richmond
Richmond combines the verve of Asia with rural scenes that are distinctly local. A taste of Asia’s vibrant street life shines at the Richmond Night Market, while riverside trails wind around the city to historic Steveston and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, Britannia Heritage Shipyard and London Heritage Farm. These attractions preserve the area’s farming and fishing roots. The day’s catch is still available fresh off the boats at Fisherman’s Wharf, while Belted Galloway cattle at the Steves farm graze coastal pastures. Berries abound in the fields lining Westminster Highway. Richmond is home to Vancouver International Airport, located on Sea Island at the mouth of the middle arm of the Fraser River. This makes it a first stop for visitors and immigrants, whose cultures are represented in the 60-plus temples, mosques, churches and chapels located in the city, many of which congregate along No. 5 Road (known locally as “Highway to Heaven”). Rapid transit connections to both downtown Vancouver and Surrey make getting around easy, but numerous big-box stores as well as the Richmond, Aberdeen and Yaohan shopping canters mean residents never have to travel far for whatever they’re seeking. The outlet shops of McArthurGlen on Sea Island serve travelers staying at the area’s several airport-oriented hotels. Work is also a local affair, with No. 3 Road designated for new office development. East Richmond is home to industrial parks that have expanded to accommodate food processors, and distribution facilities handle products from cranberries to cars. With a large stock of single-family homes and several high-rise developments, not to mention campuses for Kwantlen Polytechnic University, BCIT and Trinity Western University, Richmond is the educated choice for many families.