The trails within the Richmond Nature Park are decidedly more family-friendly than they are stroller-friendly, but with so much to see and do in the park, it’s well worth a visit (or two). You’re sure to have a little extra bounce in your step as you venture along the springy trails looping through the peat bog which makes up most of the park’s terrain. Spring is a time when the park puts on one of its most impressive displays as a carpet of colours appear across the bog and hummingbirds buzz in for a visit.
GETTING THERE
GETTING THERE
The park is located west of No. 5 Road on Westminster Highway. It’s easily accessible from Highway 99 or Knight Street.
TERRAIN
TERRAIN
Wide, flat trails make their way across the spongy bog of the park. The paths are made up of either wood chips or wooden boardwalk. Shade cover is minimal outside of the small forested area within the park.
STROLLER RECOMMENDATION
In dry weather, almost any type of stroller could handle the inner trails and boardwalk. However, after any rainy weather, even all-terrain strollers will get bogged down...literally (it is a bog after all). Be sure to check the trail conditions sign posted on the washroom building next to the playground before you head out. It will indicate whether the trails are dry, wet or downright flooded. Stick to the boardwalk loop if you don’t feel like getting a little extra workout pushing a stroller through the muck.
LENGTH
LENGTH
Depending on which of looping trails you choose and the trail conditions, plan to spend anywhere from 10-60 minutes walking the park’s seven kilometres of trails – longer if your toddler likes to get out of the stroller and get up close with Mother Nature. With so much to see and do in the nature house as well, allow additional time for some indoor exploration as well.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES
Stroller-accessible washrooms (with change tables), benches, playground, viewing platform, and picnic tables are all available in the park. The nature house, located at the park entrance, features plenty of interactive displays, nature-themed puzzles and games, and crafts that will appeal to young and old alike.
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
To better enjoy all of the natural beauty this park provides, pick up the Self-Guided Nature Walk brochure from the nature house before you set out. The tour introduces visitors to 15 of the area’s most beautiful features and inhabitants.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
From the nature park, it’s a short drive west along Westminster Highway to the hustle and bustle of Richmond’s No. 3 Road or the oasis of Minoru Park.
GOOD TO KNOW
The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. The nature house is open daily from 9 am - 5 pm. Admission is free. In order to protect its fragile ecosystem, dogs and other pets are not permitted in the park.
IMPORTANT: Any adventure in the outdoors carries a certain level of risk. The route information and maps contained in this blog are provided as rough guidelines only and are based on just one person's experience. Baby Meets Trail and its authors are not responsible for any harm that may occur while attempting one of the posted walks. We will, however, take credit if you have an excellent time!
IMPORTANT: Any adventure in the outdoors carries a certain level of risk. The route information and maps contained in this blog are provided as rough guidelines only and are based on just one person's experience. Baby Meets Trail and its authors are not responsible for any harm that may occur while attempting one of the posted walks. We will, however, take credit if you have an excellent time!
