| 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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