Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
Located in the heart of Steveston Village, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site offers visitors a fascinating look into British Columbia’s fishing and canning heritage. Once one of the province’s busiest salmon canneries, the historic building is now a museum and cultural attraction operated by Parks Canada.
The museum preserves the stories of the workers, families, and fishing communities that helped build the West Coast seafood industry. Through immersive exhibits and restored equipment, visitors can step back in time and experience the sights and sounds of a working cannery.
For more information about the attraction, visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery website.
Explore Interactive Exhibits and Historic Displays
Inside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, guests can walk through original industrial spaces filled with canning machinery, fishing gear, photographs and multimedia exhibits. Displays highlight the evolution of the salmon canning industry as well as the cultural diversity of the people who lived and worked in Steveston Village over the years.
A featured temporary exhibition called Cannery REcollections invites visitors to explore community-curated artifacts and personal stories connected to BC’s coastal history. Running from the spring of 2025 until the spring of 2027, the exhibit combines historical objects with interactive storytelling, creating a more personal connection to the region’s fishing past.
The national historic site is suitable for visitors of all ages and offers an engaging mix of education, history and local culture.
For the attraction’s official website, visit gulfofgeorgiacannery.org.
Admission and Visitor Information
The Cannery is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm for most of the year, with occasional holiday closures and special event adjustments. The attraction’s address is 12138 Fourth Avenue. It’s in Steveston Village which itself is a popular tourist destination.
Admission prices in 2026 were the following as of the last time we checked:
- Adults: $14.75
- Seniors (65+): $12.50
- Youth 17 and under: Free with a paying adult
Military members, veterans, and members of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society also receive complimentary admission.
During the summer season, free entry is sometimes available through the Canada Strong Pass program.
Events and Seasonal Programming
Throughout the year, the museum hosts cultural events, workshops, seasonal exhibits, and community celebrations. Examples include World Ocean Day festivities, Indigenous cultural programming, art workshops, film screenings, and family-friendly events.
The site is also well known for its seasonal holiday programming, including Halloween activities and the Festival of Trees in December.
Halloween at the Cannery
Each October, the Cannery transforms into a spooky setting for its “Haunted Sea” Halloween event, typically held on the last weekend of the month. This family-friendly celebration features the following:
- A maritime-themed haunted exhibit with sea monsters, cobwebs, and spooky sea creatures
- Crafts, games, and activities for kids
- All regular museum exhibits still available to explore
Festival of trees
Throughout December, the Cannery is beautifully decorated for the Festival of Trees. Local businesses and community groups contribute creatively decorated Christmas trees, transforming the museum into a festive holiday attraction.
While the Festival of Trees itself is more of a visual display than a large-scale event, the first Sunday in December usually brings extra excitement to Steveston Village, including the following:
- Santa’s arrival
- A display of classic cars
- Festive happenings in the surrounding area
For the attraction’s official website, visit gulfofgeorgiacannery.org.
A Must-Visit Attraction in Steveston
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery is one of Richmond’s top historic attractions and a great addition to any visit to Steveston Village. After exploring the museum, visitors can enjoy the area’s waterfront boardwalks, seafood restaurants, cafés, and scenic riverfront views.
Whether you’re interested in BC history, maritime culture, or family-friendly museums, the cannery offers an informative and memorable experience on Richmond’s waterfront.
More Information
For official details and upcoming events, visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery website.
Other places you might also find of interest include Britannia Heritage Shipyards (which is also in Steveston Village) and Fort Langley National Historic Site (which is in the Fraser Valley).