Fishing boats on the Steveston waterfront
If you’d like to go whale watching, learn more about western Canada’s multicultural history or simply spend time by the water, take a day trip from Vancouver to explore the waterfront village of Steveston.
What to Do in Steveston
Go Whale Watching
One of Canada’s largest commercial fishing ports, Steveston is also the departure point for whale-watching tours. Trips head into the Georgia Straight and on to the Gulf Islands or San Juan Islands in search of orcas, humpback whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals and other marine life.
Explore Local History
In the late 1800s, Steveston became a major hub for the salmon-canning industry. You can learn more about the life of the Asian and European immigrant workers who toiled on the canning line at the family-friendly Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, an 1894 cannery which was once the largest of the fish-processing facilities operating in Steveston.
A short walk east along the waterfront takes you to the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, a collection of homes and shops where the multi-ethnic community of fisherman, dockworkers and cannery crews once lived. You can wander in and out of the restored buildings, some of which date back to the 1880s.
Enjoy the Waterfront
Many fishing boats pull up to the Steveston wharf and sell their fresh catch right off the deck. Even if you’re not in the market for a whole tuna, a slab of fresh salmon or local spot prawns, wander along the docks to check out the seafood action. Numerous seafood restaurants line the waterfront, too, where you can dig into a plate of fish ‘n’ chips. One of the most popular eateries is Pajo’s, with tables right on the pier.
Getting to Steveston
Allow at least half a day for exploring Steveston, longer if you’re including a whale-watching tour. Steveston is at the southwest corner of the city of Richmond, 12 miles (20 kilometers) south of downtown Vancouver. If you’re going whale watching, most tours include transportation to Steveston from downtown hotels.
By public transportation from downtown Vancouver, take the Canada Line to Richmond-Brighouse Station, where you change to any Steveston-bound bus, including #401, 407 or 410; allow about 50-60 minutes. By car, it takes around 35-45 minutes.
Exploring the Waterfront Village of Steveston from Vancouver Things to Do
