Richmond is an increasingly popular tourist destination in British Columbia thanks to the stunning natural landscape and the exceptional quality hotels and restaurants. Its biggest attraction is without a doubt the International Buddhist Temple, one of the largest of its kind in North America, but there’s even more to this town than its Buddhist buildings. We’re going to provide you with the ultimate guide to Richmond, including where to stay, eat, drink, and some of the sights that you must see.
Stroll Through the Fishing Village
One of the nicest ways to start your holiday is by familiarising yourself with the local area with a walk. The fishing village in Richmond is incredibly historical thanks to Richmond’s rich canning history. It’s easily possible to spend a whole day exploring the chocolate box buildings that line the waterside. There are two shipyards to explore that offer all kinds of activities if you can spare the time. There are also a plethora of shops and cafes which are the perfect places to shop for souvenirs and people watch. If you’re staying in the summertime then you can even buy fish from the local market to barbecue on the rocks later on. With that said, don’t fill up on fish or coffee just yet, as we’ve got a delightful lunch spot to show you.
Enjoy Lunch at London Heritage Farm
Once you’ve walked up an appetite by the fishing village, it’s time to satisfy that hunger. There are plenty of lovely places to eat in Richmond but the most unique might be London Heritage Farm. This farm still works to this day, with a stunning kitchen garden, a majestic farmhouse, where you’ll sit for lunch, and even animals that you can visit. The farmhouse has been owned by the same family for almost two centuries, so a visit really is like stepping back in time. All of the produce on their menu is grown either on the farm itself or as locally as possible, making it a real treat that you won’t forget.
Stay at The River Rock Resort
After lunch, it’s time to settle into your hotel and enjoy a bit of entertainment. Whilst normally we’re known for recommending hostels and giving advice to hostel owners, sometimes it’s nice to stay in a hotel. That’s especially true if there’s a hotel as luxurious as The River Rock Resort. The rooms all have king-size beds, free wifi, stunning en-suites, and Bluetooth speakers so you can listen to whatever you want. There’s a full spa on site too, as well as a pool and gym if you’ve not packed enough miles in yet. The big draw here though is without a doubt the casino. It’s a state-of-the-art building with slot machines and table games too. If you’re a little too worn out from the day’s excursions to check out the casino downstairs, then the River Rock is happy for you to use their complimentary wifi to play games online. You could use a Canadian online casino if you want the full casino experience of slots, blackjack, poker, and more.
Relax at the Buddhist Temple
Once you’re all rested it’s time to go and experience one of the most unique attractions in Richmond. The Buddhist Temple is enormous and incredibly grand, with stunning gold and red adornments. A visit inside is of course essential, but you’ll also be blown away by the gardens. There are statues, shrines and a lake to take in amongst the grounds as well as beautiful, lush foliage. The gardens are incredibly well kept here and the perfect place to wind down and spend an afternoon in the sunshine.
