The other day I admitted to getting a bit lost in Richmond. I’m not too familiar with it having only visited landmarks such as Minoru Park, Richmond Centre, Steveston and the Vancouver International Airport. As such I thought I would dig up a few more history tidbits in order to become better acquainted with this island city.
Most of the city sits on Lulu Island, which was named after a popular actress (and showgirl) from the mid 1800s. Lulu Sweet was the charm of Col. Richard Clement Moody and asked him what the name of the Island was as they passed by on a steamship. Since it had no name, he said he would name it Lulu Island in her honor.
On October 17, 1920, the first flight across Canada touched down in Minoru Park in Richmond (arriving from Halifax)
Mitchell Island is named after Alexander Mitchell, who was a pioneer resident of the Island.
“In 1922 the last remnant of the Frasea Dairy Farm on Sea Island, once Richmond’s largest dairy farm, was torn down when Vancouver International Airport began building its third runway. The farm had been established in 1922 by Jake Grauer, and at one time was home to 500 cows.” [VancouverHistory]
You can check out its latest architectural wonder, the Olympic Oval, on June 21st as they host a public art event.
It’s home to DotComPho every weekend.
My top picks for places to explore in Richmond include the historic Minoru Chapel, Steveston Village, and Iona Beach. It’s also worth spending time at the National Historic Site, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery – a place John and I have been meaning to visit for years. Julie Ovenell-Carter has a great post up that lists interesting places to visit as well.
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It’s also home to the only other imax theatre in BC! Great post!
Richmond is also home to the first McDonalds in Canada.
mom used to take my brother & i to that mcdonalds for breakfast (mmm, crappy pancakes) after our before-school, outdoor swim practice. it was either early spring or late autumn, because although the pool was heated it was really cold outside. wouldn’t have survived without looking fwd to going to mcdonalds after. aquanaughts ftw! … we quit soon after.
the first 11yrs of my life were spent living in Steveston, prior to my Surrey years. I still considering it my home, and it is my all time favorite place to visit and take friends. If you want to check out the Cannery – best time to go is Canada Day – they have the Salmon Fest (i am missing it this year for the first time EVER due to a trip to Australia – tough choice eh) – the Cannery is free on Canada day – but really – July 1 is my fave day to be in Steveston. Period.
Lesley, Richmond has one of 3 Imax theatres (langley & canada place).
I also recommend a walk along the jetty near iona beach. its a great 4km walk out (dont forget the 4km trip back) but you can watch the planes land and take off from YVR as you do it.
Great Post!
Yep first McDonald’s in Canada was in Richmond. I visited it once, it was quite historic, I had to hold back tears. I think its gonna be torn down soon though :S
Lesley and Candice – Actually, there are 5 IMAX theatres in BC:
Vancouver – Canada Place
Vancouver – Science World
Richmond
Langley
Victoria – Royal BC Museum
I’d be surprised if that McD’s were to come down.. true, development is happening all around it, but it did get a recent touch-up. As for other places, I would also recommend the Brittania Shipyard in Steveston, the new Garden City Park and Arboretum, and the Terra Nova Rural Park. You could also check out the Steves’ Farm at the western end of Steveston Hwy – one of the last “farms” in the urbanized western half of Richmond.
Anywho, next time you get lost in Richmond, give me a shout!
I’ve always loved going to Steveston. Such a great community feel to it.
I just saw that Tourism Richmond launched a new website – http://www.allinrichmond.com. It looks like it has some great ideas for day trips and weekend getaways to Richmond.