Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Richmond

"At the top of any list of parks in Vancouver is the city's world-renowned Stanley Park in downtown Vancouver. It's a natural rainforest that touches the ocean right in the midst of the city. There are so many free things to do in Stanley Park: biking or walking the seawall, nature walks on the park's miles of forest trails, exploring the Stanley Park gardens, or visiting the totem poles."

"The most iconic of Vancouver’s parks, Stanley Park has no shortage of stunning spots to bring your friends or enjoy in solitude — with hidden gems along the Seawall just waiting to be found and enjoyed. So pack up your picnic and grab your besties, because if you’re currently in Vancouver, there’s no better time than now to head out into the park."

"North of Vancouver's CBD is Stanley Park, a vast area of green that's almost an island. As well as fun outdoor activities and beautiful scenery, the park offers an opportunity to understand the First Nations people, the original inhabitants of Vancouver."

"Vancouver’s Chinatown is home to the first Ming Dynasty-styled garden built outside of China, with 52 craftsmen coming from Suzhou, China, to ensure the authenticity of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Named in honor of the first president of the Republic of China, the garden takes visitors back to 15th century China, though it was built only in the mid 1980s. The garden’s rocks that were imported from Suzhou, plants, water and architecture blend into an oasis of serenity in this bustling city."

"It’s a spot rich in history as it’s the first Chinese garden built outside of China. It’s also National Geographic’s “Top City Garden in the World”. This an extremely celestial outdoor space, providing quiet respite from the bustling city and offering dozens of opportunities to photograph 150-year old miniature trees, a jade green pond, and famous koi fish."

"You can also visit some of the firm-favourites such as; Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and the Millennium Gate."

"The Queen Elizabeth Park is a small park known for its extravagant flora that can be viewed year-round. Its 130 acres holds mountains along the north shore and a glimpse at the city’s skyline. The park also hold the Bloedel Conservatory, which houses plants from all over the world, and an arboretum, where visitors can watch breath-taking cherry blossoms bloom in the spring."

"This 53ha (130-acre) park in suburban Vancouver offers fabulous views of the city and its surrounding mountains. It’s perfect to visit in every season, thanks to the ever-changing vista. People can wander the grounds outside, or head inside to Bloedel Conservatory and its indoor tropical garden."

"Queen Elizabeth Park and Gardens: A gorgeous place for a leisurely stroll, particularly during springtime. Cherry blossom hunting: Come to Vancouver in the springtime to catch beautiful blooms all over the city. There’s even a handy map."

"A collection of more than 50,000 aquatic creatures make Vancouver’s Aquarium the largest in Canada. Located in Stanley Park, the facility features extensive exhibits and displays along with daily dolphin and beluga shows, sea otter feedings, shark dives and “4D” film screenings. You can even book your own personalized Animal Encounters to get up close and personal with some of these amazing creatures."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user SoftwareSimian used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Enjoy a few hours of fun with your partner checking out the wildlife at the Vancouver Aquarium. Featuring a total of over 50,000 animals spread across 30 exhibits, you’re sure to meet some creatures you haven’t heard of before, or learn something new about your favorite ocean dwellers."

"This waterfront park is the gateway to West Vancouver, and a favored destination for off-leash dog walks. Spectacular views of Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver set the scene for seawall walks, and there are 3.5 hectares of dog-designated space – from grassy fields to sandy beaches – providing plenty of room for furry friends to roam free. Further along the seawall is the pet-free part of the park, with a beachfront playground for kids, a skate-park, a basketball court, and a concession stand for snacks."

"Ambleside Park — don’t let the name fool you, this is not one but two beaches local to Vancouver. The beach is essentially split in half; one side is primarily for dog-owners to let their pooches run wild!. With some of the best views of the Lions gate bridge, this beach located on the north shore in West Vancouver, this beach is kid friendly and has features for all ages including golf, concession stands, and those handy washrooms."

"A post shared by 90percent90s (@90percent90s) on Nov 9, 2018 at 1:17pm PST. After a marathon study-sesh, head right across the street of the Vancouver Public Library (the Collesseum-looking one) to Library Square. Boy oh boy, is this place fun."

"This sculpture is one of the many attractions along the Stanley Park Sea Wall. This particular statue reminds of the the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, and from far away she does look like a mermaid!. The Girl in a wet suit statue is located just off shore of the wall and sits just in front of Vancouver Harbour and the North Shore mountains."

"Admire the luxury fashions and accessories at Gucci before heading over to Hudson’s Bay Company to search for more affordable ready-to-wear options. Indulge in a creamy brown-sugar bubble tea at Xing Fu Tang before investigating the quality selection of wines at St. Regis Fine Wines and Spirits. Have a quick coffee break or lunch at Tim Horton’s before heading over to Granville Station to catch your train to other exciting Vancouver locations."

"Venture into Aberdeen Centre or one of the other nearby malls to find yourself transported to Asia, complete with supermarkets, tea shops, household goods and any number of exclusive Asian brands, all yours for the browsing. Then take a short walk along the waterfront pathway to the ROX – Richmond Olympic Experience. Located in the speed skating venue from the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the ROX features simulators so you can experience what world class athletes feel when they compete. At the south edge of Richmond is the fishing village of Steveston."

"More than 160 stores pack this Asian mall, which is anchored by a Daiso (a ubiquitous Japanese dollar store). Shoppers can stock up on trendy Korean skin-care products at Aritaum, Tony Moly, and Nature Republic, or browse everything from herbal..."

"Old-school tradition meets West Coast style at East Van’s Strange Fellows Brewing. While some of their more notable beers include the Guardian White IPA and the wonderfully punny Czarcasm Russian Imperial Session Ale, what Strange Fellows does best are their unique, barrel-aged sour beers. The brewery hosts the Charles Clark Gallery, too, so you can take in some rotating local art alongside your tasting flight."

"A classic good beer and grub joint, Strange Fellows has it all. You’ve probably picked up a pack of SF tall boys, but if you haven’t checked out their East Van tasting room you’re missing out. Besides being as hip as you’d expect anything to be in East Van, SF also hosts the Charles Clark Gallery where you can admire the work of a bunch of rotating local artists."

"Mixing art and the art of beer making, makes it a unique addition to the city. Experimental flavours and techniques and names based on folklore definitely makes it uniquely strange. The patio is covered and ready for any weather."

"Housed in one of Vancouver’s only remaining industrial heritage buildings, Main Street Brewing Co. (261 East 7th Avenue) is located inside the 1913 Vancouver Brewery Garage, which is in the historic Brewery Creek district where the original breweries once stood. Family-friendly and airy, the brewery Tasting Lounge is the best place to head for a filling combination of tacos and tipples. Try the chicken wings or charcuterie board, washed down with an appropriately named Main Street Pilsner, or dig into a plate of Little Mountain nachos with a Number Seven Saison."

"We’re a sucker for cool branding, so naturally we’re all over Main Street Brewing’s cans. They’re flavours are also unique and experimental, if you’re looking for something different than the typical. They also have a patio, which is why they’re on this list."

"Despite being one of the larger locations off of Main street, Main Street Brewing always seems to have a line outside. That’s a testament to the consistent quality of the beer from both the regular and experimental series."

"On Davie Street, La Brasserie's hot spot’s large, picture windows reveal a bustling, jovial scene inside, where guests dine on Franco-German cuisine like steak tartare and mushroom ragout with spaetzle. For worldly sippers, the wine and beer list heavy on international labels. Location: 1091 Davie St."