Things to do in Steveston Village

Published 9 October 2026 · Vogue Cafe, Steveston Village

Heritage sites, Garry Point Park and Fisherman's Wharf: the things to do in Steveston, with details checked against each site's official page.

Steveston is the old fishing village at the southwest corner of Richmond, where the south arm of the Fraser River meets the sea. It is small enough to walk end to end, and it packs in more history per block than almost anywhere in Metro Vancouver. Here are the things to do in Steveston that we point visitors to when they ask, with details checked against the sites' own official pages so you're not relying on an old blog.

Things to do in Steveston: the heritage sites

Four of the village's heritage attractions sit within walking distance of each other, and several are free. Hours and programs change by season, so check each site's own page before you go.

Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site

Parks Canada describes the Cannery as one of British Columbia's few restored canneries and a representation of the West Coast fishing industry's historical significance. It is operated on Parks Canada's behalf by the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society, a non-profit and registered charity. Exhibits include the Herring Reduction Plant, described by the Society as the massive machines that "turned fish into gold", and a gallery on fishing the West Coast. Address: 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond.

Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site

A short walk or bike ride east of the village core, Britannia Shipyards is an eight-acre outdoor historic site on the banks of the Fraser River. According to the site, it was the original location of early canning, fishing and boatbuilding operations, and it shares the stories of the oldest shipyard community in British Columbia: heritage buildings on pilings, connected by boardwalks. Admission is free.

Steveston Museum and Post Office

On Moncton Street in the centre of the village, this building was built in 1905 as Steveston's first bank. Today it is still a working post office as well as a museum, managed in partnership by the City of Richmond and the Steveston Historical Society. Admission to the Steveston Museum and the Steveston Japanese Canadian Museum is free. Mailing a postcard from a 1905 bank building is a small, very Steveston thing to do.

Steveston Tram

The tram museum houses Tram Car 1220, a restored interurban tram from the BC Electric Railway. The museum says interurban trams like it ran between 1913 and 1958, linking Steveston to Vancouver, New Westminster and as far as Chilliwack. Kids can climb aboard; the exhibits show what commuting looked like in the early 1900s.

Garry Point Park and the waterfront

At the western edge of the village, Garry Point Park opens up onto the water. The City of Richmond lists its features as the Kuno Garden (a Japanese-style memorial garden), beached logs and beach access, wide open areas for picnics, kite flying and designated power-kite zones, interpretive signage, and the Steveston Fisherman's Memorial Needle on the south side of the park. On the north side is a heritage moorage site at Scotch Pond.

The City notes that two concession stands run seasonally at the main entrance, with washrooms and a dog watering station, and that there are designated barbecue areas. It's also one of the spots the City highlights for spring cherry blossoms in the Steveston and Garry Point area. Come for sunset; the view west is wide open.

A simple walking loop

1. Start at the Steveston Museum on Moncton Street.
2. Walk to the waterfront and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery.
3. Continue west to Garry Point Park and the Fisherman's Memorial.
4. Head back along the water to Fisherman's Wharf.
5. Finish with lunch, coffee or a glass of wine in the village.

If you have more time, add Britannia Shipyards to the east end of the loop.

Fisherman's Wharf: where the boats sell to the public

Steveston Harbour is a working harbour, not a theme park. The Steveston Harbour Authority, a non-profit that leases the harbour from Fisheries and Oceans Canada's Small Craft Harbours Branch, describes it as home to more than 500 commercial fishing vessels and the largest small craft harbour in Canada. Fisherman's Wharf is at its Gulf of Georgia site, south of Bayview Street in the heart of the village, and it's where local fishermen sell their catch directly to the public.

What's for sale depends on the season and the boats, so it changes week to week. Bring a cooler bag if you plan to buy, and be respectful of the working docks; the harbour's first job is serving the fishing fleet.

Planning your day in Steveston

The village is compact and flat, so walking and cycling are easy. Steveston gets busy on sunny weekends; arriving earlier in the day makes parking and tables easier to find.

Where to eat after exploring

We're biased, but a French bistro is a good way to end a day of exploring Steveston. Vogue Cafe is at 12251 No 1 Rd #130, on No 1 Road at the edge of the historic village core: look for the heritage-style storefront with the gable roof, string lights and "FRENCH BISTRO" lettering. We're open daily, 10:30am to 8:30pm, with brunch until 3pm.

After a morning at the Cannery, French onion soup à l'ancienne or a croque madame hits the spot; see what's good for lunch in Steveston Village. After a long walk to Garry Point, our covered side patio with its greenery walls is the place to sit down. If you're making an evening of it, have a look at dinner in Steveston, or browse the full menu. For more on the waterfront itself, we've also written about eating near Garry Point Park. Reservations are recommended; call (604) 370-4444.

However you spend it, there are more things to do in Steveston than one afternoon can hold. That's a good reason to come back.

Frequently asked questions

Is Britannia Shipyards free to visit?

Yes. Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site says admission is free. It is an eight-acre outdoor historic site on the Fraser River, a short walk or ride from the village centre.

Can you buy fish off the boats in Steveston?

Yes. The Steveston Harbour Authority says Fisherman's Wharf, at its Gulf of Georgia site south of Bayview Street, is where local fishermen sell their catch to the public. What's available depends on the season.

What is there to see at Garry Point Park?

The City of Richmond lists the Kuno Garden, beach access, open areas for picnics and kite flying, power-kite zones, interpretive signage, the Fisherman's Memorial Needle and a heritage moorage site at Scotch Pond.

Is the Steveston Museum free?

Yes. The Steveston Museum and Post Office offers free admission to the Steveston Museum and the Steveston Japanese Canadian Museum, in a building built in 1905 as the village's first bank.