02 The story
The farming side of Richmond
East of No. 4 Road and Highway 99, Richmond opens into flat farmland that looks much as Lulu Island did for most of the 20th century. Much of this area sits in the provincial Agricultural Land Reserve, so it has stayed rural even as the rest of the city filled in.
Peat soils make the area ideal for blueberries, and Richmond is also one of the province’s cranberry-growing areas. In summer, roadside stands sell fresh berries and vegetables, and some farms open for u-pick. Autumn brings pumpkin patches and corn mazes on several farms.
The Highway to Heaven
No. 5 Road, between Blundell Road and Steveston Highway, is lined on its east side with churches, Buddhist and Hindu temples, gurdwaras, a mosque and religious schools. Richmond set aside this stretch of farmland for places of worship that also keep part of their land in farming, and the road became known as the Highway to Heaven. It is a striking drive or bike ride, and many sites welcome respectful visitors at set times.
Further south and east, the Riverport area near Steveston Highway and No. 6 Road has the Watermania aquatic centre and the Richmond Ice Centre, both busy with families. The South Arm of the Fraser runs along the area’s southern edge, and dykes and quiet section roads make good cycling routes when traffic is light.
East Richmond suits people who want acreage, farm-fresh food and space. For visitors, it is best explored by car or bike on a dry day. Check farm websites before going, as hours and u-pick seasons change each year.
