Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site

A national historic site dedicated to fishing on Canada's West Coast

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site is a museum and national historic site located in the picturesque fishing village of Steveston, in Richmond, British Columbia. It represents the historical significance of Canada's West Coast fishing industry and stands at the mouth of the Fraser River, on the ancestral, unceded territories of the Musqueam and Hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ peoples.

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society, a non-profit and registered charity, is responsible for the operation of the site on behalf of Parks Canada. Since the 1980s, the Society has worked with Parks Canada to preserve the cannery buildings and is responsible for their interpretation through guided tours and educational programming, site promotion, and regular maintenance.

Exhibits and programming

The site hosts permanent and temporary exhibits. On-site exhibits include:

• LEGO Gulf of Georgia Cannery: a 1:1200 scale model built entirely out of LEGO that summarizes 130 years of cannery history, created by Peter Grant. The exhibit was on display until May 2025.
• Herring Reduction Plant: a display of the massive machines that transformed fish.
• Cannery REcollections: an exhibit exploring the stories of fishing on Canada's West Coast through objects, scheduled to run from May 10, 2025 to spring 2027.
• The Water We Call Home: an exhibit that re-presents Indigenous women's connections to fish, water, and family around the Salish Sea.
• The Haunted Sea: a seasonal installation, presented from September 27 to November 2, 2025.
• From Tides to Tins: an online virtual exhibit on the history of West Coast canneries, in collaboration with Musées numériques Canada.

Educational programs and tours

The Society offers school programs, guided group tours, and youth programs. The school program "Spend the Day in Steveston" (Grades 1 to 6) allows joint bookings with Britannia Shipyards for up to four classes, with the goal of spending the day at Steveston's national historic sites. Group tours and special interest tours are also offered.

Support and membership

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society is a registered charity. Private donations provide key support to preserve and promote West Coast fishing history. The site offers membership and volunteer programs, and has a gift shop. The Society publishes annual reports and a 2025-2027 strategic plan.

Location and surroundings

The site is located in the fishing village of Steveston, in Richmond, British Columbia, at the mouth of the Fraser River. The Society works in collaboration with the Steveston community to preserve its fishing heritage and local charm.

Location and contact

12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond, British Columbia V7E 3J1, Canada · Phone: 604 664 9009 · Email: info@gogcannery.org