Once Upon a Time in Storybrooke

The picturesque fishing village of Steveston is a hugely popular destination for Richmond locals and visitors. But many fairytale-loving callers have a very specific reason for dropping by. From 2011 to 2018, the shoreline heritage hamlet had a starring role in the hit ABC TV show, Once Upon a Time (OUAT)––doubling as the fictional town of Storybrooke, where a host of fantastical tales unfolded.

OUAT is a magical adventure where the drama shifts between two realities: a fantastical world and the seaside town of Storybrooke, Maine. Henry, a 10-year-old Storybrooke resident, has discovered that the locals are all fairytale characters from an alternate realm and the show explores these dual realities via a plethora of colourful plotlines.

Although the show has now ended, streaming has ensured it remains as popular as ever. And fans of Emma Swan, Regina Mills, Rumplestiltskin and more continue to flock to Steveston to commune with their favourite filming locations and snap selfies (sometimes in costume) outside landmark buildings that played key roles in the show. Once you’re ready to follow in the footsteps of your beloved OUAT heroes, check out some of our recommended Steveston filming locations below.

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Then head to the village, switch on your imagination and go on your own amazing Storybrooke adventure.

What to See

Many of Steveston’s essential OUAT filming locations are dotted along Moncton Street in the heart of the village. But keep your eyes wide open wherever you wander and you’ll also spot dozens of other buildings that appear in the background throughout the show. Among the most popular locations that every die-hard fan should visit are:

Storybrooke Country Bread

Also known as: Moncton Pizzeria
3680 Moncton Street, Richmond, BC

Storybrooke Post Office

Also known as: Steveston Museum & Post Office
3811 Moncton Street, Richmond, BC

Granny’s Diner

Also known as: The Cannery Cafe
3711 Moncton Street, Richmond, BC

Neighbor’s Five and Dime

Also known as Splash Toy Shop
3580 Moncton Street, Richmond, BC

Storybrooke Coffee

Also known as: Steveston Coffee Company
3511 Moncton Street, Richmond, BC

Mr. Gold Pawnbroker

Also known as: Mr. Gold Gelato
3480 Moncton Street, Richmond, BC

Archie’s Office

Corner of Moncton Street & Second Avenue

Marine Garage

Corner of Moncton Street & Second Avenue

Storybrooke Cannery

Also known as: Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond, BC

Storybrooke Fish & Chips

Also known as: Pajo’s Fish and Chips
12351 Third Avenue, Richmond, BC

Storybrooke Flavours

Need a sit-down break after all that walking and photo-snapping? Several Steveston businesses serve OUAT-themed drink and dine options––so long as you know where to go. Start with a Dark Swan Latte at Village Books & Coffee House, a delicious blend of dark chocolate and espresso with a hint of coconut—they’ll even add a cool swan motif to the foam for you!

Alternatively, consider a luscious bowl of Granny’s Chowder or a warm and welcoming Granny’s Hot Chocolate at The Cannery Cafe. Still thirsty? Adult beverage fans can also toast their favourite show at Catch Kitchen + Bar where they offer a special Once Upon a Lime martini, made with vanilla vodka, pineapple juice and lime.

Common Storybrooke Questions

The historic fishing village of Steveston––aka Storybrooke––is located in the southwest corner of Richmond, a shoreline city in British Columbia. If you’re flying into the area, Richmond is also the home of Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Whether you’re travelling from the airport or the neighbouring city of Vancouver, the village is easy to reach via transit—use the trip-planning tool on the Translink website to plot your trip.

Last Updated on October 18, 2024 by Tourism Richmond