Pumpkin Patch in Richmond, BC: The Insider’s Guide

The sunny days of summer are fading fast and fall is unfurling like a silvery spiderweb around the region. But as the trees transition to their camera-ready hues of orange and scarlet, it’s time to slip on a layer of fleece and fully embrace autumn at one of Metro Vancouver’s most beloved seasonal attractions.

A local legend that’s been delighting families since the 1980s, the Pumpkin Patch at Richmond Country Farms attracts fall fans from across Metro Vancouver and beyond. But if you haven’t been before—or you’re wondering what’s on at the site this year—here’s the lowdown on why you should gather your friends and family and beeline over this time around.

WHERE AND WHEN IS IT?

This year’s Pumpkin Patch kicks off on September 28 and will operate daily until October 31. Weekday hours are from 9:00am to 4:00pm, with weekend and holiday hours from 10:00am to 4:30pm.

Richmond Country Farms is located at 12900 Steveston Highway in East Richmond. It’s easily reached by car and there is plenty of free parking. Several transit bus services also stop nearby––plan your trip via the TransLink website.

WHAT WILL I SEE?

You’ll ride on a traditional hay wagon out to the fields where you’ll be able to select your own perfect pumpkin to take home. There will also be two corn mazes to tackle, a kaleidoscopic array of colourful dahlias to see and lots of autumnal decorations––­­­­perfect for all your fall-season selfies. In addition, all participants will receive a delicious B.C. Spartan apple.

There will also be food trucks to fuel-up at and––on some weekdays––live music to enjoy. If you’re really keen to catch some live music, drop by on any weekend or holiday Monday, when toe-tapping funsters the Country Pumpkins will be performing. You might also spot wandering characters such as Polly Pumpkin or Strawberry Shortcake.

And as an added bonus, weekend and holiday Monday visitors can also hop aboard the farm’s special old-fashioned train for a rail-based tour of the site!

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE TO SEE?

Richmond Country Farms is a large, walkable site that offers several other year-round reasons to visit. There’s a huge farmstand-style produce store here and a charming rustic winery that is well-worth visiting. But our favourite additional reason to visit is the delightful menagerie of friendly, photogenic animals housed in their own wood-fenced farm enclosures.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE ANIMALS

The resident critters here include pigs, llamas, donkeys, horses and a large number of inquisitive goats. Colourful chickens and ducks also call the site home and you’ll likely see some of them wandering freely around the grounds during your visit. Keep in mind that this is not a petting zoo: photos are fully encouraged but you won’t be touching or feeding any animals here.

WILL I BE ABLE TO BUY PUMPKINS?

Yes! Every ticket holder receives a free pumpkin to take home. But if you’re looking for something more for Halloween carving or your own pie-making plans, you’ll also find a great array of farm-grown pumpkins in all shapes and sizes available in the market. On our recent visit, we spotted some dramatic-looking turban pumpkins and some brilliantly warty mini varieties that would be perfect for seasonal decorating.

IS THERE ANY OTHER PRODUCE FOR SALE?

Family-run Richmond Country Farms houses one of the area’s largest and most popular destination produce markets. After your Pumpkin Patch adventure, explore the indoor and outdoor stands piled high with seasonal produce from this and other farms.

At this time of year, look for just-picked corn, beets, carrots, broccoli, potatoes, cabbage and Brussels sprouts––plus Okanagan-grown apples and pears. On our visit, we were amazed by the variety on offer, with lots of lesser-known types of plums, peppers and squash, for example, including varieties we had never heard of before. Currently, the market is open daily from 9:00am to 8:00pm but check their website for the latest hours before you plan your visit.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE TO BUY?

A short walk from the market area, you’ll also find the site’s charming Country Vines Winery. This friendly, rustic-look tasting room stocks dozens of well-priced wines made from B.C. grapes. It’s a great place to pick-up some bottles for your upcoming Thanksgiving celebrations—plus a gift or three for Christmas. When we popped in, a friendly staffer made a couple of fall-season recommendations: the new Pinot Gris 2023 and Psyrah, a tasty syrah with an entertaining Halloween-themed name and label! 

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

It’s not summer anymore and this is also a working farm. Boots or other sturdy footwear are highly recommended, while raingear and warm layers are essential for Metro Vancouver’s ever-changing autumnal weather. Keep yourself and your kids warm and dry and you’ll definitely enjoy your visit much more.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Weekday Pumpkin Patch admission costs $15 per person, rising to $18 on weekends and holidays. All tickets are sold at the door only. Visit the Richmond Country Farms website for more information.

Last Updated on September 25, 2024 by Tourism Richmond