Richmond Nature Park

Richmond Nature Park

Richmond Nature Park is a breathe of fresh air and calmness in heart of the City of Richmond, BC. The sounds of the city fade away and are replaced with the sounds of leaves rustling in the breeze and birds chirping as one ventures out to explore the walking trails. The playground is fantastic and is lots of fun for all ages.

Lulu Island Bog

The Richmond Nature Park preserves one of the largest and last undeveloped parts of the Lulu Island Bog. The bog formed about 6,000 years ago after the Fraser River had deposited enough sediment at its mouth to form the Lulu Island Bog. Making this some of the youngest earth in the province of British Columbia.

Nature House

The Nature House is an intreptive centre with lots of interactive games and activities for kids and kids at heart to enjoy. There are some live animals to view along with other wildlife displays and a small gift shop. A naturalist is on hand to answer any questions that guests might have.

The park also offers educational programs for school kids. Public recreation programs are offered as well.

Trail maps and additional park information are avaiable here.

5km of Walking Trails

• Pond Trail is 0.35km and is a wheelchair accessible raised boardwalk 
• Time Trail is 0.83km and is a natural trail covered in wood chips
• Quacking Trail is 1.6km and is also a natural trail covered in wood chips
• Bog Forest Trail is 1.8km long natural trail as well

Richmond Nature Park Flora and Fauna

Lulu Island Bog Plantlife

The Lulu Island Bog is ideal growing habitats many plants including

• Sphagnum Moss which is one of natures most absorbant materials and is commonly used in gardening
• Wild Blueberries which are edible & enjoyed by birds
• Cranberries, also edible and grow close to the ground
• Labrador Tea, used for centuries by indigenous peoples to treat coughs and colds
• Shore Pines whose size is dwarfed due to the harsh acidic soil of the bog
• Sundew is a rare plant that grows in wet areas

Forest Plantlife

The plants growing in the forested areas of the park differ from those that thrive in the bog. Here one will find plants such as:

• Blackberries, which are delicious but full of thorny brambles
• Western White Birch with paperlike bark which can be used to create birch bark baskets
• Salal an important berry for the Coast Salish people
• Sword Fern traditional used by indigenous peoples for food, to treat skin sores and dandruff
• Hemlock provides food and shelter for animals

Wildlife in the Park

The park is home to many types of birds, bugs and small mammals including:

• Mallard Ducks are often spotted enjoying a swin in the pond
• Black Capped Chickadees with their signature chick-a-dee-dee song
• Spotted Towhees, a beautiful type of sparrow
• Hummingbirds, there are seven types of hummingbirds common in BC
• Warblers are a beautiful sounding song bird
• Douglas Squirrels, common to forested areas along the Pacific coast
• Dragonflies eat hundreds of mosquitos eachday which help to make time in a forest more enjoyable

Richmond Nature Park Hours & Admission

• The Nature House is open daily from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• The Nature Trails are open from dawn until dusk
• Admission is by donation
• Free parking is availble onsite

The Richmond Nature Park a Great Way to Spend an Afternoon

For those looking for a break of the hustle and bustle of BC's lower mainland and its cities, look no further than the Richmond Nature Park. It is a peaceful and rejuvenating park where time seems to slow and everyday stresses melt away. The park provides guests with an opportunity to learn about the ecosystems of the lower mainland land while enjoying walking trails, the interpretive Nature House and playground.