Steveston Marketing and Tourism Summer Programs

Steveston Marketing and Tourism Programs this Summer

This summer, visitors and locals can enjoy two convenient and eco-friendly ways to explore Steveston’s attractions and heritage. The Richmond Discovery Shuttle is running for the third year, offering free and frequent transportation between Richmond hotels, Sky Train Stations, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, and two national historic sites: The Gulf of Georgia Cannery and Britannia Shipyards. The shuttle runs at weekends and holidays throughout the summer, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Steveston Bike Valet is also open again this summer, providing secure and complimentary bike storage for cyclists who want to explore the village on foot. The valet is located by the The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site and operates at weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bikes are checked in and out by friendly staff and volunteers, and helmets and bags can be stored as well. The Steveston Bike Valet is a great way to reduce congestion and parking issues while supporting active transportation and local businesses.

In addition to the shuttle and the bike valet, Tourism Richmond has also launched a Steveston Village marketing campaign for July and August, aimed at attracting more visitors to the historic fishing village from Metro Vancouver and farther afield. The campaign includes a Move 103.5 Steveston Staycation contest, where one lucky winner will get to enjoy a two-night stay at the Steveston Waterfront Hotel, a whale watching trip, and dining vouchers for local restaurants. The contest is promoted on Move 103.5 radio station, where Steveston resident Drew Savage from the Nat & Drew Show talks about his favorite places and activities in Steveston. The campaign also features radio ads and mentions encouraging listeners to explore Steveston’s heritage, culture, and cuisine.

Another tactic includes a sponsored article on the Daily Hive website and social media platforms, reaching a large and diverse audience online. This article will be available to read on Thursday, August 15th. The campaign is complemented with other social media and digital marketing tactics, to raise awareness and interest in Steveston as a destination for locals and visitors alike.

Winter In The Village

Tourism Richmond is already planning programs and marketing for Steveston this winter. The Winter In The Village initiative is a comprehensive and inclusive calendar of events and activities happening in Steveston from late November and throughout December. The goal is to provide activities for the community and visitors to enjoy during the holiday season and increase visitation to Steveston Village to support local business. Along with installing bespoke branded signage throughout the village, Tourism Richmond will be supporting Steveston businesses to deliver popular events such as Santa arriving by boat, Songs in The Snow and the Festival Of Trees. We will also be running a festive drinks promotion called Steveston Sips with participating local food and beverage outlets. Winter In The Village will be promoted by Tourism Richmond through digital and print media, with a reach across the lower mainland, BC, Alberta and Washington State, with a landing page on the Tourism Richmond website providing a focal point for event information.

We will also be supporting Steveston event organizers to enhance existing Winter In The Village initiatives or create new ones through the Experience Sponsorship Fund. The funding is available to any association, society, business, or entrepreneur who is hosting a relevant event/program/activity/experience from late November to 31st December 2024.

Information on how to apply can be found here. The deadline for applications is September 30^th 2024.