Canada Day in Richmond, BC: The Insider’s Guide

Looking for the perfect Canada Day party this year? Preparations are being fine-tuned for Richmond’s massive and much-anticipated July 1 celebrations—and Steveston Village is once again the sparkling focus of the festivities.

The Steveston Salmon Festival has been hooking in-the-know locals and visitors with its unique Canada Day merrymaking for around 80 years. And the 2024 event promises to be bigger and better than ever, offering a jam-packed day of free and low-cost fun for all the family. 

But what do you need to know before digging out your red T-shirt, grabbing some handheld mini flags and painting your face with a maple leaf or two? Read on for our exclusive insider’s guide to planning the perfect Canada Day visit to Steveston.

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?

It depends on what you want to see and do! If you want to make a full day of it, get here for the Pancake Breakfast in the Steveston Community Centre parking lot. It’s served from 8:00am and is available for a minimum donation of $5 per plate.

After that, there’s a full menu of events and activities including live music, cultural displays, amazing food and the day’s must-see highlight: a grand street parade that starts at 10:00am and weaves from Garry Point Park to Third Avenue and along Moncton Street to Railway Avenue. Arrive early for the perfect viewing spot!

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE PARADE?

Metro Vancouver’s biggest Canada Day street parade is a smile-triggering cavalcade of dozens of decorated floats, marching bands, vintage vehicles, and—of course—a hotly-anticipated appearance from the Festival’s much-loved Sammy the Salmon mascot.

If you’re here early enough, look out for the 9:30am Kids’ Bike Parade, which preempts the main parade with its host of local children proudly riding past on their wheels. This extra parade––including lots of decorated bikes, wagons, scooters and kids in costumes––starts at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery parking lot.

WHAT ELSE CAN I SEE?

In and around the event’s Steveston Community Centre hub on Moncton Street, you’ll find a huge array of free displays and activities to check out. Returning favourites for 2024 include an Art Show, which showcases the work of 22 local artists, and a Japanese Cultural Show, where everything from bonsai to ikebana to martial arts will be demonstrated.

And if you’re in the mood for some shopping, stroll to the Britannia Shipyards site and browse the Marketplace and Trade Show in the Seine Net Loft––complete with around two dozen well-chosen vendors offering everything from organic soaps to gourmet chocolates and more.

IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIFIC FOR KIDS TO DO?

Steveston’s Canada Day event is very family-friendly and there are lots of attractions and activities for children of all ages. Younger kids will love Sammy’s Fun Zone, complete with button making, face painting and inflatable carnival games. Older kids can also check out the Youth Zone, with its games, snacks and super-cool chill out zone.

WHAT ABOUT LIVE MUSIC?

There will be a toe-tapping playbill of great live music on several stages here from noon to 5:00pm (7:00pm at the Spirit of Steveston Stage). Among this year’s diverse musicians are crowd-pleasers such as Sons of Granville and local Elvis tribute artist Aaron Wong. You’ll also find Ginalina, The Aristo-Cats, Dr. Strangelove and many more.

Consider snagging a spot in the Spirit of Steveston Zone, with its own mainstage, food trucks and adult beverages bar. Or check out this year’s new family-friendly Catch of the Day Stage with its own kid-tastic performers. Appearing on foot around the village, you’ll also spot roving performers such as jugglers, stilt walkers and lots of colourful characters to interact with.

Check out the full roster of 2024 performers here.

WILL THERE BE ANYTHING TO EAT?

You’ll find it hard not to eat here! The day’s culinary highlight is the giant Salmon Bake, a cherished annual tradition. Running from 11:00am until supplies are exhausted, it typically serves more than 1,200 pounds of barbecued wild salmon. It costs $20 per plate, including salmon fillet, chips, dinner roll, potato salad and a can of soda or bottle of water. Arrive early to avoid the long queues!

Located at the Community Centre parking lot, the popular Chow Mein noodle tent will also be back this year (from 11:00am to 5:00pm, while supplies last). And there will be dozens of tasty food trucks dotted around the village, serving everything from dumplings to donuts and from grilled cheese sandwiches to Caribbean street food. Keep in mind that many of Steveston’s much-loved cafes and restaurants will also be open to serve hungry visitors on the day.

WILL THERE BE ANYWHERE TO GET OUT OF THE SUN—OR TAKE A BREATHER FROM THE CROWDS?

The free-entry Steveston Tram, Steveston Museum and Post Office and Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site will all be open and welcoming visitors on the big day. And the ever-popular Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site will also be open and is waiving its regular admission fees as part of its July 1 celebrations.

If you need a refreshing breather, walk to shoreline Garry Point Park and find a relaxing spot by the water. In addition, there will be a special Sensory Free Space located inside the Community Centre where you can take your children if they are feeling overwhelmed and need a break.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Try to avoid driving. The roads around Steveston will be full and some will be closed on the day. Parking will also be extremely limited. It’s far better to make alternative arrangements.

Visit the event’s Getting To page for information on its free shuttle bus service. Or consider the Discovery Shuttle, a gratis bus that will also be running throughout the day. It picks up at the Executive Hotel Vancouver Airport, Lansdowne Canada Line Station and McArthurGlen Designer Outlet before making two stops in Steveston. There are also plenty of transit services that can deliver you to and from the village. Plan your transit trip here.

Alternatively, why not hop in the saddle and enjoy a summertime bike excursion? There are some great cycling routes that lead to Steveston, and there will be a free bike valet parking service in the village. This service also welcomes strollers, e-bikes and scooters.

EVENT DETAILS

Steveston Salmon Festival
Date: Monday July 1, 2024 (Canada Day)
Location: Steveston Village
Admission: FREE

Click here for a handy festival map.

Last Updated on June 27, 2024 by Tourism Richmond