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Richmond’s Walking Guide Book
Sit less. Walk more. Walk Richmond.
23 easy walks around Richmond
Knight StreetBridge
AirportVancouver International
Arthur LaingBridge Oak Street
Bridge
DinsmoreBridge
No. 2 RoadBridge
George MasseyTunnel
Bridge
AirportConnector
Moray ChannelBridge
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Bridgeport Road
Cambie Road
Alderbridge Way
Westminster Highway
Granville Avenue
Blundell Road
Francis Road
Williams Road
Steveston Highway
T da
oR ll e
hSli ar
99
ya
wh
giH
Highway 91
rtS t
hgi
nK
te
e
Middle Arm Fraser River
North Arm Fraser River
Sout
h Arm
Fras
er R
iver
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1120
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13
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3
5
10
12Maps and Walk Details Burkeville Park – Sea Island .............................. 4
City Centre ...................................................... 5
Finn Slough ..................................................... 6
Fraserwood ..................................................... 7
Garden City and Paulik Parks ........................... 8
Garry Point Park / West Dyke ........................... 9
Horseshoe Slough ......................................... 10
Hugh Boyd .................................................... 11
Iona Jetty ...................................................... 12
King George Park .......................................... 13
London Heritage Farm ................................... 14
McDonald Beach ........................................... 15
McLean Park – Hamilton ................................ 16
Middle Arm / Two Bridges ............................. 17
Minoru Park .................................................. 18
Railway Greenway Trail .................................. 19
Richmond Nature Park ................................... 20
Shell Road Trail .............................................. 21
South Arm Park ............................................. 22
South Dyke ................................................... 23
Steveston Village ........................................... 24
Terra Nova ..................................................... 25
Thompson to Terra Nova ............................... 26
Walking Handbook ...................................27–28
Legend (applies to all maps)
Parking Washrooms
Access Points
AccessibilityWhile many of the walking trails are wheelchair accessible, it is advisable to be accompanied by an able-bodied person. The trails are subject to use and weathering that may degrade them to the point where their original accessible design has been compromised in some areas.
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START
Russ
Bak
er W
ay
Hudson A
Handley A
Airpor
t Rd
ysander L
ane
BurkevillePark
reviR res arF
mrA el
ddi
M
Flight PathPark
Sea IslandCommunity Centre Miller Rd
Richmond’s Walking Guide Book4
Distance: 3.5 kms
Burkeville Park – Sea Island
Terrain and cautionsNo sidewalks; some pavement, gravel and street traffic. Walk is stroller friendly.
DescriptionThis walk explores a thriving neighbourhood that formerly provided housing for Second World War veterans and employees in the airplane manufacturing industry. Burkeville is a small, unique community on Sea Island that is located next to the Vancouver International Airport and is separated from the rest of Richmond and Vancouver by a total of four bridges. Within this community there are parks, tennis courts, an elementary school and a community centre.
Starting pointBurkeville Park playground (between Airport Road and Catalina Crescent).
ParkingStreet parking available along Airport Road.
TransitBus #C92 stops about 650 metres away from Burkeville Park playground near Boeing Avenue and Catalina Crescent.
1
www.richmond.ca/walk 5
Distance: 3 kms
Burkeville Park – Sea Island City Centre
Terrain and cautionsFlat paved sidewalk and pathways. Walk is stroller friendly and wheelchair accessible. Exercise caution when crossing main roads along this route.
DescriptionThis one-hour urban walk begins at City Centre Community Centre and passes by many amenities and services including the Richmond Cultural Centre, sports facilities in Minoru Park, Richmond City Hall and the Canada Line. The route travels south through Minoru Park, along Granville Avenue and north along No. 3 Road back to the community centre.
Starting pointCity Centre Community Centre entrance, 5900 Minoru Boulevard.
ParkingLimited underground and street parking available at or near City Centre Community Centre.
TransitBus #401 stops at the corner of Westminster Highway and Minoru Boulevard or is a 600 metre walk from the Brighouse Canada Line station via No. 3 Road.
START
Westminster Hwy
Granville Ave
No
. 3 R
d
Min
oru
Blv
d
Gilb
ert
Rd
Firbridge Way
2
START
No
. 4 R
d
South Arm Fraser River
Finn Slough
Gar
den
Cit
y R
d
No
. 5 R
d
Dyke Rd
WoodwardsSlough
Richmond’s Walking Guide Book6
Distance: 5 kms
Finn Slough
Terrain and cautionsGravel, pavement and street traffic. Exercise caution as there are limited sidewalks. Walk is stroller friendly.
DescriptionWith a panoramic view of the Fraser River, this walk back and forth along Dyke Road passes by the historic community of Finn Slough. Founded by Finnish settlers in the 1880s, this was once a popular residence for Richmond fishermen. The houses in Finn Slough are located along the marshy river bank and are now a small reminder of what life was like during those flourishing fishing times.
Starting pointWoodwards Landing–one block west of No. 5 Road off of Dyke Road.
ParkingAvailable at Woodwards Landing.
TransitBus #405 stops about 650 metres away from the intersection of Machrina Way and No. 5 Road.
3
START
TURNAROUND
Dyke Rd
Gra
ybar
Rd
South Arm Fraser River
Fraserwood Way
Highway 91
Gordon Way
Fraserwo
od
Pl
Westminster Hwy
FraserwoodPark
www.richmond.ca/walk 7
Terrain and cautionsFlat gravel path. Exercise caution as there are limited sidewalks. No lights or washrooms on this route.
DescriptionLocated in the Hamilton area of east Richmond, the Fraserwood Trail is one of Richmond’s most unique but lesser-known routes. The trail travels towards the Alex Fraser Bridge and passes a marina, houseboats, woodlots and Fraserwood Park. Look for Don Island, the larger of the two islands that can be seen from the beginning of the trail.
Starting pointEntrance to the trail at the intersection of Graybar Road and Dyke Road.
ParkingAvailable along Graybar Road and Dyke Road.
TransitBus #410 stops about 500 metres away from the intersection of Graybar Road and Gordon Way.
Distance: 2 kms
Fraserwood4
Granville Ave
Garden CityPark
Gar
den
Cit
y R
dG
ard
en C
ity
Rd
Ash
St
Hea
ther
St
General Currie Rd
Alberta Rd
PaulikPark
START
Richmond’s Walking Guide Book8
Terrain and cautionsGravel, pavement and street traffic. Walk is stroller friendly.
DescriptionThis walk through both Garden City and Paulik Parks features a lake, playground and an arboretum, which contains species of trees that originate from the Pacific Rim regions. With an abundance of trees and flowers, these gardens provide a beautiful place to walk as well as a place for the community to gather.
Starting pointGarden City Park parking lot one block east of Garden City Road on Granville Avenue.
ParkingAvailable at starting point. Street parking also available.
TransitBus #401 and #404 stop alongside Garden City Park.
5 Garden City and Paulik Parks
Distance: 2.5 kms
Steveston Hwy
Chatham St
Stu
rgeo
n B
ank
South Arm Fraser River
7th
Ave
Garry St
TURNAROUND
START
Garry Point Park
www.richmond.ca/walk 9
Terrain and cautionsFlat gravel dyke path.
DescriptionThis trail begins at Garry Point Park, which is located close to Steveston’s historic fishing village. While walking through the park look for the Kuno Garden, a Japanese style memorial garden, and Scotch Pond, a heritage moorage site. The second leg of the trail travels along the West Dyke and provides spectacular views of the Fraser River, Gulf Islands and Coastal Mountains. Running adjacent to the dyke is Sturgeon Banks, an estuary that provides habitat and stopover sites for a large variety of birds and waterfowl.
Starting pointGarry Point Park concession stand, 12771 7th Avenue.
ParkingAvailable at entrance to Garry Point Park.
TransitBuses #C93, #401, #402, #407 and #410 stop about 600 metres away from the starting point.
Distance: 5 kms
Garry Point Park / West Dyke6
Horseshoe Way
Woodwards Landing
Shel
l Rd
No
. 5 R
d
Dyke Rd
South Arm Fraser R
iver
Machrin ya Wa
Hammersmith Gate
START
TURNAROUND
Richmond’s Walking Guide Book10
Terrain and cautionsFlat gravel and dirt path.
DescriptionTraveling the South Dyke to Shell Road, this peaceful, tree-lined trail crosses over the historic Horseshoe Slough and provides pedestrians and cyclists a shady, cool retreat from warm summer days. Starting near the entrance to Woodwards Landing Park, the trail travels along two sides of the slough. The west side of the trail is wider and flatter, making for easier pedestrian and cyclist accessibility. The east side, adjacent to several industrial sites, is more narrow and uneven making the walk slightly more challenging.
Starting pointWoodwards Landing one block west ofNo. 5 Road off Dyke Road.
ParkingAvailable at entrance to Woodwards Landing and along Dyke Road.
TransitBus #405 stops about 650 metres away from the intersection of Machrina Way and No. 5 Road.
Distance: 3.5 kms
Horseshoe Slough7
No
. 1 R
d
Pendlebury Rd
Parksville Dr
Pendleton Rd
Francis Rd
START
Hugh BoydPark West Richmond
Pitch & PuttGolf Course
West RichmondCommunity Centre
Hugh BoydSecondary
www.richmond.ca/walk 11
Distance: 2.2 kms
Hugh Boyd
Terrain and cautionsGravel, pavement and street traffic. Walk is stroller friendly.
DescriptionThis unique walk highlights one of North America’s single largest artificial turf fields. Bordering Hugh Boyd High School and Richmond Pitch and Putt golf course, this park is one of Richmond’s most active sporting venues. With six soccer fields and tennis courts, a basketball and a hockey court, a full size playground and an outdoor fitness circuit, Hugh Boyd Park offers physical activity opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Starting pointOutdoor Fitness Circuit on the northeast side of the West Richmond Community Centre, 9180 No. 1 Road.
ParkingAvailable at West Richmond Community Centre.
TransitBus #401 stops across from the West Richmond Community Centre at the intersection of No. 1 Road and Osmond Avenue.
8
Ferguson Rd
VancouverInternational
Airport
Sturgeon Bank
START
TURNAROUND
Richmond’s Walking Guide Book12
Terrain and cautionsFlat gravel path. Consider bringing an extra layer of clothing on windy days.
DescriptionThis route follows the covered pipeline, which reaches 4.5 km into the Strait of Georgia and offers beautiful views of the many surrounding mountain regions: Mount Baker to the east, the Coastal Mountains to the north with Pacific Spirit Regional Park in the foreground, and the Vancouver Island Mountains to the west. There are covered benches along the jetty that provide shelter from the wind and a resting spot from which to enjoy the views.
Starting pointNorth of Templeton Street, which becomes Ferguson Road and continues to the jetty entrance.
ParkingAvailable along the road near the entrance to the jetty or at the Iona Beach Regional Park parking lot at the end of Ferguson Road. Please note the posted closing time on the park gate.
TransitThis walk is not easily accessible by transit. Bus #C90 stops about 5 kilometres away at the UPS parking lot.
Distance: 9 kms
Iona Jetty9
Cambie Rd
King George Park
Bat
h S
lou
gh
Bridgeport Rd
Vickers Way
Woodhead Rd
Cameron Dr
McN
eely
Dr
No
. 5 R
d
Swed
en W
ay
CambieCommunity
Centre
START
www.richmond.ca/walk 13
Distance: 3 kms
King George Park
Terrain and cautionsSome gravel, pavement and street traffic. Walk is stroller friendly.
DescriptionThis walk loops around the sporting fields and playgrounds of King George Park and then travels north along Bath Slough (situated within Richmond’s industrial and business complexes) and back. The park is nearly one-third of an entire city block and houses various active sporting facilities and a children’s water park. Located next to Cambie High School, this park is frequented by recreational users of all ages and abilities.
Starting pointCambie Community Centre entrance, 12800 Cambie Road.
ParkingAvailable at Cambie Community Centre.
TransitBuses #22, #405, #410 and #C96 stop about 250 metres away from the start location.
10
South Arm Fraser River
LondonHeritage
Farm
Moncton St
No
. 2 R
d
Dyke Rd
TURNAROUND
Gilb
ert
RdNo
. 1 R
d
START
Richmond’s Walking Guide Book14
Terrain and cautionsFlat gravel path.
DescriptionTake a walk back in time along this trail that begins at the historic London Heritage Farm, which includes a fully restored heritage house, barn and old farm equipment, illustrating the rural history of Richmond. The route then passes through the Britannia Shipyards with turn-of-the-century boatworks and cannery residences, and Steveston Village with the historic cannery site of the BC Packers Ltd.
Starting pointAt the parking lot across from London Heritage Farm, 6511 Dyke Road.
ParkingAvailable along Dyke Road, across from London Heritage Farm.
TransitBus #402 stops about 1.5 kilometres away from the intersection of Moncton Street and No. 2 Road.
Distance: 5.5 kms
London Heritage Farm11
McDonaldBeach
TURNAROUND
McD
on
ald
Rd
Ferguson Rd
Grauer Rd
Vancouver InternationalAirport
ArthurLaingBridge
North Arm Fraser River
Vancouver
Templeto
n St
START
www.richmond.ca/walk 15
Terrain and cautionsFlat gravel path. The McDonald Beach walk is a dog off-leash area.
DescriptionHome to the Vancouver International Airport, Sea Island offers a scenic walking trail along the north arm of the Fraser River with the trail beginning at McDonald Beach Park and continuing to the midway point at Grauer Road. This trail is perfect for airplane and bird watching enthusiasts.
Starting pointNorth end of McDonald Road at the McDonald Beach parking lot.
ParkingAvailable at the McDonald Beach parking lot.
TransitBus #C90 stops about 1.4 km away at the UPS parking lot.
Distance: 5 kms
McDonald Beach12
McLean
HamiltonCommunity
ParkHamilton
CommunityCentre
Park
McLean Ave
McClinton Ave
Wes
tmin
ster
Hw
y
Hwy 9
1
Turn
er S
t
Gilley Rd
Smit
h D
r
McC
oll
Cre
scen
t
START
Richmond’s Walking Guide Book16
Distance: 2.4 kms
Hamilton McLean Park
Terrain and cautionsGravel, pavement and street traffic. Walk is stroller friendly.
DescriptionThis walk begins along a gravel walking path winding through Hamilton Community Park, continuing through the Hamilton area neighbourhood and looping McLean Park via a paved pathway. Located directly behind Hamilton’s fire hall, McLean Park offers an abundance of recreational amenities that encourage residents and visitors to participate in physical activities.
Starting PointHamilton Community Centre, 5140 Smith Street (playground on the eastside of the parking lot).
ParkingAvailable at Hamilton Community Centre.
TransitBus #401 stops about 300 metres away at the corner of Westminster Highway and McLean Avenue.
13
TURNAROUND
Westminster Hwy
Gilb
ert
Rd
No
. 2 R
d
Lyn
as L
ane
Min
oru
Blv
d
No. 2 Rd Bridge
DinsmoreBridge
No
. 3 R
dRichmond
Dover Park
Olympic Oval
START
www.richmond.ca/walk 17
Terrain and cautionsFlat gravel dyke path.
DescriptionStarting at Dover Park, the trail is easily accessed from the city centre and links to the popular West Dyke Trail. This dyke path is adjacent to the Middle Arm of the Fraser River with views of Sea Island, the Vancouver International Airport and the North Shore Mountains. The route passes by the Richmond Olympic Oval, a world-class community facility and home of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games long track speed skating competition.
Starting pointDover Park, 5888 Dover Crescent (across from the City of Richmond Works Yard).
ParkingStreet parking available around Dover Park.
TransitBuses #C94 and #401 stop about 120 metres away from the start location.
Distance: 4 kms
Middle Arm14
Westminster Hwy
Gilb
ert
Rd
Granville Ave
HALFWAY
POINT
Arenas
Aquatic Centre
Bo
wlin
g G
reen
Rd
Minoru Park
Pierrefonds
ClementTrack
Minoru Lakes
MinoruChapel
Garden
START
Richmond’s Walking Guide Book18
Terrain and cautionsThe pathway on this trail is mostly paved concrete with some areas where the path is bark mulch. Use caution when walking on the paved path that cuts across Minoru field as this is a popular biking route.
DescriptionThe trail begins at Clement Track before making its way into the Minoru Lakes area to the north. There are beautiful annual and perennial floral displays throughout the park, particularly surrounding Minoru Chapel and Pierrefonds Garden. Minoru Park and the pathways around Minoru Lakes provide a quiet retreat from the bustling city centre.
Starting pointClement Track Grandstand,7191 Granville Avenue.
ParkingAvailable around Clement Track, Minoru Arenas and Minoru Aquatic Centre.
TransitBus #410 stops just steps away from the Minoru Track along Granville Avenue (and Moffatt Road). Buses #407 and #496 stop along Gilbert Road and the park.
Distance: 2 kms
Minoru Park15
Moncton St
Westwater DrSouth Arm
Fraser River
Steveston Hwy
Williams Rd
Railw
ay Ave
Trites Rd
Brunswick Dr
TURNAROUND
START
BranscombeHouse
Britannia Shipyards
www.richmond.ca/walk 19
Terrain and cautionsFlat paved sidewalk and trail. Exercise caution when crossing the intersecting roads along the trail.
DescriptionThis walk travels along the multi-use cycling and walking pathway through several neighborhoods that connect the Fraser River Middle Arm and the South Dyke/Steveston waterfronts. Look for the community gardens and the historical Branscombe House along the way.
Starting pointParking lot at the south end of Railway Avenue and Westwater Drive near the Britannia Shipyards.
ParkingParking and washrooms are available at the walk starting point.
TransitBuses #410 and #C93 stop at the corner of Railway Avenue and Moncton Street.
Distance: 4.5 kms
Railway Greenway Trail16
HALFWAY
POINT
Shel
l Rd
No
. 5 R
d
Westminster Hwy
Highway 91
Highway 99
Bog Forest
Quaking
Time
Pond
RichmondNature Park
START
Richmond’s Walking Guide Book20
Terrain and cautionsForested and shaded paths are a mixtureof bark mulch and wooden boardwalks.
DescriptionThe Richmond Nature Park consists of200 acres of the raised peat bog that once covered large portions of Lulu Island. The walking trail provides an opportunity to encounter plants and animals in bog, forest and pond habitats. The shortest trail, an elevated boardwalk around the park pond, is wheelchair accessible. A free trail guide describing the different plants and animals is available in the Nature House.
Starting pointRichmond Nature Park,11851 Westminster Highway
ParkingAvailable at the entrance to the Richmond Nature Park. The park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to sunset.
TransitBus #405 stops about 200 metres away at the intersection of Westminster Highway and No. 5 Road.
Distance: 4 kms
Richmond Nature Park17
TURNAROUND
Blundell Rd
Francis Rd
No
. 4 R
d
Granville Ave
Shel
l Rd
Tra
il
START
www.richmond.ca/walk 21
Terrain and cautionsShaded and secluded path. The Shell Road Trail is a dog off-leash area. There are no washrooms or lighting along this route.
DescriptionLined with tall trees and shrubs, this long interior trail has a distinctly rural feel making it a unique walking experience in an urban city centre. This route travels to Blundell Road; however, the entire trail spans from Alderbridge Way to Williams Road.
Starting pointEnd of Francis Road at No. 4 Road.
ParkingLimited parking available at the trail entrance at Francis Road and No. 4 Road.
TransitBus #404 stops within 110 metres of the start location.
Distance: 3 kms
Shell Road Trail18
South Arm Park
Hugh McRobertsSecondary
South ArmCommunity
Centre
South ArmPool
Williams Rd
Ryan Rd
Ash
St
START
Richmond’s Walking Guide Book22
South Arm Park
Distance: 2.4 kms
Terrain and cautionsPaved trail. Walk is stroller friendly.
DescriptionLocated in the residential area of Garden City and Williams Road, this multi-facility park is one of the largest recreational areas in Richmond. The walk loops around South Arm Park, which includes an outdoor swimming pool, soccer fields, baseball diamonds and tennis courts. Surrounded by trees and greenery, this park is an inviting playground to all.
Starting pointSouth Arm Community Centre entrance,8880 Williams Road.
ParkingAvailable at South Arm Community Centre.
TransitBuses #C93 and #C401 stop within 200 metres of the start location.
19
TURNAROUND
No
. 3 R
d
Gilb
ert
Rd
Dyke Rd
Gar
den
Cit
y R
d
South Arm Fraser River
Steveston Hwy
London
Dog off-leasharea
HeritageFarm
Finn Rd
LondonLanding
START
www.richmond.ca/walk 23
South Arm Park
Terrain and cautionsFlat gravel dyke path. This walk passes by a dog off-leash area.
DescriptionStarting at London Heritage Farm, the South Dyke trail travels along the Fraser River in a mainly agricultural area. Walking along Dyke Road provides easy access to off-road trails and eventually links to the interior Horseshoe Slough and Shell Road Trails. Located at the base of No. 3 Road is the Sports Fishing Pier, which overlooks the Fraser River, Ladner and Mount Baker.
Starting pointAt the parking lot across from London Heritage Farm, 6511 Dyke Road.
ParkingAvailable along Dyke Road, across from London Heritage Farm.
TransitBus #402 stops about 1.5 km away at the intersection of Moncton Street and No. 2 Road.
Distance: 5 kms
South Dyke20
South Arm Fraser River
StevestonCommunity
Centre
Steveston Park
Moncton St
Rai
lway
Ave
7th
Ave
No
. 1 R
d
Broadway St
Bayview St
START
Richmond’s Walking Guide Book24
Terrain and cautionsPavement and street traffic. Walk is stroller friendly.
DescriptionStarting at Garry Point Park, this walk through the historic fishing village of Steveston passes the Britannia Shipyards, Canada’s former busiest fishing port and Steveston Village, filled with unique shops and restaurants.
Distance: 4 kms
Steveston Village
Starting pointGarry Point Park concession stand, 12771 7th Avenue.
ParkingAvailable at Garry Point Park entrance.
TransitBuses #C93, #401, #402, #407 and #410 stop about 600 metres from the starting point.
21
TURNAROUND
Westminster Hwy
Granville Ave
Blundell Rd
River Rd
Stu
rgeo
n B
ank
Middle Arm Fraser River
No. 1 Rd
Terra NovaRural Park
Terra Nova
Wes
t D
yke
Trai
l
Nature Park
Terra NovaNeighbourhood
Park
START
www.richmond.ca/walk 25
Steveston Village
Terrain and cautionsFlat gravel dike path.
DescriptionStarting at the north entrance to the West Dyke, this walk follows the perimeter trail surrounding Terra Nova Rural Park, a 35-acre protected old-field habitat with viewing platforms. Watch for wildlife as birds, owls and hawks are often observed in this conservation area. The trail continues onto the West Dyke until reaching the midway point at Blundell Road.
Starting pointWest Dyke Trail entrance, the west end of River Road.
ParkingAvailable at the entrance to the dike at the west end of River Road.
TransitBus #401 stops about 1.7 kilometres from the starting point.
Distance: 5 kms
Terra Nova22
TURNAROUND
Granville Ave
Westminster Hwy
River Rd
No
. 1 R
d
Stu
rgeo
n B
ank
Middle Arm Fraser River
BurnettThompsonCommunity
CentreSchool
Terra NovaRural Park Terra Nova
NeighbourhoodPark
Barnard Dr
McC
alla
n R
d
Terra NovaNatural
Park
START
Richmond’s Walking Guide Book26
Terrain and cautionsFlat paved concrete sidewalk and gravel dyke path. Exercise caution at the north end of this trail! Be aware of both passenger and commercial vehicles when crossing River Road to access the dyke andthe Middle Arm Trail.
DescriptionBeginning at Thompson Community Centre, continue north towards River Road along McCallan Road Trail and then head west along River Road towards Terra Nova Park. With a panoramic view of the airport and the natural beauty of Terra Nova Rural Park, this walk is a treat for airplane and nature enthusiasts.
Starting pointThompson Community Centre north entrance, 5151 Granville Avenue.
ParkingAvailable at Thompson Community Centre.
TransitBus #410 stops about 500 metres from Thompson Community Centre
Distance: 7.4 kms
Thompson to Terra Nova23
www.richmond.ca/walk 27
Sit less. Walk more. Walk Richmond.Discover your community while improving your health when you make regular walking part of your lifestyle. The information found in this handbook provides you with some basic tools and information to help get you started walking right away. Congratulations on taking the first step to a healthier you!
Why walk?Walking can be done almost anytime, anywhere and it’s free! Regular and brisk walking can help you:• feel healthier• enjoy social time with friends and family• lower cholesterol and control or prevent high blood
pressure• strengthen your bones• decrease stress and sleep better• exercise injury-free• manage your weight• tone your muscles• train your heart and lungs
Have funYou’ll stick with your program if it’s a fun and rewarding part of your daily routine. Here are a few tips to help:• Walk a little every day. Aim for 45 to 60 minutes,
three to four times a week, and 15 minutes on the other days.
• Explore a variety of routes. Challenge yourself to walk all of the routes in this Guide Book!
• Walk with others. Join a walking group such as Walk Richmond (www.richmond.ca/walk) or walk with friends or family members.
Planning your walkMake sure to stay safe and follow good practices to keep you walking for life.• Walk safely. Don’t wear headphones in areas
where it’s important to be constantly alert. At night, walk with a friend, wear reflective clothing and carry identification and a cell phone.
• Be ready to adapt to extreme weather conditions. When it’s hot, choose a shaded route and walk a little slower than usual. Drink water before starting and carry water with you. Avoid walking at the hottest part of the day and wear a hat and sunscreen. When it’s cold, avoid icy surfaces and walk away from direct wind. Consider “mall” walking at a local shopping centre in extreme weather.
• Dress appropriately. It’s best to wear loose, comfortable clothing made of soft fabrics such as cotton, wool or breathable nylon. In cold weather, consider the wind-chill factor and dress in layers that can easily be removed or added.
• Wear good walking shoes. Shoes that are comfortable and fit your feet can help prevent injuries such as blisters and calluses. A walking shoe should be fairly lightweight and breathable with the thickest cushioning in the heel. The shoe should also be flexible enough to bend in your hands.
Get ready… warming up and cooling down1. Warm up your muscles by walking at a slower
than normal pace for five to 10 minutes.2. Go for your walk!3. After your walk, do the following stretches
holding them for 20 to 30 seconds each without bouncing.
Standing Calf StretchStand in a walking position with one leg stretched straight behind you and the other leg bent in front of you. Using a wall or chair for support, lean forward and down until you feel the stretch in the upper part of your back calf. Make sure that both feet are pointing straight ahead and that your heels stay on the floor the whole time.
Walk Richmond Walking Handbook
Richmond’s Walking Guide Book28
Hip Flexor StretchStand in a stride standing position. Put both hands on your hips while keeping the back knee straight. Push your pelvis forward keeping your back straight. The stretch should be felt in front of the hip and slightly down the front of the thigh.
Standing Rear Thigh StretchPlace one heel on a low step or bench and, keeping your knee and back straight, bend your upper body forward from your hips. You should feel the stretch behind your thigh.
Standing Deep Calf StretchStanding with one leg slightly behind the other, push your heels down while bending your knees. Keep your toes pointed forward.
Standing Thigh StretchHold on to something for support with one hand and grab your ankle with the other hand. Pull your ankle towards your bottom, then try to straighten your knee while resisting with your hand and allowing no movement. Then pull your ankle toward your bottom again.
Get set… walk more!Design a personal walking program by gradually increasing the frequency, time and distance of your walks. The following sample walking programs will help you increase your walking and fitness level in a safe, progressive way.• If you are not accustomed to exercise, complete
the PARQ+ form at http://physicalactivityline.com/.• Choose Level 1 or 2 to match your current physical
activity level.• Walk briskly at a comfortable pace that can be
maintained during an entire walk.
• Slow down if you are unable to talk comfortably, and stop if you experience dizziness, pain or shortness of breath.
• Breathe normally and let your arms swing naturally.
Go!…
Sample walking programs**Consult with a doctor before starting either walking program if you have a chronic health condition such as arthritis, diabetes or heart disease.
Level 1This program is for those who are inactive.
Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Minutes to walk 15 18 20 25 30 32 35 40 42 45
Walks per week 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 6–7
Level 2This program is for those who are physically active on a regular basis.
Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Minutes to walk 30 32 35 40 42 45 45 50 55 60
Walks per week 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6–7 6–7
Steps per day using a pedometer (optional)
Establish a baseline first and then increase the number of steps by 500 each week until your goal is reached. (see Daily Step Goals below).
Daily Step Goals• Active—10,000 steps• Somewhat active—7,000–10,000 steps• Low active (and adults with a chronic health
condition*)—4,000–7,000 steps
Sit less. Walk more.With its range of benefits and the ease of adding regular walking to their lives, over half of Canadians rank walking at the top of their list of most popular physical activities to undertake. Now it’s your turn to put your best foot forward. Enjoy!
City of Richmond6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1
Telephone: 604-276-4000www.richmond.ca
Revised Dec. 2015
Outdoor Hazard ReportingPlease report road and trail hazards to the 24 hour Public Works non-emergency line:
604-270-8721, with the location, type and condition of the hazard.
Try all the walks in this Guide Book with Walk Richmond, a free community
walking program led by walk leaders from the Richmond Fitness and Wellness
Association. Walks are for people of all ages and all fitness levels.
Sit less. Walk more. Walk Richmond.
www.richmond.ca/walk
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