Richmond Olympic Experience
Richmond Olympic Experience
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
751 within 3 miles
Attractions
199 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
70 reviews
Excellent
37
Very good
24
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
1
PookyCake
Victoria, Canada14,605 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
After exploring most of Richmond’s Olympic Oval, I decided to conclude my visit by patronizing the “Olympic Experience,” which first opened in November 2015. Designed to be an immersive, interactive and dynamic experience that tells the story of the Olympics (with a slight focus on 2010, of course) through artifacts and digital media, the “Olympic Experience” is suitable for all ages. Going in, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but thoroughly enjoyed myself and spent about 1.5 hours here.
I will confess, at the outset, that I am no major sports junkie, nor do I regularly watch the Olympic Games when they come on. Nevertheless, I do recognize the Games have an uncanny ability to bring us together, even if just for a short while, through their friendly competition and sport (though the 2024 Games also highlighted some unfortunate social cleavages that I’m sure will be covered in future exhibits). It is this Olympic spirit that Richmond’s “Olympic Experience” captures so well. Whether you want to re-live Vancouver 2010, or learn about the history of the games, you can absolutely do that here – through informative write-ups, important Olympic artifact exhibits, and even sports simulators.
I spent most of my time reading the write-ups and observing the numerous artefacts on display. It was nostalgic for me to see (and hold) the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch – a powerful moment, especially since I know someone who ran with the torch during the relays; ditto seeing the 3 Vancouver 2010 mascots and their sidekick, Muk Muk! And, by the way, I still find the 2010 Olympic medals as underwhelming today as I did 14 years ago!
Of course, I had to spend some time at the hockey gallery – how could I not? Seeing jerseys that belonged to Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and the Sedin twins brought me back. It also made me realize I’m getting older (haha). And I also left this exhibit thinking I should visit the Hockey Hall of Fame again – something I haven’t done since 2010 (how ironic!).
Lastly, I did try one of the simulators – the sit-ski. It was really awesome and felt pretty authentic. Indeed, I think these simulators are likely the biggest draw for the younger crowd. I saw a lot of people enjoying them, which was nice.
If someone is wishing to find a definitive symbol and legacy to Vancouver 2010, I say come to the Olympic Oval and partake in the “Olympic Experience.” You’ll learn a lot about 2010, yes, but you’ll also gain an even greater appreciation for the games in general and the athletes competing at them.
I will confess, at the outset, that I am no major sports junkie, nor do I regularly watch the Olympic Games when they come on. Nevertheless, I do recognize the Games have an uncanny ability to bring us together, even if just for a short while, through their friendly competition and sport (though the 2024 Games also highlighted some unfortunate social cleavages that I’m sure will be covered in future exhibits). It is this Olympic spirit that Richmond’s “Olympic Experience” captures so well. Whether you want to re-live Vancouver 2010, or learn about the history of the games, you can absolutely do that here – through informative write-ups, important Olympic artifact exhibits, and even sports simulators.
I spent most of my time reading the write-ups and observing the numerous artefacts on display. It was nostalgic for me to see (and hold) the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch – a powerful moment, especially since I know someone who ran with the torch during the relays; ditto seeing the 3 Vancouver 2010 mascots and their sidekick, Muk Muk! And, by the way, I still find the 2010 Olympic medals as underwhelming today as I did 14 years ago!
Of course, I had to spend some time at the hockey gallery – how could I not? Seeing jerseys that belonged to Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and the Sedin twins brought me back. It also made me realize I’m getting older (haha). And I also left this exhibit thinking I should visit the Hockey Hall of Fame again – something I haven’t done since 2010 (how ironic!).
Lastly, I did try one of the simulators – the sit-ski. It was really awesome and felt pretty authentic. Indeed, I think these simulators are likely the biggest draw for the younger crowd. I saw a lot of people enjoying them, which was nice.
If someone is wishing to find a definitive symbol and legacy to Vancouver 2010, I say come to the Olympic Oval and partake in the “Olympic Experience.” You’ll learn a lot about 2010, yes, but you’ll also gain an even greater appreciation for the games in general and the athletes competing at them.
Written September 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ctssm5
Black Diamond, WA82 contributions
Feb 2020
This was a fantastic experience to view first hand Olympic medals and cauldrons used over the past 50 years or so to light the Olympic torch. Extremely interesting to see the Nazi propaganda that was the 1936 Berlin games. Many interactive activities for old and young to enjoy firsthand. Great films to help you better understand the Olympic sacrifices athletes must do to prepare. As an American, found it fair and also many American athletes were featured. Of course the Canadian Hockey team is front and center!
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny S
Edmonton, Canada90 contributions
Oct 2019
Went to the oval for a reception. We really enjoyed the simulators...bobsledding, skiing, kayaking and driving.
Written October 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joel P
Vancouver, Canada111 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
This is the museum in the large sports complex. It is all about the history of the Olympics, with an extra focus on Vancouver 2010. Everything looked very fancy but I found it not very intuitive to find interesting stuff, with basically just a dead end with nothing interesting in it, and a few of the interactive games OOO. I had higher expectations.
Written May 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
STAN49_12
Powell River, Canada453 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
There is so much to see and also do on a visit. There are many simulations one can try from ski jumping to riding a race car. It's a lot of fun going with a family of kids as we were able to challenge each other.
Written June 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ross B
Melbourne, Australia181 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
This is a great place to visit but best to do during the week. Lots of under cover parking ($1.00 per hour) provided no events are on so check before hand. During the week entry cost is $13.50 but only $5.00 for seniors ! Great value. There are plenty of guides ( all volunteers) who are really helpful and step you through both the exhibits and the simulators. The simultors are really fun and allow you to drive a formula 1 racing car, do a bobsled run, go ski jumping and also learn to be a sports reporter. To do everything will take 1.5-2 hours. The entire facility has many areas such as ice skating rinks, fitness areas ( ie exercise bikes etc) and more. It was of course the venue for speed skating during the 2010 Winter Olympics. There is a nice cafe there as well. Definitely worth a visit.
Written November 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KVoyageur
Houston, TX31 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
This was our family's first visit to an Olympic building. The simulators were fun for the boys aged 6 through 16. There are only about 8 simulators, so not a lot of time is needed. There are displays of Olympic torches and some Olympic uniforms, gear, and videos.
Written July 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
caged_explorer
nj339 contributions
Dec 2015 • Family
I wasn't sure what to expect from the ROX but I'm glad I had the opportunity to go. The intention of the place is to inspire the next generation of high perorming athletes through video and interactive displays. The tour starts on the ground floor with a video, then moves to the second floor where a mural celebrates the many shapes and sizes of athletes. That wall should be on display everywhere for all those self conscious young girls who worry that they're not beautiful enough. There are also a few exhibits on the second level that showcase some of the history of the Olympic. The last floor has all the interactive exhibits. There is this neat installation that describes participation of various countries in the winter Olympics. Kids can try simulated kayaking, test their reaction time in various games, try to score a goal in soccer or hockey, man a bobsleigh, try their hands at the long jump. Some of the rides have height restrictions but there is something for everyone. It wasn't crowded when we went so the kids got to spend as long as they wanted at each interactive exhibit. The ROX is educational, inspirational and promotes an active lifestyle, so naturally, I loved it!
Written December 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bollucks
Vancouver, Canada146 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
The ROX is an interactive museum located inside the Richmond Olympic Oval dedicated to illustrating the Olympic experience. I highly recommend this as a great place for both kids and adults especially on a rainy day. The main attraction for me was the interactive displays on the 3rd floor where you can experience hurtling down a slalom on a sit ski, run the rapids in a kayak, or race down a bobsled run in a two person sleigh with the person in front controlling the ride ( a real relationship builder!). In another display, you are in complete control of a race car - gears, brakes, accelerator - on a race track - I had trouble making it out of the pit lane! I also discovered it was probably not the best experience if you're subject to motion sickness. But kids will have a blast! There are other interactive displays as well on the three floors. There's a coffee shop and store on the first floor and pay parking. The side benefit is you also see inside the Olympic Oval which is a spectacular building on the banks of the Fraser River where the speed skating events took place.
Written December 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kellie C
Ottawa, Canada110 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
Lots of parking but you have to pay for it. Great location. We did the oval experience. Saw the movie and then went to the third floor. Went on the simulators. All the staff on the third floor were very knowledgeable. Thanks to the gentleman in the wheelchair, sorry I forgot his name. If it was not for him I may not have tried the simulators. He was helpful, encouraging and full of extra information. He is a keeper. The woman at the desk where we got our tickets was helpful and humorous.
Written May 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you have to pay additional costs to use the simulators, or are included in the entrance fee? If yes, how much?
Written March 14, 2017
Price is all inclusive. Go to Groupon web site for a discount voucher. Usually 2 for 1 price.
Written March 15, 2017
Showing results 1-1 of 1
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing