Travel idea: 7 reasons to visit Richmond, B.C.

Though Richmond, British Columbia is often considered a suburb of Vancouver – it's a 20-minute drive away – it's a unique city all of its own. In 2007 Canadian Living  Magazine named it Canada's healthiest city. There are trees and parks, a cute historic fishing port and what feels like a generally more rested, relaxed pace. But if you don't live there, why visit Richmond, British Columbia? It's simple: food, food, more food. And fun shopping. Need we say more?

1. Daiso in Aberdeen Centre
This Aberdeen Centre mall has got lots of offbeat offerings, from the only Giordano store in North America (a fave cheap-and-chic clothes store in Hong Kong) to sexy Maserati cars to loose tea and dried foods emporiums. But the must-visit is Daiso, the Japanese version of a dollar store. At Daiso, everything costs two dollars, like wooden hairbrushes, intriguing Japanese candy, stationery, kitchen utensils and more. Ange Chew, Tourism Richmond's director of marketing says she goes for "the fake eyelashes. They're cheap!" Daiso is the perfect place to shop for back-to-school supplies, party favours, entertaining accessories, and inexpensive Japanese kitchen gadgets.

2. Richmond Night Market
Five words: Come with an empty stomach. Stalls at this open-air night market sell yummy food, from dim sum, bubble tea, dragon beard candy, kebabs, noodles, soup to mention just a few. Check out the other offerings too. "Where else can you buy a Samurai sword…and a wig?" laughs Ange. There are more than 400 stalls to explore, plenty of paid parking (entrance to the market is free, but parking is $5), even a stage that often features acts by local talent. The Richmond Night Market runs weekends from approximately May to the early October.

3. Steveston, the historic fishing village
Tucked at the edge of Richmond is the sweet historic fishing village of Steveston, where working fishing boats float by, and locals congregate for easy meals and a view of the water. Go for lunch at Reflections Gastronomie on Bayview street, followed by a spot of décor shopping a short walk away on the south side of Moncton street. In Steveston, fisherman still sell their catch to the public, there are long boardwalks to enjoy, and of course, more food to eat like Dave's fish and chips, or ice cream.

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