I still remember the first evening I found myself standing at the edge of Richmond’s shoreline, my camera hanging around my neck, and the salty air drifting across my face. Richmond, a city that hugs the Fraser River and opens into the Strait of Georgia, has a special kind of light that is unlike anywhere else in Canada. As the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon, the sky turned into an artist’s canvas, painted with streaks of pink, orange, and purple. The silhouettes of fishing boats bobbed gently in the water, and for a moment I felt as though I had stepped inside a living painting.
It was this moment that made me realize Richmond wasn’t just another coastal suburb of Vancouver—it was a place where nature and community collided in the most spectacular way. That evening inspired me to return again and again, chasing sunsets along different stretches of the shoreline. Each visit taught me something new: how the tide changes the reflections, how a cloudy evening can turn into a fiery finale, and how the sound of seagulls and the chatter from nearby families adds layers of texture to the experience.
Garry Point Park – The Iconic Sunset Spot
Location: West end of Steveston Village, 12011 Seventh Avenue, Richmond, BC
If there’s one place in Richmond I return to every season, it’s Garry Point Park. Situated right where the Fraser River meets the ocean, the park offers unobstructed western views—perfect for capturing sunsets.
Walking across the wide open fields toward the water, I always notice the scent of seaweed mixed with the distant aroma of fish and chips from Steveston Village. The park is dotted with cherry blossom trees in spring, but by summer it becomes a sunlit gathering place for picnics, kite flyers, and photographers like me. When the sun begins to dip, the entire horizon seems to catch fire.
What makes Garry Point Park so photogenic is its openness. With very few tall structures to block the view, you can capture wide panoramas of the sun disappearing behind the Gulf Islands. My favorite shots often include families silhouetted against the glowing sky or a lone kite soaring in the golden light.
Cost and Tips: The park is free to visit, and parking is available though it can fill up quickly on warm evenings. I usually arrive an hour before sunset, giving myself time to set up my tripod and find a spot along the rocky shoreline. If you’re hungry afterward, a short stroll brings you to Pajo’s Fish and Chips in Steveston, where I always book a table through OpenTable to avoid long waits.
Iona Beach Regional Park – Where the Sky Meets the Sea
Location: Iona Island Causeway, near Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
One of the most dramatic places to photograph a Richmond sunset is Iona Beach Regional Park. This spot feels almost otherworldly because of its long jetty that extends nearly 4 kilometers straight into the Strait of Georgia. Walking along it, with the ocean on both sides, feels like stepping into infinity.
I discovered Iona on a windy autumn evening. The sun was sinking low, and airplanes from nearby YVR roared above me as they approached the runway. At first, I thought the planes would ruin my photos, but instead, they became part of the story. I managed to capture a silhouette of a jet crossing the fiery horizon—a shot that remains one of my favorites to this day.
The reflections here are stunning when the tide is out. Pools of water left on the sand act like mirrors, doubling the intensity of the colors. Standing barefoot in the wet sand, camera in hand, I felt connected not only to the land but also to the rhythm of the sea.
Cost and Tips: Entrance is free, though parking requires a small fee. I recommend bringing a windbreaker since the breeze can be strong. For photographers, a wide-angle lens is essential to capture the sense of vastness. If you’re traveling from outside Vancouver, you can easily reach Iona by renting a car through Expedia.ca or Hertz Canada, both of which often offer discounts when bundled with flights.
Steveston Village – Fishing Boats in Golden Light
Location: Historic fishing village, South Richmond
If Richmond had a heart, it would be Steveston Village. This charming historic community, once one of the busiest fishing ports on the West Coast, has retained its maritime character. The wooden boardwalks, old canneries, and fishing boats lined up in the harbor make it feel timeless.
I came here one summer evening, lured by the promise of fresh seafood and a glowing sky. As the sun dipped lower, the fishing boats reflected in the calm water, creating a patchwork of gold and orange ripples. The smell of grilled salmon and clam chowder drifted from the waterfront restaurants, and I couldn’t resist reserving a table at Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant through OpenTable. Dining outdoors while the horizon blazed with color was as unforgettable as the photographs I captured.
For photographers, the magic of Steveston lies in the details: weathered wooden docks, gulls swooping overhead, lanterns flickering to life as dusk deepens. The combination of natural beauty and human presence makes it an endless playground for storytelling.
Cost and Tips: Walking the village is free, but food costs vary depending on the restaurant. If you want to capture the fishing boats in the best light, arrive an hour before sunset and find a spot near Fisherman’s Wharf.
Terra Nova Rural Park – Fields and Sky in Harmony
Location: Northwest Richmond, accessed via River Road
Unlike the open beaches of Garry Point or Iona, Terra Nova Rural Park offers a different perspective on Richmond sunsets. This expansive park blends farmland, wetlands, and wild meadows, making it ideal for capturing both wildlife and sunset scenes.
One of my favorite moments was standing on the wooden boardwalk, surrounded by tall grasses swaying in the evening breeze, while the sun painted the clouds a deep crimson. A heron took flight just as I pressed the shutter, its wings backlit by the glowing sky.
Families often gather here, children running across the adventure playground while parents relax nearby. It’s a reminder that photography isn’t just about landscapes—it’s about capturing people interacting with the land.
Cost and Tips: Free admission and ample parking make this an easy stop. Since it’s slightly inland, sunsets here often feature dramatic cloud formations rather than ocean views. I recommend bringing both a telephoto lens for wildlife and a wide lens for landscapes.
South Dyke Trail – Cycling into the Sunset
Location: Along the Fraser River, South Richmond
For those who love combining photography with exercise, the South Dyke Trail is ideal. This riverside path stretches for kilometers, perfect for cycling or walking. My most memorable ride was on a summer evening when the sky turned lavender and orange, and the water mirrored every shade.
The trail is quieter than other spots, making it easy to set up a tripod without worrying about crowds. Along the way, you’ll see rustic boathouses, drifting logs, and occasionally fishermen casting lines into the river.
Cost and Tips: Free to access. I usually rent bikes through local shops in Steveston, but you can also plan ahead using Expedia.ca for package deals that include bike rentals with tours. Bring water and snacks since facilities are limited.
What Makes Richmond’s Coastal Light Special
Richmond sunsets have a unique character because of the city’s geography. Surrounded by water and bordered by the Pacific, the light interacts with clouds, tides, and reflections in constantly surprising ways. Unlike the mountains of Vancouver that sometimes block the horizon, Richmond’s wide-open coastlines allow you to see the sun sink directly into the sea.
The colors are often more intense here. I’ve seen skies explode into fiery oranges that seem almost unreal, then fade into deep purples and soft blues. Photographers from around the world are drawn to this light because it creates natural contrasts without needing heavy editing.
Photography Tips from My Experience
- Timing is Everything: Arrive at least an hour before sunset to scout your location and set up your equipment.
- Golden Hour Magic: The 30 minutes before sunset and 15 minutes after are the most rewarding.
- Bring Versatile Lenses: A wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto for wildlife or distant boats.
- Tripod is Essential: Especially if you want long exposure shots of water reflections.
- Check the Weather: Cloudy evenings often produce the most dramatic skies.
- Edit Lightly: Richmond’s natural light often doesn’t need much enhancement—just a touch to balance shadows and highlights.
Costs, Travel, and Booking Advice
Visiting Richmond’s coastal parks is generally free, which makes sunset photography one of the most budget-friendly activities in the region. The main costs come from transportation, meals, and accommodations if you’re staying overnight.
Flights: I usually book through Google Flights or Expedia.ca when traveling across Canada, as they offer competitive prices and flexible date searches. A roundtrip from Toronto to Vancouver often ranges from CAD \$350–\$600 if booked early.
Hotels: For Richmond stays, I’ve had good experiences with Booking.com and Hotels.com, both of which list options from budget motels to luxury waterfront hotels. Staying in Richmond often costs less than downtown Vancouver while still keeping you close to YVR and sunset spots.
Dining: Restaurants in Steveston, like Blue Canoe or Pajo’s, can be booked in advance on OpenTable, which is a lifesaver on busy weekends.
Tours and Tickets: If you’re interested in combining sunset photography with other local activities, like whale watching tours from Steveston, platforms like GetYourGuide are reliable for booking tickets in advance.
Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Arrive Early: Popular spots like Garry Point Park fill up quickly, especially on warm weekends.
- Pack Layers: Even summer evenings can get chilly by the water.
- Respect Wildlife: Don’t get too close to herons or seals you may encounter along the coast.
- Bring Snacks: Not all parks have nearby food options, so I often pack a small picnic.
- Check Sunset Times: Apps like PhotoPills or Google Maps can help you plan precisely when the sun will set.
My Lasting Connection to Richmond Sunsets
Every time I return to Richmond, I find myself drawn to the coast at day’s end. No two sunsets are ever the same—sometimes the sky glows in pastel pinks, sometimes it burns in fiery oranges, and sometimes it fades quietly into a misty blue. Each evening carries its own story, and each photograph I take feels like a personal memory captured in light.
For me, photographing Richmond sunsets has become more than a hobby—it’s a ritual, a way of grounding myself and finding beauty in the simple act of watching the day end. It’s the sound of waves lapping against the shore, the laughter of families nearby, and the quiet anticipation of pressing the shutter at just the right moment. Richmond taught me that sunsets are never just about the sun; they are about the place, the people, and the feelings they evoke.
