Richmond, a vibrant city located just south of Vancouver, is a hidden gem that offers much more than meets the eye. Nestled amidst a network of islands within the Fraser River Delta, this city is a delightful mix of rich history, cultural diversity, and unique attractions. Below are five intriguing facts about Richmond that you probably didn’t know!

1. Older Than Vancouver – A Hidden Historical Treasure!

Richmond boasts a rich history that predates its more famous neighbor, Vancouver. While Vancouver was incorporated in 1886, Richmond became a municipality a few years earlier on November 10, 1879. Initially divided into three wards, the city expanded to five wards by 1891. The origin of the name "Richmond" remains a mystery, with three theories floating around but no definitive proof from the city archives. This makes Richmond not only older but also steeped in historical intrigue!

2. A Network of Dikes – Protecting the City from Water

Did you know that Richmond is home to an impressive 49 kilometers of dikes? These crucial structures help to keep the city above sea level and protect it from flooding. Complementing this extensive dike system are 39 water pumps, ensuring that Richmond remains resilient against the challenges of its river delta environment. In fact, if you lined up all the dikes, they would stretch from the University of British Columbia (UBC) to the shores of Nanaimo!

3. Aviation Milestone – Canada’s First Flight Outside of Nova Scotia

While most Canadians recognize the historic flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903, the first powered flight in Western Canada took place right in Richmond! On March 25, 1910, a crowd gathered at Minoru Park to witness American aviator Charles K. Hamilton make history in his biplane. This unforgettable event marked Richmond as a pivotal location in Canada’s aviation history as Hamilton showcased his aircraft by racing a car—but spoiler alert: the plane lost that race!

4. Home of Geocaching – Canada’s First Geocache City

If you’re into geocaching, then Richmond should be on your radar! In 2015, the city became the first official geocache city in Canada, launching a unique “GeoTour” that leverages the excitement of GPS treasure hunting. Since public use of GPS became available in 2000, this engaging activity has gained immense popularity, and Richmond’s initiative has placed it at the forefront of this thrilling hobby.

5. A Cat Lover’s Paradise – The Largest Sanctuary in Canada

Calling all feline enthusiasts! Richmond is home to the Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS) cat sanctuary, the largest facility of its kind in Canada. Located at 3380 No. 6 Rd, this sanctuary cares for up to 500 cats per year. RAPS provides a safe haven for all types of cats, from those looking for new homes to those needing specialized care due to health or behavioral issues. Their mission is simple yet powerful: “All animals deserve the right to their best life.” It’s a heartwarming place that any animal lover must visit!

Richmond is more than just Vancouver's neighbor—it's a city packed with history, culture, and community spirit. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or animal advocate, Richmond has something special waiting for you around every corner!