| Since its construction
in 1894, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, in Steveston, has
been a landmark for fishermen. This historic site commemorates Canada's West Coast
fishing industry, and contains relics from the past, when the canneries operated
day and night.
Gulf of Georgia
Cannery | A
model of a 1930s production line is set up along one long L-shaped counter. Murals
of fish and trawlers cover the walls; showcases full of glass net floats from
Japan, various shiny salmon tins, and model boats help convey a sense of Steveston's
heritage. Mountains
of fishing gear and nets are arranged outside. It is hard to imagine that at the
turn of the century there were 49 canneries on the Fraser River from Steveston
to New Westminster - fifteen of those were in Steveston alone! Hours:
1st February to 31st October
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Pre-booked
group tours can be arranged from March through November.
Admission includes a 20-minute film presentation in the Boiler House Theatre.
The Cannery is located within easy commuting distance of Vancouver,
follow the Steveston Highway west, and watch for signs.
Also located
in Steveston at the south foot of Railway
Avenue is the Britannia Heritage Shipyard. Visitors can take a self-guided
walking tour of this National Heritage Site. Britannia is one of the few surviving
examples from Steveston's rich past, when a mix of canneries, net lofts, boatyards,
residences, and stores defined the neighbourhood. Restoration of the site is in
the development stage, and over the coming years much of its former glory is slated
to be restored. At present, the Britannia Shipyard augments a walking or cycling
tour of the Steveston harbour.
Contact details:
Gulf
of Georgia Cannery
12138 Fourth Avenue
Richmond
B.C V7E 3J1
Telephone: (604) 664-9009
Fax: (604) 664-9008 |
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