realtylinkonline

Here's something new! For the next six editions of Realtylink in Print we are featuring communities within the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver.

This week we are looking at the Richmond, South Delta, and the Southern Gulf Islands.

Richmond

Just 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver on Highway 99, Richmond is a unique island city, situated between the north and south arms of the Fraser River on Lulu Island.

More than 160,000 people call Richmond home, attracted by features ranging from a cosmopolitan, multi-ethnic, urban centre to scenic agricultural lands that support vast fields of strawberries, Canada's largest cranberry crop and the area's popular pumpkin patches.

Much of Richmond's history is centred in the picturesque village of Steveston, a colourful, flower festooned place of heritage buildings, museums, fish boats, parks and riverside restaurants. Here you'll find Canada's largest fishing fleet and at Fishermen's Wharf, fresh salmon, crab, halibut and shrimp are sold right from the docks. One of the Lower Mainland's largest parades takes place here on July 1, as part of the Salmon Festival.

Ladner and Tsawwassen

Further along Highway 99, just through the Deas Tunnel and only 30 minutes from Vancouver, is Ladner, a charming town of 22,000 residents. From its picture perfect heritage main street to its idyllic flat farmlands, to its internationally renowned Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Ladner is one of Vancouver's most popular places to escape to. Bookstores, craft shops, fresh fish from the pier and restaurants ranging from fish and chips to five star French make this community a must visit.

Just five minutes further south on Highway 99 is Tsawwassen, known for its wonderful beaches, great golf and sunny weather. For every sunny day in Vancouver, Tsawwassen has three. It is also home to the BC Ferry terminal, the gateway to Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

Gulf Islands

The Gulf Islands are just south of Vancouver in the Straight of Georgia, between the mainland and Vancouver Island. These islands are known for their wonderful, temperate climate, spectacular scenery and peace and quiet.

Galiano Island

The closest island to the mainland, Galiano retains its rural, rugged west coast nature, while boasting art galleries, craft shops, parks, restaurants and wonderful B&Bs.

Salt Spring

Salt Spring's rural, rugged charm, pristine lakes and hideaway beaches make it one of the most popular Gulf Islands. Weekenders and residents alike enjoy its many unique galleries, restaurants, golf courses and accommodation that ranges from farmhouse guest rooms to five star inns.

Pender Islands

The 'Penders', with a population of 2,000, are two islands, North and South Pender, joined by a tiny bridge. Because the islands are flat, they're popular with cyclists year-round. The islands are also known for family vacations, yoga seminars, golfing, hiking and nature watching.

Mayne Island

This little eight square mile island, separated from Galiano by Active Pass, has a population of almost 900 permanent residents. It has century-old buildings with delightful bed and breakfast homes and country inns. It's perfect for cycling and walking.

Saturna Island

This is the most southwestern of the Gulf Islands. It has a population of just 350 and consists of two lines of hills treading east west with a spectacular valley between them. Saturna is known for its vineyard and the annual Canada Day lamb barbecue.