Since its construction in 1894, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, in Steveston, has been a landmark for fishermen. This historic site commemorates Canada’s West Coast fishing industry, and contains relics from the past, when the canneries operated day and night.
A model of a 1930s production line is set up along one long L-shaped counter. Murals of fish and trawlers cover the walls; showcases full of glass net floats from Japan, various shiny salmon tins, and model boats help convey a sense of Steveston’s heritage.
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Mountains of fishing gear and nets are arranged outside. It is hard to imagine that at the turn of the century there were 49 canneries on the Fraser River from Steveston to New Westminster – fifteen of those were in Steveston alone!
Opening Hours:
1st February to 31st October
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pre-booked group tours can be arranged from March through November.
Admission includes a 20-minute film presentation in the Boiler House Theatre.
The Cannery is located in Steveston, within easy commuting distance of Vancouver, follow the Steveston Highway west, and watch for signs.
Also located in Steveston at the south foot of Railway Avenue is the Britannia Heritage Shipyard. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of this National Heritage Site. Britannia is one of the few surviving examples from Steveston’s rich past, when a mix of canneries, net lofts, boatyards, residences, and stores defined the neighbourhood. Restoration of the site is in the development stage, and over the coming years much of its former glory is slated to be restored. At present, the Britannia Shipyard augments a walking or cycling tour of the Steveston harbour.
Contact details:
Gulf of Georgia Cannery
12138 Fourth Avenue
Richmond, BC
V7E 3J1
Telephone: 604-664-9009
Website: https://www.loc8nearme.com/british-columbia/richmond/gulf-of-georgia-cannery-national-historic-site/6792211/
