Destination 2010 - Visitors' Guide

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• Cities & Towns
  • Vancouver (Host City)
  • Whistler (Host Mountain Resort)
  • Richmond (Venue City)
  • West Vancouver (Venue City)
  • Abbotsford
  • Burnaby
  • Chemainus
  • Chilliwack
  • Delta
  • Gibsons
  • Harrison Hot Springs

  • Hope
  • Langley
  • Mission
  • Nanaimo
  • Nanoose Bay
  • New Westminster
  • North Vancouver
  • Parksville
  • Pemberton
  • Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge

  • Qualicum Beach
  • Saanichton
  • Sechelt & Pender Harbour
  • Sidney
  • Southern Gulf Islands
  • Squamish
  • Surrey
  • TriCities: Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody
  • Victoria
  • White Rock
• Transportation
• Accommodation

Richmond (Venue City)

Known as "The Island City," Richmond is situated on a group of islands at the mouth of the Fraser River, just off the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Richmond is sometimes referred to as "The Gateway to British Columbia". It's home to the Vancouver International Airport, is just a 30-minute drive from the Canada/U.S. border and is next door to the metropolis of Vancouver.

Richmond is also a venue city for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The newly constructed Richmond Olympic Oval will host the Olympic Winter Games' exciting long track Speed Skating events. Richmond balances between two identities: it is modern, multicultural city on the one hand and a tranquil, maritime area on the other.

Due to its location on the Fraser River, Richmond has historically prospered as a fishing, canning and agricultural centre. This history is on full display in the nearby historic fishing village of Steveston, which attracts many visitors to its port and National Historic Sites.

Most of Richmond's infrastructure exists on its two main islands, Lulu Island and Sea Island. Bridges and tunnels seamlessly connect the city to the Lower Mainland with Vancouver's primary north-south highway crossing through the city.

Richmond is also very well known for its excellent Asian restaurants and markets - nearly 60 percent of the population here is of Chinese or South Asian ancestry.

Transportation to 2010 Winter Games Venue Cities

Visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the latest information on travel during the 2010 Winter Games.

There will be no spectator parking at any Olympic venue.

To Vancouver:
The drive from Richmond to downtown Vancouver takes approximately 25 minutes. An extensive public transit system connects Richmond to Vancouver. The Canada Line rapid transit system connects Richmond and the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to downtown Vancouver.

There are cycling routes from Richmond to Vancouver, although though it is a long cycle with some sections involving bridges and busy roads.

During Games time it’s best to take public transit as there will be road closures and limited parking. Extended transit service hours will be in place during February, 2010.

To West Vancouver:
The driving time from Richmond to West Vancouver is approximately 40 minutes, but may be longer during peak Games times.

Access to Olympic events on Cypress Mountain is via the Olympic Bus Network.  Ticket holders to events on Cypress Mountain can view travel information and reserve bus tickets here.

Public buses connect Richmond with West Vancouver. The Canada Line rapid transit system connects Richmond and the Vancouver International Airport to Vancouver. From Vancouver, passengers can access public transit for their onward journey to West Vancouver.

To Whistler:
Driving from Richmond to Whistler takes approximately two hours and 15 minutes with the opportunity to take in postcard-perfect views along the famed Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99).  Note that there will be driving restrictions in place along the Sea-to-Sky Highway during peak Games times.

Ticket holders to Olympic events in Whistler will be transported to and from their event location via the Olympic Bus Network.  This bus network features departure points in Vancouver, Burnaby and North Vancouver.

Daily motorcoach service from downtown Vancouver and the Vancouver International Airport has several departure points located along the Vancouver-Whistler corridor, including limited service from Horseshoe Bay.

Accommodation

Richmond has many large hotels with full amenities and restaurants. The majority are located in north Richmond and around the Vancouver International Airport. For those seeking a quieter base, there is also a hotel in the historic fishing village of Steveston.

Bed and breakfasts are also available in Richmond and are primarily located in quiet, residential neighbourhoods.

Want to talk to an accommodations expert? We'll be happy to help you with your search over the phone. Call us directly at 1-800-HelloBC or 1-800-435-5622. If you're calling from overseas, dial 1-604-435-5622.

Things To Do

Steveston Village maintains its old-world charm and has numerous National Historic Sites. An informative museum guides visitors to places of interest and the boardwalk area provides shopping and dining opportunities.

Those interested in Richmond's vibrant local arts scene should stop by the Richmond Art Gallery whose collection focuses on contemporary works by local artists.

To explore Asian shopping and dining options, or experience the excitement of Chinese New Year celebrations, visit the Golden Village. Those interested in Buddhism can take in the exquisite palatial Chinese architecture at Richmond's International Buddhist Temple.

Snow sport enthusiasts are about an hour's drive from the North Shore Mountains' three renowned ski areas of Cypress, Seymour and Grouse mountains. Cypress Mountain also plays host to the freestyle skiing and snowboard events during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

For nature views or a chance to spot some indigenous wildlife, take a walk along the Dyke Trail, the Richmond Nature Park or the jetty in the Iona Beach Regional Park.

Read more about what's happening in Richmond.