Fishing Piers and Boating
Richmond is made up of a group of islands located at the mouth of the Fraser River. The city is surrounded by water with the Fraser River to the north, east and south and the Strait of Georgia to the west, so it is only natural that there are numerous piers and docks along our waterfront trails.
There are five major locations for viewing pier/platforms, fishing piers and fish floats along the trail system. Enjoy a day outside reeling in your big catch. Each of these piers offers a unique view of the Fraser River with picnic tables at each location.
Along the South Arm of the Fraser River:- Britannia Heritage Shipyard Wharf
- Imperial Landing
- No. 2 Road Fishing Pier and Float - A historic area at the start of the South Dyke Trail with views of Steveston Island (aka Shady Island) and the historic Cannery Channel. Picnic tables, washrooms, interpretation signage and parking available.
- No. 3 Road Sports Fishing Pier - A large fishing pier with panoramic views of the Fraser River, Ladner, Mt. Baker and river traffic. Parking and washrooms available.
- No. 7 Road Pier - A restored former barge loading pier, open grass area, woodlot and small beach. Washroom and parking available.
- Mitchell Island Pier - This pier is currently closed to public access.
Britannia Heritage Shipyard Wharf
An excellent view of the Fraser River can also be enjoyed from the wharf at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. Located at the south foot of Railway Avenue, the heritage dock is not available for public moorage.
Imperial Landing Dock
Located at the south end of English Avenue, Imperial Landing offers public moorage and an excellent vantage point of Steveston’s inner harbour.
Imperial Landing Transient Moorage Program
Imperial Landing is a 600 foot dock open for public transient moorage year round. Moorage is available on first come, first serve basis with no reservations.
- Moorage is limited to 3 days max with in a 14 day period.
- Current moorage rate is $1 per foot per 24 hours
Review the following dock rules and regulations BEFORE mooring at the dock.
Email parksprograms@richmond.ca or call 604-244-1208 for all inquiries.
Fishing at Imperial Landing
Starting July 3, look for new signage on the dock. These signs indicate the permitted fishing and moorage areas on the dock.
Remember: All fishing in the Lower Fraser River requires a valid Tidal Waters Fishing License. Apply for a license online from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Piers
Located on River Road at Cambie Road and Hollybridge Way, this park features two piers, an amphitheatre, multiple accessible play areas for children of all ages, public art installations, lush native plantings, waterfront benches and access to UBC Lecky Boathouse and the Richmond Olympic Oval.
McDonald Beach Boat Launch Ramp
McDonald Beach Boat Launch is located on the north bank of Sea Island at the end of McDonald Road. Facilities include two ramps, public washrooms and picnic tables. Call 604-244-1208 or email parksprograms@richmond.ca for more information.
The boat launch is open from sunrise to sunset daily. Refer to www.timeanddate.com for sunrise and sunset times, 365 days of the year and plan your arrival and departures accordingly.
Be advised that fees apply to the boat ramp, which can be paid at the meter on-site or through the purchase of an annual permit of $100 plus GST.
2 Ways to Apply for or Renew an Annual Permit- Online - complete the following form:
Annual Permit Application - Mail - print and complete the Annual Permit Application and send to:
Community Bylaws - McDonald Beach Annual Permit Application
Richmond City Hall
6911 No. 3 Road
Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1.
Call 604-276-4345 or email at parkingpermit@richmond.ca for more information.
Get Your Boat License
A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is required to operate power-driven boats and watercraft in Canada - it’s the law.
Every person who operates a motorized boat in Canada must obtain proof of competency. Obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card by passing a Transport Canada Accredited boating safety test, which show proof of being a competent boater and ensures the understanding of Canada’s navigation rules and how to boat safely.
Boaters can obtain their official Pleasure Craft Operator Card, commonly known as a boat license or boat card, by successfully passing the BOATsmart! exam, found online at www.boatsmartexam.com.