Immerse yourself in the history of Steveston, a small historic fishing village with a storied past. 

Not all that long ago, Steveston was a thriving centre for fishing and canning. Salmon-canning was such a central part of life that Steveston was nicknamed “Salmonopolis.” Millions of pounds of fish were canned and sold from the late 1800s up until the 1970s, when the fishing industry collapsed and the canneries began to close. Nowadays, fishing boats still ebb and flow in the harbour and historic buildings line the streets.

Few places offer such a clear glimpse into Pacific Canada’s history as Steveston’s two beautifully-preserved National Historic Sites—the Gulf of Georgia Cannery and Britannia Shipyards. You’ll also find opportunities to get up-close and personal with historic town life at the Steveston Museum, the Steveston Tram, and London Heritage Farm. No visit to Steveston is complete without exploring these five sites that highlight Steveston’s rich history of fishing, canning, agriculture, and boat building.

LIVING HISTORY PROGRAM

Discover Pacific Canada’s storied past through costumed interpreters at Steveston’s historic sites, part of a brand-new Living History program.

Available year-round at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site and the Steveston Tram, and on weekends at the Steveston Museum and London Heritage Farm, costumed interpreters will share their stories and answer any questions that you may have about day-to-day life. You’ll learn about banking at the Steveston Museum, meet the conductor of Tram Car 1220, watch fishing nets being mended at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, and see butter being churned at London Heritage Farm.

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site is also offering the Cannery Experience, which includes costumed heritage interpreters and guided tours of the permanent exhibits. Contact the Cannery for tour dates and to book.