Richmond is a coastal city located primarily on Lulu Island at the mouth of the Fraser River, and is part of the wider Metro Vancouver region in British Columbia. The city combines residential neighbourhoods, commercial centres, agricultural land, and important transportation infrastructure. Vancouver International Airport is sited on Sea Island within Richmond and is connected to the regional rapid transit network.

Geography and environment

Richmond occupies low-lying deltaic terrain protected by an extensive system of dikes and drainage channels. Its landscape includes cultivated farmland, suburban areas and large natural areas such as Burns Bog, a significant peatland that supports birdlife and acts as a carbon store. The city’s shoreline, riverfront and estuarine habitats are important for fisheries, wildlife and recreational uses.

History and development

First inhabited and stewarded by Indigenous peoples of the Fraser estuary, including the Musqueam, the area saw increased European settlement in the 19th century focused on farming and fisheries. The fishing village of Steveston developed into a major canning and maritime centre and retains historic buildings and a waterfront character. Richmond later grew as a suburban, industrial and logistics hub while maintaining agricultural and village pockets.

Population and communities

The city has a multicultural population shaped by successive waves of immigration; residents speak many languages and contribute to a diverse cultural and culinary scene. Richmond had a population of about 196,660 in 2006 according to census records and has continued to evolve since then, with growth concentrated around transit corridors and town centres.

Economy, transport and culture

Richmond’s economy mixes aviation and airport-related services, logistics, retail, tourism, fishing and agriculture. The Canada Line rapid transit links downtown Vancouver with Richmond and the airport, improving commuter and visitor connections. Major road bridges connect the city to neighbouring municipalities. Richmond is known for markets, Asian and international restaurants, seasonal night markets and community festivals.

  • Key attractions: Steveston Village, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery and waterfront walkways
  • Recreation: Richmond Olympic Oval, extensive parks, trails and waterfront piers
  • Transport: Vancouver International Airport and Canada Line rapid transit

For official airport information and travel services see the airport authority pages: Vancouver International Airport. As a coastal lowland municipality, Richmond continues to balance urban growth, environmental protection, agricultural land use and infrastructure planning to address sea-level risks and sustain community amenities.