Steveston Village is one of Metro Vancouver’s best places for walks, cycling and strolling around. It’s also one of Richmond’s top tourist destinations.

The Historic Fishing Village

Steveston Village is a historic fishing village. Today there is still the Gulf of Georgia Cannery which is a national historic site. There is also a variety of fish and chips shops and other restaurants, gift stores and small hotels in the village.

Also very interesting is the Britannia Shipyard which is a collection of historic buildings and displays located further down the way along the waterfront.

One especially fun event in the summer is the Steveston Grand Prix of Art. At the event over 100 local artists compete to see who can create the best painting of their view along the waterfront. Spectators can walk around the area and see the artists at work. There’s then an exhibition of the final pieces, live music to enjoy and the public votes on the winners!

The 2024 Grand Prix happens on the weekend of July 27th and 28th.

Where is Steveston Village?

Located about 20 minutes or so by car from Vancouver Airport (YVR), Steveston Village is a bit of a trek to get to from downtown Vancouver. It’s best accessed by car, although there is public transit.

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery is located in the heart of the town, at 12138 Fourth Avenue in Richmond. The Britannia Shipyard isn’t too far away, at 5180 Westwater Drive.

Steveston Walking & Cycling Trails

Of particular interest to people who like to be outdoors are the extensive walking and biking trails along the waterfront.

There are actually many kilometres of excellent bicycle and walking pathways from River Road (across the Fraser River from Sea Island and YVR airport). The trail goes down the western coastline of Richmond, and then from Steveston Village up the south arm of the Fraser River.

From Steveston Village go east along the waterfront to Britannia Shipyards (where for a stretch cyclists need to dismount and walk their bikes through an industrial area). From there if you want continue, go along the road to London Heritage Farm which is open most weekend afternoons and from Wednesdays to Sundays in July and August, as well as other specific times of the year.

Also interesting (but passing fewer historical sites) is the route along the shoreline heading north from Steveston Village and Gary Point Park on the West Dyke Trail up to the Terra Nova Natural Area. In either direction, the cycling and walking trails from Steveston Village are some of the best in Metro Vancouver.

Just a short drive out of town, along the Steveston Highway, is the International Buddhist Temple. It’s a beautiful place that’s open to the public. If you get the opportunity, check it out sometime. There’s a good chance you’ll drive right by it on your way home and visiting the place will make you feel like you’re in the Orient.

Steveston Village Video

The following video is of Steveston Village in the spring. It starts in front of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. The next scenes are of the various historical buildings in the Britannia Heritage Shipyard area. The video finishes on the boardwalk in front of Fisherman’s Wharf.

As you’ll see in the video, this waterfront neighbourhood of Richmond is a wonderful place to take your bicycle or simply walk around. Also as you’ll notice, in some areas (including those near  the historic sites) you can’t actually ride your bike – you have to walk it. Doing so, though allows you to look around more, take your time and enjoy the scenery. It also prevents you from riding into people!

Best Times to Visit

Steveston Village is a good place to visit any time of the year. It is quiet in the winter, but still a great area to stroll around or cycle from.

The region is especially vibrant in the summer and is most popular during the July 1st Canada Day long weekend. Anytime it’s not raining is also a good time to visit, especially during special events.

Special Events and Activities

A number of great events take place in Steveston Village each year. They include the following:

• Big Pirate Run – a pirate-themed running event that’s particularly fun for young families.
• Steveston Farmers and Artisan Market – takes place from May to October outside the Steveston Community Centre at 4111 Moncton Street.
• Pull of the Net: A Multicultural Celebration – a free event showcasing performances by Indigenous and other cultural groups at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in May.
• Steveston Salmon Festival – Canada Day celebrations every year on July 1st.
• Grand Prix of Art – a painting challenge and exhibition on a weekend in July.
• Richmond Maritime Festival – at Britannia Shipyard in July or August.
• Steveston Dragon Boat Festival – boat races in August.

• Sockeye Run Car Show – at Steveston Park on the second Sunday in June each year. It’s a free event that features over 200 classic cars, plus live music. (Permanently cancelled.)
• National Indigenous Peoples Day – First Nations dancing and other cultural activities are celebrated at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery on June 21st each year.
• Ships to Shore Festival – a popular Steveston Village event. It doesn’t take place every year, though – just in years when tall ships visit the area.
• Gulf Cannery at Halloween – kid-friendly activities at the National Historic Site in October.
• Christmas in Steveston Village – various holiday activities that happen in Steveston Village between late November and the end of December.
• Steveston Santa Claus Parade – a Christmas parade on December 24th.

If visiting in the summer with kids, and if it’s a hot day, consider visiting the Steveston Outdoor Pool. It’s a fun place to cool off in the water, especially after a hot bike ride.

Whale watching tours take place with Vancouver Whale Watch, with tours departing from Steveston Village from April 1 to October 31.

Other Interesting Places

Steveston Village is one of several villages we recommend as some of Vancouver’s Best Places.

If you like Steveston Village, other similar places you might like include Horseshoe Bay (terminal for BC Ferries) and Fort Langley (a national historic site). There is also White Rock (an ocean side resort community) and Deep Cove (a picturesque village on the North Shore).