02 The story
River edge and farm fields in northwest Richmond
Terra Nova takes its name from one of the early settlements on the northwest tip of Lulu Island, where the Musqueam once hunted and fished and later farmers and fishers built homes along the river. A small cannery and farming community grew up here in the late 1800s. Much of today’s neighbourhood is relatively new, with detached homes and townhouses on former farmland.
The area is mostly residential and noticeably calmer than the city centre. Everyday shopping is clustered at Terra Nova Village on Westminster Highway near No. 1 Road, with a grocery store and services.
Terra Nova Rural Park
The main draw is Terra Nova Rural Park at the west end of River Road. It mixes restored farm fields, heritage buildings, community gardens and wetlands with boardwalks and viewing platforms. The Sharing Farm grows produce there for local food programs, and the park has hosted seasonal events such as garlic and raptor festivals.
Families come for the Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment, opened in 2014, with a tall treehouse, spiral slide, rope structures and a zipline. Dogs are not allowed in the play area.
From the park you can join the West Dyke Trail and walk or cycle south along the marshes to Steveston, or head east along the Middle Arm dyke toward the city centre. Winter brings hawks, eagles, owls and herons to the fields and foreshore, so bring binoculars.
Terra Nova suits families, gardeners, birders and anyone who wants a quieter base close to the airport.
