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It’s that time of year when the weather seems to alternate between relentless rain and bone-chilling cold. And even though Richmond has one of the mildest winter climates of any B.C. city, it’s always a good idea to have a few indoor activities on your calendar for the chilly months ahead.
Looking for inspiration? We’ve gathered together a rundown of 10 top indoor activities around the city during the cold season. Choose your favourites, gather your friends and family members and head on over!
Craft your own jewellery
Steveston’s popular artisan jewellery store, Juvelisto Design is a walk-in wonderland of sparkling rings, bracelets and more. But there’s also a fully-equipped classroom workshop here where they run day courses for those who’d like to fashion their own creations for themselves or a loved one. Upcoming winter classes range from bezel pendant making to free-flow silversmithing.
Tap your inner artist
Explore your creativity further with Richmond Potters Club classes––there are several new courses staring in January. Alternatively, there are shorter courses at Steveston’s Phoenix Art Workshop, including regular Friday Night Socials where you can learn about and practice new painting skills (beginners welcome). Need inspiration? The Fairmont Vancouver Airport’s artist-in-residence, Bronwen Belenkie, paints beautiful canvases in the hotel’s lobby every Thursday (10:30am to 1pm).
Work up a sweat
If you’re looking to burn off some holiday season calories, try the Richmond Olympic Oval’s drop-in program. It is $20 per day to avail yourself of the undercover facilities at this landmark sporting venue, and that includes access to everything from table tennis to fitness classes to state-of-the-art gym equipment. There’s also a 17-metre-high climbing wall––the tallest in Metro Vancouver––that’s aimed at climbers of all skill levels.
Give your mind a work out
If you love the challenge of escape rooms, book your timeslot and head over to the Richmond branch of EXIT Canada. There are several games to try here, including experiences based around Batman, the TV show Lost, the search for a magic lamp and more. Alternatively, if you need to vent some pent-up emotions, they even have an Anger Room here where you can smash things up!
Putt away your winter blues
Love mini golf? Gather your fun-minded friends for a visit to the city centre’s family-run West Coast Mini Putt. It’s easy to forget all about the weather outside at this windowless, art-lined venue––there are 18 holes to play and the course is divided into a lighted side and a quirky glow-in-the-dark side. Extend your stay further by playing the vintage arcade games in the lobby!
Kart to your heart’s content
Drop-ins are welcome at Richmond’s super-cool TBC Indoor Kart Racing site, where the fully undercover circuit is a great way to accelerate away from the plunging winter temperatures. Their zippy vehicles can whizz by at up to 70km/hr, while the 13-turn track is a great way to perk up your adrenalin levels and have an exhilarating hour or two of thrills.
Hone your archery skills
You don’t have to fly to Hawaii to hit the beach this winter. Instead, visit the vast indoor sand pit at Richmond’s 6Pack Indoor Beach. They run lots of group activities and sporting leagues here (volleyball is very popular), but drop-ins are encouraged to try Archery Tag. For everyone from beginners to advanced, all equipment is provided and you’ll have tons of heart-pumping fun chasing targets and each other across the sand.
Watch a movie at a winery
Head to Lulu Island Winery this December for their Pinot & Popcorn: Holiday Edition. The site’s tasting room will be fully decorated for the season and your $15 ticket includes a glass of wine (or soft drink), a bag of popcorn and the screening of a popular Christmas movie. Running on Fridays and Saturdays until the end of the year, upcoming flicks include Elf, The Santa Clause, Home Alone and Frozen. Book ahead: space is limited!
Exercise your brain cells
Fancy a night out––and the chance to show everyone how smart you are? With the motto Eat, Drink & Be Brainy, Vancouver Trivia Party runs three regular quiz evenings in Richmond, and they’re a great way to have fun with your like-minded buddies. Consider Monday nights at CAVU Kitchen Bar (starting at 7pm); Wednesdays at Monkey 9 Brewpub (7:30pm); and Thursdays at Milltown Bar & Grill (8pm). And if you don’t win, grab another beer to drown your sorrows.
Catch some live tunes
Great live music can easily transport you from the wintry weather outside, and Richmond has several intimate, under-the-radar venues to choose from. Playing on the third Thursday of most months at the evocative Chinese Bunkhouse at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, consider Steveston Folk Guild’s delightful roster of shows. Alternatively, head to The Story Café Eatery & Bar where you’ll find live music every evening from Monday to Thursday—we especially like Jazz Trio Wednesdays. Need more? There’s also live music every night at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport’s stylish Jetside Lounge.
Last Updated on December 6, 2022 by Tourism Richmond