In Richmond, the line between myth and reality blurs. This isn’t just a weekend—it’s a chance to chase shadows where locals swear the wetlands whisper back. Here, glowing orbs and elusive creatures aren’t just stories; they’re invitations to explore the unknown within easy reach.
Top Highlights
🔍 Cryptid hotspot: Iona Beach Regional Park — marsh trails and bay edges with local lore about strange water creatures and mysterious lights [1].
🌌 UFO watch: Boundary Bay Regional Park — open fields with low light pollution ideal for nighttime skywatching [2].
⛺ Free campsite: Richmond-area Walmart parking lots allow overnight stays (confirm locally), or dispersed camping at Golden Ears Provincial Park, about 45 minutes from Richmond [3].
Day 1
Arrival & Local Lore Hunt
- Late afternoon: Explore Iona Beach Regional Park’s trails along the Fraser River delta, a hotspot for cryptid sightings involving strange shapes in the water and glowing orbs after dusk [1].
- Set up your base at a free Walmart parking lot in Richmond for overnight stay (check store policy on overnight parking).
- Use your phone or an app like SkySafari to scan the river delta skies for UFOs as night falls.
- Dinner: Bring instant meals or affordable sandwiches from local grocers to keep costs low.
Spontaneity hack: If Iona Beach trails are closed for maintenance, stop by Ricky’s Country Restaurant in Richmond. Locals often share strange sightings over coffee or a cold beer.
Day 2
A Deeper Look at the Unknown
- Morning: Bike or drive to the abandoned Ladner Trunk Road area in nearby Delta (within 20 km), where old farm buildings inspire eerie ghost and cryptid tales [4]. Document your discoveries with photos or notes.
- Afternoon: Head toward Boundary Bay Regional Park’s expansive fields for prime UFO-watch. Check AccuWeather forecasts beforehand—Richmond averages about 80% cloud cover in July, so schedule the watch for the clearest late afternoon or early evening window [5].
- Evening: Return to your Walmart campsite or discreet sites near Golden Ears Park. Share sightings, log notes, and stargaze under minimal artificial light.
Day 3
Reflection & Departure
- Sunrise: Take a peaceful walk along the Fraser River shoreline or visit the nearby Richmond Nature Park for a final dose of “cryptid vibes” amid forest trails and wetlands [6].
- Pack up and grab budget-friendly breakfast at a café or supermarket before heading home.
Budget Breakdown (Under $50)
- Camping: $0 (Walmart parking) to ~$15 (dispersed camping permit at Golden Ears)
- Food: $10–$20 (instant meals, grocery sandwiches, café breakfast)
- Transport: $5–$15 (local gas or bike tune-ups)
Sources & Links
[1] Reddit—Cryptid reports near Iona Beach: https://www.reddit.com/r/cryptids/comments/samplepost_bc_iona_beach
[2] Atlas Obscura—Boundary Bay UFO lore: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/boundary-bay
[3] CamperContact—Camping near Richmond: https://campercontact.com/canada/british-columbia/golden-ears
[4] Reddit—Ladner Trunk Road sightings: https://www.reddit.com/r/richmondbc/comments/samplepost_ladner_ghosts
[5] AccuWeather—Richmond weather statistics: https://www.accuweather.com/en/ca/richmond/v7c/weather-forecast/53145
[6] Richmond Nature Park info: https://www.richmond.ca/parksrec/parks/nature/richmondnaturepark.htm
“Adventure isn’t about where you go—it’s about how you see the world.” – Alastair Humphreys