The Outdoors Lover (1 to 8 hours)

There’s nothing like getting a little fresh air and stretching your legs between flights.

If you have only a short break, you can get a quick introduction to local plant life at Chester Johnson Park, located right outside YVR’s Main Terminal on Level 2. A cool and leafy walking path slices through a narrow, forested peninsula complete with benches, dramatic rock work and a small waterfall. There’s also a fenced animal relief area for pets or service animals who are travelling with you.

With a bit more time, you can journey farther afield to explore some of Richmond’s parks and beaches.

From YVR’s Main Terminal, take the Canada Line three stops to Bridgeport Station (6 minutes). From there, transfer to the Richmond-bound train and ride to the end of the line, Richmond–Brighouse Station (6 minutes).

Outside the station, turn left onto No. 3 Road and then right onto Granville Avenue until you encounter Minoru Park on your left (18 minutes/1.2km).

This large urban park is located on the site of a former horse-racing track and airstrip and offers green spaces, gardens, sports facilities and a cultural centre. Explore the tranquil Japanese-style garden or play some sports on the tennis courts, baseball diamonds and track.

If you still have plenty of time, board the 406 bus (departs approximately every 12 to 20 minutes) bound for Steveston on Granville Avenue. Ride 26 stops (approximately 17 minutes, depending on traffic) to Eastbound Chatham Street at 7^th Avenue. Walk back the way you came down Chatham Street until you reach Garry Point Park.

This spacious waterfront park has scenic views across the Salish Sea to Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, and is one of the best places in Richmond to watch the sunset. It’s also a great spot for picnics, kite flying and birdwatching. Watch for bald eagles, Great Blue Herons, cormorants, sandpipers and even snow geese. The scenic Kuno Garden commemorates the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant in 1888.

From Garry Point Park, it’s just a short walk along Moncton Street to the historic Steveston Village. Explore the shops and boardwalk and enjoy a meal of fresh local seafood—there are lots of great spots here for fish and chips!

To return to YVR for your flight, board the 406 bus at the Steveston Exchange Bay 3, two blocks inland from the waterfront, at the corner of Chatham Street and Second Avenue. Ride back to Richmond-Brighouse Station at the end of the line, then board the Canada Line. Ride 3 stops back to Bridgeport Station, then transfer to the YVR–Airport-bound train and ride to the end of the line (7 minutes).

If you don’t have time to make the journey to Steveston, get a taste of their famous fish and chips at Pajo’s, located in the pre-security food court in YVR’s International Terminal.