Best of Steveston

There’s more than history on the menu in Steveston Village, Richmond’s charming ‘old town’ waterfront area. Still, a visit here should always include a trip to the past—especially at two of British Columbia’s most evocative heritage attractions.

Check out our Best of Steveston travel itinerary and make the most of your Richmond stay!

Steveston Village

This fishing village at the mouth of the Fraser River was voted Metro Vancouver’s best neighbourhood out of 192 in 2020. Steveston Village is Richmond’s charming ‘old town’ waterfront area and is home to two National Historic Sites. It is also a working fishing village and is Canada’s largest small-craft commercial fishing port, making it a seafood lover’s paradise.

• Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. Built in 1894, this was one of BC’s biggest salmon-canning operation until its closure in 1979. Take a guided tour and discover the history of Canada’s West Coast fishing industry.
• Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. The Shipyards is an authentic representation of the community of canneries, boat yards and residences. Here you can explore preserved sheds and bunkhouses and learn about the Chinese, European, Japanese, and Indigenous workers that were here.
• Sample the Catch of the Day. You’re certain to build up an appetite exploring Steveston. Whether it’s fish and chips near the river or fresh, local seafood at a restaurant, you can’t go wrong. For fabulous fish and chips try Pajo’s or Dave’s Fish and Chips, and for local seafood try the Steveston Seafood House or Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant.
• Whale Watching. The majesty of watching these giants of the sea in all their glory while your boat skips along BC’s coastal waters, it’s an unmatched experience. While Orcas are often the main attraction, humpback, gray, and minke whales can be seen depending on the time of year. Keep an eye out for the Orcas of the Salish Sea, three pods (families) of resident Orcas that live and play in the waters off the BC and Washington coast. Steveston Seabreeze Adventures and Vancouver Whale Watch both offer incredible and informative tours. Tours depart daily from Steveston (April to October). Keep an eye out for seals, otters, eagles, and other birds along the way!