourism infrastructure, gathering spaces and landmark attractions that position Richmond as a vibrant, must-visit destination in every season.

Strategic Initiative 3.1: Explore Opportunities for a Multi-Purpose Conference and Event Venue

Advance planning toward a multi-purpose conference and event venue that anchors Richmond's event economy and showcases the city as a premier destination for conferences, meetings and events.

Strategic Initiative 3.2: Foster Destination-Defining Infrastructure and Investment

Encourage and guide strategic tourism infrastructure development that enhances Richmond's competitiveness and visitor experience.

Strategic Initiative 3.3: Leverage Public Spaces and Placemaking

Leverage Richmond's waterfronts, parks, and open spaces to celebrate its culture, landscapes, and community spirit.



Pacific. Authentic. Richmond BC.

*Discover signature views, attractions, and cuisine as you experience Richmond’s dyke trails by bike.*

*Discover signature views, attractions, and cuisine as you experience Richmond’s dyke trails by bike.*

The Bike the Dyke route follows the Middle Arm Trail (5.5km, one way), the West Dyke Trail (6km, one way), and part of the South Dyke Trail (2km, one way). There are plenty of places to stop along the way to make biking the dyke a full day experience.

Bike the Dyke Trail

Stops

The Water #10 Vertical is a stainless-steel sculpture capturing the shape of a spilled liquid as it is caught in the air. This artwork was designed by Chinese artist Ren Jun, and was installed as part of the Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale 2009-2011 (City of Richmond).

Water #10 Vertical

The UBC Boathouse is a floating facility located on the banks of the Fraser River. It is a popular venue for weddings and private events, offering stunning North Shore mountain and river views.

John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse

The Middle Arm Waterfront Park is a 1.5km park overlooking the Fraser River. You might recognize it by its signature pirate ship play area.

Middle Arm Waterfront Park

The Richmond Olympic Oval is an indoor multi-sports venue on the banks of the Fraser River. The Oval offers an inspiring environment for all ages and skill levels to progress towards their own personal podiums.The Olympic Experience at the Richmond Olympic Oval is Canada’s first official member of the Olympic Museums Network and one of the world’s most interactive sport exhibitions. Explore Olympic gold medals, rare artefacts, and world-class sport simulators—experience what it feels like to be an Olympic hero at the ROX!

Richmond Olympic Oval

The No.2 Road Pump Station was created in 2018 by Vancouver artist, Germaine Koh. It is a glass-walled building containing interactive elements demonstrating water treatment functions and services supported by the building (City of Richmond).

No. 2 Road Drainage Pump Station

The No.1 Road Drainage Pump Station is a representation of Richmond’s city-wide storm drainage system and exists in the same location as the original drainage works.

No. 1 Road Drainage Pump Station

Terra Nova Rural Park is a popular community green space located in northwest Richmond. Bordered on two sides by the riverfront West Dyke Trail (along with a small portion of the Middle Arm Trail), and across the street from a protected nature area that’s loved by local birdwatchers, 63-acre&nbsp;Terra Nova Rural Park has a diverse array of attractions. From a brilliant playground and a flower-packed bee garden to historic buildings and winding trails fringed by dense foliage, it has been luring locals for years

Terra Nova Rural Park

The Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment was constructed as a dynamic playground for children. It features a custom designed 10-meter tall tree house, meadow maze, and a tandem zipline.

Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment

This 6km trail runs between Steveston’s Garry Point Park in the south and Terra Nova Rural Park in the north. Popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists, the trail’s flat terrain fringes the lush green marshlands of Sturgeon Banks, itself lapped by the Strait of Georgia and framed by the&nbsp;looming North Shore mountains and distant Gulf Islands peaks.

West Dyke Trail

Occupying 30 hectares (75 acres) of gently rolling grassy areas, Garry Point is fringed by a sandy, log-strewn shoreline. A magnet for visitors, the shimmering waterfront offers panoramic views of the Fraser River’s South Arm and beyond—those are the low-rise silhouettes of the Gulf Islands winking at you across the water.

Garry Point Park

Standing stark on the shoreline of the south arm of the Fraser River, the Steveston Fishermen’s Memorial was designed as a striking homage to the tragic deaths of local fishermen. The first element reaching to the heavens is a giant mending needle, traditionally used to repair trawl, gill, and&nbsp;seine nets. The needle stands atop a circular stone compass, a representation of a key tool used by fishermen to find their way through often treacherous waters. (City of Richmond)

Steveston Fisherman’s Memorial Needle

Steveston’s Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site is one of BC’s best industrial museums. Bringing to life the gritty working conditions of those employed in one of the region’s biggest salmon-canning plants—known as&nbsp;the Monster during its heyday—it’s a highly evocative glimpse at how many Richmond locals used to make a living. It is a year-round, family-friendly attraction that’s hugely popular with locals and visitors, it has a host of intriguing ‘hooks’ to lure visitors through the door.

Gulf Of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site

Built in 1913 by the St Louis Car Company the 1220 was brought to the Lower Mainland with 27 other cars and contributed to the development of Richmond’s city centre. The trams and the people who worked on them became an important part of the community (City of Richmond).

Steveston Tram 

Britannia Shipyard is a rare surviving example of a once thriving mixture of canneries, boatyards and residences. It is an eight-acre National Historic Site with some of the oldest remaining heritage buildings found along the Fraser River (City of Richmond).

Bike the Dyke Trail

Bike the Dyke Trail

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Dumpling Trail