Richmond has joined the ranks of the cities with a “hop-on, hop-off” bus service for tourists.
The “Richmond Hop On Hop Off Attraction Tour” rolled into service last week, connecting its riders to the city’s important tourist spots in central Richmond and Steveston.
The tour — which costs $29 for an adult and $20 for children aged six to 12 — is available from Wednesday to Sunday each week, plus holiday Mondays.
Tourism Richmond hooked up with a host of businesses to bring the bus to the city, including the Vancouver Trolley Company, Richmond Olympic Oval, Richmond Hotel Association, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, River Rock Casino Resort and the Pacific Gateway Hotel.
From 9:25 a.m. to 6:05 p.m., two busses will run the loop from the Radisson Hotel on Cambie and No. 3 roads to the River Rock, then onto McArthurGlen, Pacific Gateway Hotel, Hilton/Marriott/Sheraton hotels, Olympic Oval and then Steveston Village.
As an added incentive, each tour ticket includes admission to the Richmond Olympic Experience (ROX) at the Oval.
“This will connect tourism to the jewels in our city; (and) will enhance the spin-off benefits for the industry in Richmond,” said Bruce Okabe, CEO of Tourism Richmond at the launch outside the Oval on Friday.
“I’d like to mention the foresight and passion of a few businesses: McArthurGlen, Pacific Gateway Hotel, River Rock Casino, Richmond Hotel Association and the Richmond Olympic Oval.”
A Tourism Richmond spokesperson told the Richmond News that the tour bus is for “everyone; tourists, day visitors and residents.
“People can get off at the stops and explore and there will be incentives at each area.”
The bus itself is retro in its design and has red and white livery with snapshots of Richmond’s attractions, such as the west dyke and Steveston.
“This is an exciting day for tourism, especially with more and more direct flights coming in from around the world,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
“There is a lot more room for tourism to grow and I’m sure this will bring in more visitors to the city.”
For the full schedule, including ticket prices and where to purchase them, go online to VisitRichmondBC.com/HopOnHopOff.
