• Sunset over the Strait of Georgia.sunset cruise image by easaab from Fotolia.com
  
  Immediately south of Vancouver, British Columbia, Richmond offers recreational opportunities showcasing technology, nature and history. Join local aviation enthusiasts along busy airport runways for a day of plane spotting. Bird watchers and casual hikers can navigate trails through a preserved peat bog. Explore a historic fishing village and sail the Strait of Georgia whale-watching near pods of orcas and migrating pacific giants.
  
  

Planespotting at YVR

• YVR offers multiple plane spotting locationsaircraft landing image by JCVStock from Fotolia.com
  
  Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located on Sea Island between the cities of Vancouver and Richmond. Public access at the eastern edge of two runways encourages a healthy community of plane spotters who gather regularly to observe a wide variety of air traffic. Bruce's Planespotting Guide rates YVR as one of the best North American airports for spotting and photography.
  
  

Richmond Nature Park

• Easy trails and bird watchinghochmoor hiddeser bent image by Martina Berg from Fotolia.com
  
  Over four miles of trails through two hundred acres of pristine peat bog habitat is available for birdwatchers and casual hikers looking for a peaceful retreat in the heart of Richmond. HIkers easliy navigate trails over a soft surface of wood chips. One path is raised boardwalk around a pond and wheelchair accessible. Free trail guides are available at the Nature House, and all routes through the bog are clearly marked.
  
  The Richmond Nature Park is a fragile ecosystem. Dogs are not permitted in the park or on any trails.
  
  Richmond Nature Park
  
  11851 Westminster Highway
  
  Richmond, B.C.
  
  604-718-6188
  
  

Historic Steveston

• Steveston was once world's busiest fisheryFishermans' Camp 2 image by Robert Ulph from Fotolia.com
  
  Along Richmond's southwestern shore the tourist-friendly village of Steveston has operated as Canada's largest commercial fishing base since 1880. Once the world's busiest fishing port, the waterfront is home to over 600 seiners, gill-netters and trawlers.
  
  Seaside locations include museums, shops and restaurants accessible by boardwalk overlooking docked commercial fleet. Visitors can purchase fresh seafood directly at a sales float beside the main wharf.
  
  

Whale Watching

• 90% success rate for whale sightseeing toursWhale image by Fallout Photography from Fotolia.com
  
  Observe pods of orca (killer whales), humpback, grey and minke whales migrating through the Strait of Georgia. Stellar sea lions, elephant seals and Dalls porpoises are also observed regularly. Tour companies report success rates above 90 percent
  
  Whale watching outfitters launch from the Steveston docks in south Richmond. Vessels include zodiacs to 40 foot converted fishers and can accommodate groups of 12 to 47. As of 2010, adult rates are around $120 for three-hour whale tours and $30 for 90-minute sea lion excursions. Operations run April through November, weather permitting.
  
  Steveston Seabreeze Adventures
  
  1-888-272-7203
  
  604-272-7200
  
  Vancouver Whale Watch
  
  604-274-9565