Richmond Olympic Oval Speed Skating & Bus

Skytrain's Canada Line is still not ready so bus is your best public transit option. However, the fare is $3.75 each way so if you multiple people, you may want to take a taxi instead.

From Downtown Vancouver
About 43 minutes, 1 transfer.

"496 Railway" at the Bay Downtown Northbound Seymour Street at W. Georgia Streeet. Arrive Airport Station Bay 7. Walk to Airport Station Bay 6. "C92 Sea Island South." Arrive Southbound Inglis Drive at Airport Road South.

From Richmond
#401 One Road/Garden City
#407 Gilbert/Bridgeport Road

Customize Your Transit Map
Enter your departure address, your arrival address of Richmond Olympic Oval as 6111 River Road and desired time of departure or arrival.
Translink Trip Planning

The forecast for Friday is 100% chance of rain so take an umbrella. Because a lot of this area is undeveloped, you may need boots as there may not be adequate paved sidewalks along the way.

From the River Rock Casino
Less than 5 minutes by car but it's quite the hike. About a mile and a half. Approximately a 30-40 minute walk.
River Rock Casino to Richmond Olympic Oval

From Lansdowne Mall
Just over a mile, it's about a 25-30 minute walk.
Lansdowne Mall to Richmond Olympic Oval

Parking is Limited
It is unclear from the official Richmond Oval website if the parking has been completed in time for the opening. Construction is still underway. What's planned for the site is approximately 450 parking spots available on the first level of the building. On-site parking is limited but according to the Vancouver Sun "on-street parking restrictions on River Road and Elmbridge will be temporarily removed for the two-day event."

Traveling South from Vancouver
Richmond can be accessed via Granville Street and the Arthur Laing Bridge, Oak Street or Knight Street.

From the South and East
Richmond is directly accessible by Highway 99 and Highway 91. Upon entering Richmond, proceed to Westminster Highway and follow it to Gilbert Road. Proceed one block north on Gilbert Road to Elmbridge Way. Proceed one block west on Elmbridge Way to Hollybridge Way. Follow Hollybridge Way north to its first intersection with River Road. The Oval is located at the northwest corner of the Hollybridge Way and River Road intersection, with the entrance off River Road.

CTV with Pamela Martin and Bill Good are planning an armchair visit of the Olympic Oval Opening which might be the least stressful way to see all the action as plenty of crowds are anticipated. Live Friday 5 pm-7 pm on CTV New, Channel 9.

CTV will be On Location

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2008
Open 4:30 pm-10:00 pm

4:30-5:00 pm
Pre-Show Festivities
Hosted by CTV's Tamara Taggart featuring dance, choir performances and Musqueam Drummers,

5:00-6:00 pm
Official Opening Ceremonies
Ribbon-cutting attended by Olympic Gold Medalist Kyle Hamilton and a performance by Aeriosa Dance.

6:00-10:00 pm
Free Public Skating
6 pm, 7:30 pm & 8:50 pm
Bring your own skates, a limited number of skates for rent will be available. Cash or canned food donation for the Vancouver Food Bank is suggested.

7:00 pm & 8:30 pm
Le Patin Libre Performances
Acrobatic, energetic, exhuberant, interactive.
Quebec's Nouveau Twist on an Ice Show - Cirque de Soleil Meets Ice Capades

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2008
Open Noon-7 pm

Free Public Skating
12:50 pm, 3:20 pm, 5:15 pm, 6:30 pm

Le Patin Libre Performances
12:50 pm, 3:20 pm, 5:15 pm & 6:30 pm

Click Schedule of Events for the 8 Page Opening Program

Canada's Top Speed Skaters at Richmond Olympic Oval for Post Christmas Competition

The Canadian Single Distance Championships are a key milestone in the national speed skating season as they are used as a selection event for the upcoming world sprint championships, the winter World Cup meets and the continental championships. This year's championships are being hosted in British Columbia for the first time ever at the Richmond Olympic Oval, which will be home for the speed skating competition at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Tickets are just $8 and go on sale as of Friday, December 12, 2008
Click Here for List of Events

60 Days for $60 Intro Fitness Membership
You can work-out or skate.

Introductory Drop In Rates Dec 22-Jan 4
Adults $8

As of Jan 5, 2009 Drop In Rates
6 - 12 Years $4.50
13-21 Years $8.00
22 -69 Years $12.50
70+ Years $10.00

Richmond Oval Ambassadors will guide you around this amazing facility, highlighting aspects of the history, architecture, operations, art and sustainability features that make up this showpiece Olympic venue.

Tours start in the main lobby Tuesdays and Saturdays at 1:00pm. As the tour takes you both inside and around the outside of the Oval, please dress for outdoor weather.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the tour departure as space is limited and attendance given on a first come basis.

Prices (GST included)
$7.00 adults
$5.00 youth (13-18) and seniors (70+)
$2.00 children (4-12)

Private group tours can be arranged by calling 778-296-1452.

Richmond Olympic Oval Tours