How to Explore Richmond Without a Car

Well-connected by the Canada Line and the Discovery Shuttle, getting around Richmond without a car can be both simple and convenient. Many stops along the way double as mini destinations — perfect whether you’re planning a quick afternoon outing across the bridge between FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches or a full day exploring the city. 

Each stop, whether it’s a cultural landmark, shopping centre, or dining destination, becomes an opportunity to explore and move at your own pace, no driving required. Here’s what not to miss on your visit to Richmond. 

BRIDGEPORT STATION

Now the largest night market in North America, the Richmond Night Market is the city’s most recognizable summer attraction. Open now through September 20 every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings (as well as holiday Mondays), it’s an easy add-on to evening plans, given its location just a short walk from Bridgeport Station on the Canada Line. Hours are 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays, Saturdays, and stat holiday Sundays, and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on regular Sundays and holiday Mondays.

After dark, the space fills with rows of food stalls and retail vendors, with more than 200 in total, set against a backdrop of live performances. The result is a high-energy atmosphere reminiscent of night markets across Asia, where you can browse handmade jewellery, stationery, and trinkets while gorging on everything from mango sticky rice and deep-fried squid to sushi hot dogs, Korean-style pork belly, and bubble waffles. 

A 600-foot zipline, billed as the first of its kind at a night market, returns this season, along with a dedicated Trading Card Zone for collectors looking to buy, sell, or trade. 

To keep things budget-friendly, look out for happy hour deals running throughout the night, with select dishes under $10 and drinks under $7. Or plan your visit a little later. After 10 p.m., admission drops to $5, and some vendors even offer extra late-night specials. 

ABERDEEN STATION

Richmond is widely known for its Chinese cuisine, but one of the city’s best-kept secrets is where some of its most satisfying meals can be found: inside its food courts. It’s also one of the most affordable ways to eat in the city, without compromising on quality.  

Directly connected to Aberdeen Station on the Canada Line, Aberdeen Centre packs in more than 160 shops and regularly comes alive with cultural celebrations, especially during the Lunar New Year. But for many, it’s the food court that remains a steady draw.  

Located on the top floor, it brings together nearly two dozen stalls serving a wide range of regional Chinese dishes and snacks. Start with pan-fried shengjianbao (juicy pork-and-broth-filled dumplings known for their crisp, golden bottoms) at Shanghai Winning Baozi, or follow the steady flow of diners to Wu Fung Dessert for its popular fried chicken wings. For something more hearty, Leung Kee Cantonese Food serves tender, rich curry beef brisket over fluffy rice.  

TEMPLETON STATION

Accessible from Templeton Station on the Canada Line, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet is a convenient, car-free stop just minutes from Vancouver International Airport, making it easy to shop your favourite brands whether you’re arriving, departing, or have a bit of time to spare between flights. If your trip stays on Sea Island, you can ride the Canada Line between stations for free.  

Designed to feel like a European-style village, the open-air centre features plazas and covered arcades, and more than 80 stores bring together a mix of local favourites like Herschel and Aritzia, international sportswear brands such as Nike and Adidas, and designer labels including Coach, Kate Spade, and Jimmy Choo, all with a focus on outlet pricing. Plus, there are regular flash sales and additional markdowns throughout the year.  

Beyond shopping, a children’s playground adds a family-friendly touch. When it’s time to eat, options range from food trucks to casual sit-down spots, where you can stop in for dim sum at Neptune Noodle House or grab street-style tacos from Hugo’s Churros & Tacos, depending on your mood.  

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STEVESTON VILLAGE

A simple way to reach Steveston is via the Discovery Shuttle, which you can catch from key points in Richmond, including River Rock Casino, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, and Lansdowne Station on the Canada Line. Keep in mind the shuttle operates on weekends and stat holidays only.

Once a major fishing hub, Steveston Village still centres around its working harbour, where fishing boats line the docks and seafood spots sit steps from the water. Spend the afternoon wandering between the waterfront boardwalk, trendy boutiques, and marina viewpoints.  

Stop at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, which offers context on how the area was shaped by the salmon-canning industry. Dating back to 1894, the former cannery now operates as a museum, sharing stories of the Indigenous, Chinese, Japanese, and European communities who lived and worked along the Fraser River and contributed to the region’s development.  

Don’t miss the new Fishers Walk, a one-kilometre self-guided route linking Fisherman’s Wharf to Garry Point Park. Along the way, 10 interpretive signs trace both the history and present-day life of Canada’s largest small craft harbour, an easy way to connect the landscape with the stories behind it.  

Another notable stop on the shuttle route is the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, a preserved waterfront site that highlights Richmond’s boatbuilding and fishing heritage. Its cluster of restored buildings offer insight into the working and living conditions of the diverse communities that shaped life on the river.  

Last Updated on May 6, 2026 by Tourism Richmond