Steveston Village has transformed from the historic home of BC’s fishing industry to one of the Lower Mainland’s most popular tourist attractions.
As the home to several historic museums, exciting whale watching adventures and a boatload of fantastic restaurants, there is always something to do in this bustling waterfront community.
And who better than a third-generation member of a BC fishing family to take the helm and help you navigate these unchartered waters?
How to Visit Steveston Village – Things to See, Restaurants, Bars, and Festivals
Steveston Village
With over 600 vessels calling its port home, Steveston remains the epi-centre of British Columbia’s fishing industry. On any given day, you’ll still find crews fixing their boats, mending nets and hawking their catch at Fisherman’s Wharf.
However, tourism has clearly become the main draw.
Visitors flock here by the thousands to walk the town’s iconic boardwalk, browse the shops on Chatham Street and consume the best fish and chips on this side of the Atlantic.
In addition to countless budding Federico Fellinis on their iPhones, the village’s unique Victorian-era architecture has been a major draw for the film industry.
For a fascinating glimpse into BC’s past, you can visit National Historic Sites, such as the Gulf of Georgia Cannery and Britannia Shipyards Museum – two of the top museums in Vancouver.
If you love the outdoors you’ll enjoy access to a seemingly endless set of trails along the Fraser River, most notably in Garry Point Park and Imperial Landing. Or maybe you’d prefer to take part in a thrilling Vancouver whale watching adventure.
It’s hard to fathom anyone not being able to find something to do in this historic community. This is ultimately what makes it one of the perfect day trips from Vancouver and one of our favourite things to do in the entire region.
Things to Do in Steveston Village
Hit up Fisherman’s Wharf
Without a doubt, the number one draw to Steveston is Fisherman’s Wharf. On a given sunny day, you can expect to see hundreds of tourists walking along the wharf’s iconic wooden boardwalk, enjoying the area’s sights, sounds and smells.
There are also dozens of shops, cafes and restaurants adjacent to the docks. I like to go here to grab a coffee, have a bite to eat and do a little people-watching.
Steveston has the largest fishing fleet in Canada, with up to 600 vessels calling it home. So, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk down the ramp to see some of these local fisherman hawking their catch.
You can grab essential Vancouver food like salmon, albacore tuna, spot prawns, halibut and much more.
Visit the Steveston Harbour Authority to see what’s in season.
Related: Best Whale Watching Tours in Steveston
Visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Museum
Located just a stone’s throw from Fisherman’s Wharf is the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National historic site. This fascinating museum marks the spot that was once the epicentre of British Columbia’s fishing industry.
Enjoy interactive exhibits, films and guided tours that celebrate the history of an industry on which the area’s economic growth was once entirely dependent.
If you’re visiting during the low season (Oct-April), the cannery features the popular Cannery Farmer’s Market every second Sunday from 10 to 3 pm. During the market, admission to the museum is free. So it’s the perfect time for you to time your visit.
Go on an Exciting Whale Watching Adventure
The waters outside of Steveston are home to 4 species of whales, in addition to a stunning array of dolphins, porpoises, and marine mammals.
If you haven’t experienced the thrill of seeing these amazing creatures in their natural environment, then I highly recommend setting sail on an exciting local whale watching tour.
Vancouver Whale Watch and Seabreeze Adventures offer 3 to 5-hour tours from Steveston in both open-air and semi-covered zodiac-style boats. Onboard hydrophones allow you to hear first-hand the wild calls of Killer Whales and Humpbacks.
The best part is that sightings are guaranteed!
Hike or Bike Along the Dyke
Looking to do something a little more active on your visit? Well, you’re in luck.
The city of Richmond contains over 80 kilometres of dykes, trails and greenways, much of which are situated around Steveston. These routes connect the area’s park space with Fisherman’s Wharf and other historical points of interest.
Of particular interest will be Garry Point Park, a 39-acre waterfront park near the mouth of the Fraser River. Be sure to check out its lovely Japanese Garden and the Fisherman’s Memorial Sculpture, which honours lives lost on the high seas.
Since the old U-Bicycle bike share program is no longer operating, we suggest going with Village Bikes.
Visit Historic Britannia Shipyards
At the Eastern end of Imperial Landing, you’ll come upon the legendary Britannia Shipyards. Now a fully interactive museum, this National Historic Site was once home to a massive cannery and a shipyard that produced many of BC’s fishing vessels.
The museum is an authentic representation of a once-thriving community of canneries, boat yards, residences and stores, many of which date back to 1885.
Tour the buildings and learn the fascinating stories of those who literally built the industry from the ground up.
Shop Until You Drop
Steveston’s historic streets are lined with an eclectic mix of local boutiques that sell virtually everything under the sun. And without a chain in sight you can guarantee each will be a unique experience.
The kids are sure to love Splash Toy Shop, which is a favourite with families from all over the Lower Mainland. Splash takes playing seriously, with an extensive selection of legos, board games, train sets and stuffed animals that bring out your inner child.
UK expats and visitors will definitely appreciate Steveston’s Best of British. This local retailer offers groceries, sweets, baked goods and more from throughout the British Isles. The authentic meat pies and scotch bread are a particular favourite.
Steveston Restaurants & Bars
I’ll be completely honest with you. Most of the restaurants located on Steveston’s waterfront boardwalk are extremely overrated. In fact, you’re unlikely to ever see a fisherman set foot in one.
But if you’re willing to dig a little deeper, the area is chocked full of amazing restaurants and bars.
Here are a few of my faves:
- Catch: Second-floor seafood and burger hotspot with a spacious rooftop patio and a gorgeous view.
- Ora Sushi: My favourite of Steveston’s eight sushi bars. Proudly serves only wild local salmon.
- Steveston Pizza: Instagramable pizzeria famous for its “Castle Series” of pies topped with seafood & shellfish.
- Pajos: Popular wharfside fish and chips joint operating since 1985. Try the two-piece halibut and chips!
- The Buck and Ear: Historic 200-seat bar & restaurant has been pouring pints for local fisherman since 1895.
Steveston Festivals
- Steveston Salmon Festival: Canada Day tradition that also celebrates the arrival of the Fraser River’s earliest sockeye run.
- Steveston Farmers Market: Operates every second Sunday from 10:30 am-3:30 pm during high season.
- Richmond Maritime Festival: Free family festival on August 24 and 25, 2025 that celebrates the area’s rich marine heritage.
- Steveston Dragonboat Festival: Dragonboat festival that draws upwards of 20,000 people. To be held on August 23, 2025.
How to Get to Steveston Village
Steveston is located about 20 kilometres South of Downtown Vancouver in the suburb of Richmond. As you’ll recall, this municipality is also the home of Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
The townsite is nestled on the banks of the Fraser River near the Southwest tip of Lulu Island, which marks Richmond’s physical boundary.
Despite its relative geographic isolation, the village is easily reachable by car and public transit. It’ll just require a bit of patience.
- Driving: Takes between 30-40 minutes, depending on the traffic on the Oak Street Bridge.
- Taxi/Uber: Expect to pay about $60.00 from downtown if you’re taking a Vancouver taxi.
- Transit: The area can be reached in 50 minutes using a combo of the Canada Line and the #406 Steveston bus.
The village has lots of free street parking along Chatham and Moncton streets, in addition to a large free lot across from the Steveston Community Centre.
Before you attempt to navigate Vancouver’s public transportation, make sure to check out our Vancouver Public Transport mega guide.
Steveston Village History
The story of Steveston Village dates back to the 1880s when a farmer named Manoah Steves made his way out West from Chatham, Ontario and became the first white settler in the region.
Until then, the area’s primary function had been to serve as a seasonal base for canneries targeting the abundant Fraser River salmon run during the Summer months.
While canning had begun in the area as early as 1871, by 1895, there were an amazing 45 canneries on the river, creating a need for a more permanent settlement.
Every summer, large numbers of Japanese, Chinese, First Nations, and European workers flocked to the village, looking to strike it rich in the booming fishing industry.
Visiting Steveston Village FAQ
What is Steveston Village?
Steveston Village is a historic fishing village and popular tourist attraction located near Vancouver. The area contains a variety of museums, attractions and restaurants that highlight its unique heritage.
Where is Steveston Village?
Steveston is located approximately 20 km South of Downtown Vancouver. The village is situated on the banks of the Fraser River in the suburb of Richmond, BC.
How Do You Get From Downtown Vancouver to Steveston?
Steveston is about a 30-minute drive from downtown.
Alternatively, you can visit via public transit. Simply take the Canada Line in tandem with the #406 Steveston bus, which can be boarded at bay 4A from the bus loop outside Brighouse Station. The trip should take about 50 minutes.
Well, that was a boatload of information!
Looking to Spend a Day in Steveston?
I hope I’ve succeeded in convincing you to take a day trip to this historic fishing village. And remember, if there is anything else you’d like to know about Steveston (or anything else Vancouver related) I’m always available in the comments below.
And you can always hit us up with comments, suggestions and tips for other travellers on the Vancouver Planner Facebook page. We’ll get back to you ASAP.
Catch you later!
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