There are lots of recreation options within a three-hour drive of Seattle, but only one offers North America’s largest night market, a dumpling smorgasbord, and plenty of fun ways to work off all that feasting — whether you’re a history buff, birder or bicyclist.
Only 30 minutes north of the border with Canada, Richmond, B.C. offers an accessible escape that’s particularly affordable right now with the exchange rate. And even though the drive is short, you might end up feeling like you’ve explored even further afield, since the city’s food scene is so rich in influences from Asia and beyond.
One of the best places to experience that influence is the Richmond Night Market, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Colorful, eclectic food and shopping stalls shine after sundown, with thousands of people milling about amid live entertainment. Open from April through October on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (including statutory days and holidays), the night market is a chance to try delicacies from succulent crab meat noodles and BBQ squid to Japanese poutine and Brazilian pastries. With more than 100 food stalls and 100 retail stalls on 18 acres, you can munch (and shop) around the world. Just remember to bring cash, since many of the vendors don’t take cards.
Adrenaline junkies take note: This year, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, the market is installing four zip lines side-by-side, which will let you soar directly over the crowds. The owner of the night market, Richmond entrepreneur Raymond Cheung, “really pushes the envelope every year,” says Nancy Small, Tourism Richmond CEO. “The zip lines are in keeping with the night market, its quirkiness, and its craziness. And it’s fun. We all need a little bit of that right now.” If you’re a dumpling enthusiast, Richmond’s Dumpling Trail is also a must. While not a literal trail of dumplings (alas), this curated route highlights 17 restaurants that offer unique and delicious dumplings of all kinds, whether it’s the soup dumplings of Sichuan, Japanese gyoza, or Vietnamese tapioca dumplings. Established about a decade ago to introduce diners who may be less familiar with Asian cuisine to all the dumpling delights Richmond has to offer, the trail is a “chance to try something a little different, maybe go outside your comfort zone,” says Small.
But Richmond isn’t just about food — it’s a destination rich in history and coastal charm. Head to Steveston Village, a quaint and still-active fishing village located at the mouth of the Fraser River. This area is the largest commercial fishing port in Canada, although much of it has also been designated a heritage zone, which accounts for the old-timey feel. It’s also made appearances in movies and TV shows including “Once Upon a Time,” “Midnight Mass,” “Power Rangers,” and even “Godzilla.”
Take a walk around the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, the last of more than 15 canneries once operating along the waterfront. Built in 1894, it was once known as the “Monster Cannery.” The museum showcases the legacy of the West Coast fishing industry and its significant impact on the area. For a truly immersive experience, pair your visit with some of Steveston’s famous seafood, like the juicy spot prawns available in May and June directly from local fishers at the Fisherman’s Wharf. During those months, the Steveston Seafood & Spot Prawn Celebration champions this coastal culture with events and activities including demos from chefs and fresh seafood caught locally and featured on participating restaurant menus.
History buffs can also explore the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. This mixture of canneries, boatyards and residences includes some of the oldest buildings on the Fraser River. “It’s a really charming place to spend the day,” Small says. After exploring, treat yourself to some world-class dining, including a stop at Baan Lao, recently crowned Canada’s Best Restaurant at the 2024 World Culinary Awards for its innovative Thai cuisine.
Of course, Richmond also has a variety of ways to commune with Mother Nature. This is “Super, Natural British Columbia” after all. The area is located along the major migratory route known as the Pacific Flyway, which makes it an excellent location for spotting our avian friends. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, northern harriers, barred owls and great blue herons. In case you’re an avid cyclist, Richmond boasts over 50 miles of bike trails that wind through scenic landscapes. From April through October, the area is also a prime destination for whale watching, with two tours that traverse the waters of the Georgia Strait relatively close by. Visitors might spot orcas, humpback whales, gray whales or minke whales gliding through the waves.
Easily accessible via I-5, Richmond can be part of a dual-destination getaway enjoyed alongside Vancouver B.C., but it also holds its own. Whether late-night food stalls with friends or fish and chips at a historic waterfront are your thing, it’s a great place for a memorable getaway without journeying too far from home.
Richmond, BC, infuses Canada’s iconic coastal lifestyle with Pacific sensibilities. Real, raw, and unvarnished, Richmond is constantly evolving while honoring its vibrant history. Uncover discoveries around every corner at this authentic expression of Canada’s West Coast.