Come winter, British Columbia is a hot spot for skiers with ample opportunities to hit the slopes in Whistler and even in Vancouver. Richmond, B.C., located right outside of Vancouver and the home of the Vancouver International Airport, offers a convenient city getaway to tack onto a B.C. ski trip. For those who want to enjoy their time on the slopes, while also diving into a rich culinary scene or city life, Richmond serves as the perfect pit stop to culminate a ski trip, with its close proximity to Cypress and Grouse Mountains and some of the mildest winter climates in Canada to warm you up.
Following an adrenaline-packed ski trip, visitors to Richmond can do some sightseeing while exploring the quaint seaside fishing area of Steveston Village. Steveston has been the filming site of many holiday movies, due to its quaint, warm and old-timey vibe come winter time. While in the area, check out the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site and the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site to learn more about the area’s history.
For the holidays from Nov. 23 to Dec. 31, guests can enjoy Steveston during its annual Winter in the Village celebration. The event includes activities for the whole family such as a winter tram, a festival of trees, Christmas markets, holiday light displays, jingle bell high tea, winter hayrides, a holiday dog parade, visits with Santa via boat and Santa brunches, a culminating Santa Claus Parade, and more. For an additional holiday offering, visit the Fairmont YVR, which will be hosting a festive afternoon tea accompanied by a delicious menu of tea, pastries and savories. Taking the kids along? Check out Tea with Santa, where families can take part in a very special Afternoon Tea in support of the Make a Wish Foundation.
To escape the cold temperatures, visitors can spend time in Richmond’s Olympic Oval. The Olympic Oval is an indoor multi-sport and fitness facility that inclusively caters to community members and visitors at any fitness level. Originally built as the host venue for long track skating events during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, today it is a beacon in the city of Richmond that attracts, welcomes and inspires people from all over the world.
In need of a culinary immersion after days spent hitting the slopes? One of the city’s most unique features is its rich Asian culinary scene. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour of the Dumpling Trail, which allows visitors to eat their way through 14 eateries to taste some of the most delectable dumplings on the west side of the Pacific. Foodies can also take part in guided food tours like the Authentic Asian Eats Tour or the Chinese Dinner Party. Warm up by hitting the BC Ale Trail or one of the several wineries or breweries throughout the Richmond area, including Fuggles Beer and LuLu Island Winery.
Looking to spend more time in Richmond? Opening December 15, the new Steveston Waterfront Hotel is a boutique property where modern life seamlessly blends with the historic character of this picturesque fisherman village. Inspired by Richmond’s surroundings, their apartment-style retreats invite guests to settle into the quaint fishing village locals call home. Select from studio, one, two and three-bedroom layouts featuring separate living areas, equipped kitchens and locally bottled, handmade bathroom amenities.