Travel to Richmond, BC in Canada

Host City for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games in British Columbia

May 4, 2009

California Sea Lion Tour in Richmond, BC (Canada), Lori Henry

Head to downtown Richmond for hotels, events, Asian culture and medal sports at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.

Travelling to Richmond, BC is a unique look at Canada. Airport hotels are actually located in downtown Richmond, colourful events happen all year round, Asian culture is showcased in the wild array of restaurants, and medal sports will be competed in during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.

Richmond Travel

The city that was once primarily agricultural land and then just known as the gateway to the Vancouver International Airport, is now coming into its own. It’s made up of 17 islands, the main named Lulu Island apparently after the young actress Lulu Sweet.

Hotels Richmond, BC

Although most of the hotels are located in downtown Richmond, they’re billed as airport hotels. That’s because the Vancouver International Airport is a quick 10-minute shuttle ride from most hotels. Rooms are generally clean, newly renovated and most properties include at least one pool, fitness facility and large business and convention centres.

Richmond Hotel Highlights at various price points:

Sandman Signature Hotel & Resort Vancouver Airport (604-278-9611/1-800-SANDMAN, 10251 St. Edwards Drive)
Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport (604-276-8181/1800-395-7046, 8181 Cambie Road)
Best Western Richmond Hotel- soon to be Sheraton Vancouver Airport (604-273-7878/1-800-278-0188, 7551 Westminster Highway)
Days Inn Vancouver Airport (604-207-8000/1-800-329-7466, 2840 Sexsmith Road)
River Rock Casino Resort (604-247-8900/1-866-748-3718, 8811 River Road)
Executive Airport Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre (604-278-5555/1-888-388-3932)

Richmond Events

It seems there’s always something going on in Richmond.

Doors Open: 40 venues open their doors for a free look inside. Visit artist’s studios, places of worship, heritage landmarks, farms and museums. Beginning of May annually.
Summer Night Market: Exotic is the key here at this Asian-themed night market. There are over 250 vendors selling Asian street cuisine, unusual drinks, jewellery, CDs and DVDs. Multicultural entertainment sets the scene. Weekends from mid-May to the beginning of October.
Steveston Farmer’s and Artisans Market: Chat with over 50 vendors as they showcase local produce, art and healthy foods. Biweekly on Sundays from mid-May until mid-October.
Salmon Festival: This is the oldest festival in Richmond, tempting over 75,000 people per year. Celebrations include parades, marching bands, vintage vehicles and the climactic salmon BBQ over open fire pits. July 1 annually.
Maritime Festival: See a classic wooden boat show, sing sea shanties and try canoe building. August annually.
Wild BC Seafood Fest: Watch chefs demonstrate sardine recipes and sample their creations. August annually.
Chefs to the Field: This fundraiser partners 8-10 teams of professional chefs as they prepare a meal from freshly picked produce. August annually.
Festival of Lights: Steveston hosts this carolling procession and holiday celebration with Santa. December annually.

Downtown Richmond: Asian Culture

Called the “Golden Village,” Asian culture is represented by the fantastic Asian restaurants on offer. A few top picks:

Posh: Japanese sukiyaki is officially introduced to Richmond. Diners cook their own food at the iron pot on their table.
Northern Delicacy: Located in Aberdeen Centre, this Shanghai style restaurant is a modern rendition of classics.
Shiang Garden Seafood Restaurant: This Cantonese style restaurant is expert at seafood and dim sum.
Shanghai River Restaurant: Usually bustling, make sure to order at least one dish of dumplings, as they make about 6,000 per day.
Vogue Chinese Restaurant: This contemporarily furnished restaurant focuses on Taiwanese cuisine with a Szechuan influence.

Diverse Richmond, BC

There are many activities to keep travellers busy during their trip to Richmond. Visit the many immaculate temples, take a ride on a go-kart, rent a bike and cycle the dykes, take a whale watching tour (April to October), and see many a California sea lion in their natural habitat.

Planning a Richmond Vacation

Tourism Richmond (1-877-247-0777) can help plan itineraries, book hotels and offer travel recommendations.

The copyright of the article Travel to Richmond, BC in Canada in British Columbia Travel is owned by Lori Henry. Permission to republish Travel to Richmond, BC in Canada in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.