Jamie RamsayWhen I first stepped into the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, I expected a quick stroll through a museum. What I didn’t anticipate was being completely hooked (pun intended) by the rich history and salty tales of Steveston’s fishing industry.
By the time I left, I was googling “how to can salmon” like I’d found my new calling. Want to know why this hidden gem left me so reeled in? Dive into the full guide and discover why it’s one of Steveston’s must-visit spots!
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site is around the morning. This is when it’s less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience exploring the exhibits and learning about the history of the cannery.
What is the history of the Gulf of Georgia cannery?
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery was built in 1894. It once was the heart of Canada’s largest commercial fishing port. The cannery was nicknamed the “Monster Cannery” for being the most prominent among over 15 canneries lining the Steveston waterfront.
The building housed the equipment and processes central to the fishing industry. Sure, the salmon canning ceased in the 1930s, but the cannery evolved!
It served as a net loft, fish depot, and later a herring reduction plant. During World War II, it played a critical role by canning herring for Allied troops.
Today, it operates as a National Historic Site under the care of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Canada’s West Coast fishing legacy.
Why visit the Gulf of Georgia cannery?
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site in Steveston, British Columbia, is a must-visit for history buffs and anyone curious about Canada’s West Coast fishing industry.
You get to explore the historic canning line, dive into interactive exhibits, watch engaging films, and uncover the cannery’s fascinating role in shaping the region’s fishing heritage.
Managed by Parks Canada, the site celebrates the contributions of the diverse communities and cultures that powered Canada’s West Coast fishing industry for generations
Things to Know
Admission and Hours
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site welcomes visitors daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except on statutory holidays from October to January.
Admission Fees:
- Adults: $13.25
- Seniors (65+): $11.25
- Youth (17 and under): Free
- Society Members: Free
Parking
Parking is available in our paid lot at Chatham Street and Fourth Avenue. Groups with bookings can enjoy free parking—just ask the Program Coordinator for parking pass details when scheduling your visit.
Bring your 150 Pass and enjoy up to 3 hours of free street parking. Please note that the pass does not cover parking in the paid lot.
Accessibility
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery is fully wheelchair accessible. However, take note that some floorboards may be uneven due to the building’s historic construction.
Guided Tours
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site offers guided tours daily until the Labour Day long weekend. Discover the history and resilience of the communities behind the canning line with the Cannery People.
The Machine Demo is where you can watch a restored 1930s–1950s canning line in action. The Herring Reduction tour to learn about the vital role of herring on the West Coast and how it was processed in the cannery’s reduction plant.
How to Get the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
By car: The cannery is about 15 minutes from Richmond city center and 45 minutes from Vancouver. head to the Arthur Laing Bridge and continue onto Grant McConachie Way.
Then, take the Richmond exit and keep driving to Westminster Hwy. Then, turn left onto Third Ave and make a right.
By bus: From the Richmond-Brighouse Canada Line station, take bus #401, 402, 406, or 407 to Steveston Village.
Where to Eat in and around the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
Steveston Pizza Company
Media credit: stevestonpizza
Address: 3400 Moncton St #100
Phone: +1 604-204-0777
Pricing: $$
Website
Steveston Pizza Company is a standout gem in Steveston, consistently delivering top-quality, high-end pizzas that have earned it a loyal following.
Famous for their indulgent seafood tower pizzas, they also impress with classics like their Hawaiian pizza, generously loaded with fresh and flavorful toppings, including perfectly ripe pineapple.
While the pizzas are undeniably delicious, they come with a price tag that reflects their premium ingredients. Note that seating is unconventional—if you plan to dine in, you’ll be directed next door to a simple cafeteria-style space to enjoy your meal.
Dave’s Fish & Chips
Media credit: daves_fishandchips
Address: 3460 Moncton Street
Phone: +1 604-271-7555
Pricing: $
Website
Dave’s Fish & Chips is a fantastic spot to savor a classic meal, especially on a sunny afternoon in Steveston. Their fish and chips are a standout, featuring super fresh halibut that’s perfectly cooked—not overly breaded or greasy, just crispy and golden.
The battered cod is another must-try, paired beautifully with malt vinegar for that traditional touch. The chips are delightfully crunchy, and the slaw that comes with the platter is a standout—fresh, creamy, and arguably some of the best around.
Kun’s Omakase Bar
Media credit: kuns_omakase_bar
Address: 3500 Moncton St #150
Phone: +1 604-370-2101
Pricing: $$
Website
iKun’s is a charming, cozy spot in Steveston that delights with flavorful dishes and fresh seafood. Whatever you choose from the menu is sure to satisfy, but the standout is their uni noodle soup.
This dish is a harmonious blend of flavors, featuring a generous portion of eel and a rich, savory broth that’s simply fantastic. The thoughtfully paired side dishes elevate the experience, perfectly complementing the main course.
Anar
Media credit: anarfoods
Address: 12051 Third Avenue
Phone: +1 778-834-1707
Pricing: $$
Website
Anar is a gem in Steveston and a must-try for lovers of authentic Iranian cuisine. The flavors here are truly exceptional, making it one of the best dining spots in the area.
Their lamb, beef kabobs, and chicken are cooked to perfection, boasting incredible juiciness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The rice is another standout—fluffy, fragrant, and perfectly seasoned, it’s some of the best you’ll ever taste.
What to Do in the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
Explore the Historic Salmon Canning Line
In this exhibit, you’ll hear the stories of the people who have worked their hats off the canneries from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. It’s pretty educational, too.
The Salmon Canning Line is a great place to learn about the history of the salmon canning process and the diverse communities that contributed to it. Given that it’s a restored 930s–1950s canning line, expect a few squeaks. The canning line also spans over 4,000 sq. ft.
You’ll get to learn about the entire process, from butchering to cooking. You also get to learn how workers from all over the world played crucial roles in producing millions of cans of prized Pacific salmon.
Check out the Herring Reduction Plant
You’ll learn about the Pacific Herring, known as the “fish that feeds the coast,”here at the Herring Reduction Plant. In the 1930’s the cannery stopped canning these bad boys as it shifted to herring.
Then, in the 1940s, the cannery had become the largest reduction plant in the province. The plant remained in operation until 1979, when modernization and centralization of the process led to its closure.
Now, this 6,500 sq. ft. exhibit is filled with massive equipment left just as it was when the plant closed! You’ll see how they transformed herring into fish oil and meal.
See the Ebb & Flow Exhibit
This educational, documentary-style film takes viewers to examine the key events and changes that shaped the evolution of the commercial fishing industry on Canada’s West Coast.
It runs for 25 minutes and shows how immigration, global conflicts, economic shifts, social movements, and technological advancements have all influenced the fishery.
Take a Selfie in the Fish Tales Exhibit
The Fish Tales Exhibit showcases the importance of seafood in our lives. It features immersive audio and visual displays that highlight stories from communities united by their connection to fishing and seafood.
It also has photos of the many ways different cultures harvest and prepare their seafood!
Ride Aboard the Cannery’s Wheelhouse Model
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site has a model wheelhouse in the “Fishing the West Coast” gallery. This wheelhouse includes a galley (kitchen), bunk (bed), and head (washroom).
Marvel at the LEGO Model
This LEGO model captures the evolution of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery building over the years. Created by Peter Grant, he has meticulously crafted this minature that has over 55,000 individual pieces.
The model showcases the site’s operations as a salmon canning line, fresh fish depot, and herring reduction plant, along with its current role as a Parks Canada National Historic Site.
Where to Shop in the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
Cannery Store
The cannery store offers a curated selection of items, including fashion, home accessories, toys, and locally-sourced canned goods. What’s awesome if that all proceeds support the cannery.
You can shop in-person, online, or place an order by phone or email!
Nearby Attractions from the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
Steveston Pier
Media credit: steveston.ha
Address: 3800 Bayview Street
Phone: +1 604-272-5539
Website
Historic Steveston Village offers a perfect blend of charm, culture, and culinary delights. This quaint waterfront village is brimming with cozy cafes and restaurants serving a variety of world cuisines sure to satisfy any palate.
Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf is where you can pick up the freshest catch straight from the sea. After a meal, you can stroll along the well-maintained wooden walkways, lined with seafood-focused restaurants, souvenir shops, and casual food outlets.
Pajo’s Fish and Chips
Media credit: pajos_fishchips
Address: 3211 Grant McConachie Way
Phone: +1 604-238-7816
Website
Pajo’s is a beloved institution in Steveston, famous for its mouthwatering halibut and chips, cooked fresh to order. At just $19.95 for two meals, it’s a deal that combines quality with incredible flavor.
This isn’t fast food—it’s freshly made comfort food worth the wait. Even in bustling locations like YVR, Pajo’s stays true to its values, delivering “fish and chips worth buzzing about.”
Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
Media credit: britanniashipyards
Address: 5180 Westwater Drive
Phone: 1 604-238-8050
Website
The Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site is a treasure trove of history, beautifully preserved and brimming with stories from the early 1900s. It’s free to enter the site!
Here, you get to explore historic buildings, and marvel at authentic tools and artifacts from a bygone era. As a self-guided museum, it offers a wealth of information through interpretive boards placed in front of the buildings.
During opening hours, you can step inside to view exhibits, watch engaging videos about the site’s rich past, and immerse yourself in the maritime heritage of Steveston.
Apps to Download for a Trip to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
Transit: real-time information and updates about bus times, bus capacity predictions, and real time vehicle locations.
iOs | Android
Roadtrippers: turn-by-turn navigation with pre-made travel guides in Canada. Get alerts for unique attractions, local diners, scenic points, and hotels along your route.
iOs | Android
Maps.me: detailed, offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation for driving, hiking, or biking to a selected location.
iOs | Android
GasBuddy: locates gas stations near you and shows you prices, sends you price hike alerts and the app notifies you about deals.
iOs | Android
