There are many parks and green spaces in Richmond, perfect for taking leisurely strolls and admiring seasonal changes in wildlife and flora. A wide variety of options exist for those who wish to unplug from modern life and reconnect with nature.
Our attention now turns to Garry Point Park, a huge waterfront park covering some thirty hectares (seventy-five acres) of green space. Put on your seatbelts, because we’re about to give you the lowdown on one of Richmond’s most visited parks!
Where Garry Point Park is Located
Garry Point Park is located at Richmond’s southwest tip, a few steps away from the historic Steveston Village.
It is an open space park situated on the Fraser River’s Sturgeon Banks in Steveston Landing.
Why Garry Point Park Is Popular
Millions of people, both locals and tourists, have been enchanted by Garry Point Park over the years. It offers breathtaking panoramas of the Richmond skyline, the Salish Sea, and the Gulf Islands.
The park is perfect for a day out with the family, with options like walking, biking, picnicking, and taking in the scenery.
If you’re looking for a place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the outdoors, you’ve found the right place!
What to See at Garry Point Park
1. Explore the Sandy Shores
The sandy, log-strewn beaches on the park’s southern edge are another must-do while visiting Garry Point.
You can sit on the tangled logs of driftwood and watch the fishing boats and other vessels enter and leave Steveston Harbour.
Aesthetically, the logs are stunning. Perfect for picnics, watching the sunset, and taking pictures! As an added bonus, you never know what might wash ashore, including potential hidden treasure.
2. Walk Along the Promenade
The park’s many walkways and paths make it ideal for a relaxing stroll during which one can take in the park’s natural beauty and the opportunity to reflect on one’s many concerns in life. Plus, you can bring your fur babies to walk with you — just keep them on a leash.
The walk around the park is about 2,000 steps, but it’s well worth it to spend quality time with friends and family while getting some fresh air and exercise on the promenade. Refreshing breezes will accompany your time in the sun!
3. Take A Peek At The Kuno Japanese Garden
Kuno Garden represents the friendship between Canada and Japan and is named after the first Japanese immigrant to Canada, who came from Wakayama Prefecture.
The lanterns and rocks in this little piece of Japanese culture were carefully placed to achieve the ultimate state of zen.
4. Visit the Steveston Fisherman’s Memorial to Show Your Respects
A giant fishing needle, standing at 25 feet in height, can be found within the park; it is a memorial to the brave fishermen who lost their lives to the ocean. Tens of boats were lost to the raging waves of bygone eras, but people never gave up hope.
Their entire culture revolved around fishing because it was their only means of subsistence. The monument is made of aluminum, bronze, and stone, and its base is engraved with the names of hundreds of fishermen who bravely gave their lives for their communities.
Artists George Juhasz and Georg Schmerholz envisioned and realized the statue, which was unveiled to the public in 1996. A perfect opportunity to reflect on blessings past and present.
5. Go BBQ-ing!
The park has designated BBQ areas, so if you’re interested in grilling meat for a picnic, you can do so without worry. The park permits the use of barbecue grills and ovens.
Note:
- It’s a trendy BBQ place, go early and claim a spot!
- Before planning a barbecue, make sure it’s allowed by checking the local news or park regulations; sometimes they are banned due to severe water shortages or fire restrictions.
6. Go For a Scenic Picnic
In the picnic area, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape, including the river. And of course, you could always take your picnic out into the open!
Even if you forget your picnic hampers, don’t worry; seasonal food spots like Timothy’s Frozen Yogurt and Pajo’s fish and chips will be happy to feed you and your friends.
7. Catch The Sunset
The park makes for an unforgettable sunset. The locals all agree that Garry Point is the best place to watch the sun go down in all of Richmond.
After a nice stroll, it’s time to sit back, relax, and let the setting sun carry your worries away. Indulge in a breathtaking sunset chase here, or take a stroll with your special someone at sunset.
8. See the Cherry Blossoms In Full Bloom at Cherry Tree Garden
You may have heard that Japan is where you can see the most beautiful cherry blossoms, but you don’t have to go all the way to Asia to see them.
Garry Point has its own version of these sakura trees in its Cherry Tree Garden. The area is dedicated to the immigrants and ancestors from Wakayama Prefecture in Japan and was undertaken in 2000, during the 35th anniversary of the friendship between the two cities.
Be in awe at the 250 cherry trees that have been expertly planted to form a canopy over a walkway. These gardens are neither the oldest nor the largest in Richmond, but when in bloom, they provide one of the city’s most breathtaking sights.
Note:
- Full bloom is typically in the months of March or April
9. Visit the Scotch Pond
For its rich history, Scotch Pond, represented by a serene old dock, is a popular destination in the park. Numerous boats, some of which are likely fishing vessels, are out on the water.
A Scottish-Canadian cannery was constructed in the area in 1899, when the pond was a slough and the entire park was a marsh tidal flat, hence the name.
Along the pond’s edge, you can also find the rotting stumps of wooden pilings that once held up the boardwalk that has now formed part of the area’s memory.
10. Go Bird Watching
Birdwatchers will also find this park to be a haven. Numerous bird species can be observed at Garry Point, including bald eagles, golden eagles, Anna’s hummingbirds, Northern flickers, spotted towhees, red-winged blackbirds, and more!
They look very pretty perched or flying through the air above. And there’s a grassy area next to the park where snow geese congregate to graze.
11. Fly Your Kites
Kite-flying in the uninhibited, invigorating breeze of Garry Point Park is another popular activity. Power Kites, typically flown from a buggy or a board, are permitted inside the park by the city’s authorities.
Each year, kite enthusiasts gather at Garry Point for the Pacific Rim Kite Festival to show off their elaborate and colorful power kite creations.
Note:
- The park has a Code of Conduct for power kiting that everyone must abide by for everyone’s safety. Before you bring your power kites, make sure you know the rules.
- A permit from the city’s Parks Department is needed before you can start power kiting.
- October is the best month to go kite flying because of the mild weather and consistent wind.
Tips & What to Know Before Going To Garry Point Park
- The river may look inviting on a hot day, but there are no lifeguards on duty, and the current in the Fraser River is too strong for swimming.
- Your four-legged friend is more than welcome in the park! However, they must be restrained at all times.
- It is illegal to pick flowers or feed the animals in the park.
- Multiple spotless restrooms are conveniently located throughout the park.
- Garry Point Park is connected to various attractions, including the West Dyke Trail to the park’s northeastern edge, and the neighboring Steveston Village, which can be accessed on foot via a walkway alongside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site.
Parking at Garry Point Park
The park’s lot is free to use, but finding a parking spot on the weekends or during the high season can be difficult. As an alternative, there is a pay parking lot not far away that charges about $7 for two hours.
Pro-tip: visit on weekends when there will be fewer people and more parking spots available.
Garry Point Park FAQ:
Is Garry Point parking free?
Yes! Parking at Garry Point Park is free.
Can you swim at Garry Point?
No, there is not a lifeguard on duty, and it is not safe to swim in the waters near Garry Point Park.
Are dogs allowed at Garry Point?
Garry Point is dog-friendly, but your pooch needs to stay on a leash at all times.