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Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
12138 4th AveRichmond, BC V7E 3J1
Neighbourhood: Steveston
(604) 664-9009
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
4 reviews for Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
4 reviews in English
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Review from Daniel W.
Langley, BC
8/7/2011
Fantastic facility and Staff. Took 20 of my students here August 3 and it was awesome {thanks Marc!}. Kids were 6-12 and they raved about their visit. We've visited many different locations in the past 10 years, none better than this. Highly recommended for any age.
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Review from Larry L.
10/20/2011
I used to come here before it was a museum.
I love how they kept the characteristic of what a fishing canery was like and the atmosphere of the place is intact. Everything was there except the people who worked there, the sounds of the machinary mechanically whirring overtime and that awefull smell that would stink up the whole town during Canning season.
So now, it is alot more enjoyable to visit and reminisce.
Less danger, less smell and historical. I love it!
My grandmother used to tell us tales when she was younger, back in the days from the mid 30's to the late 70's when she worked as a cannery worker here. The cute Chinese boys working the fish plants and docks and the Japanese fishermen bringing in their catch.
There was alot of interesting and cultural history here and I'm glad that this place documents it very well. -
Review from David L.
7/3/2011 3 photos
It's a historic site and a museum at the same time. The Gulf of Cannery was built in 1894 and it was the largest cannery in B.C. There's an area where you'll learn about the fishes that were commonly caught when this cannery was running. I really like the fact that they were real life size fishes displayed on the walls.
There is another section which shows how salmon were caught, processed, canned and package. All of the canning machines displayed are original from the 1900's. You can actually touch most of the displays and photograph as much as you want in this museum. -
Review from Kyrsten J.
New Westminster, BC
1/30/2011
if you love machinery, you will love this museum. To be honest, despite growing up on the coast where canneries were not uncommon in deserted inlets, I've never been in one. I have to say that I think they've done a good job with this one - learned about the different types of fishing, and saw just how much work goes into producing herring oil that goes into farm food. I love, love, love old buildings, and being able to see the old machines in their "natural habitat' was pretty cool.
We had a bonus this time in that Steveston was running the Winter's Farmer's Market out of the Cannery Museum, which meant our entrance was free! I think I would probably pay to get in though, if I was taking someone new to the coast and our fishing industry.
Bonus, the Cannery is a short(ish) walk down-river from another set of historical sites on land formerly owned by BC Packers (another cannery company). Highly recommend walking to check out the old buildings there as well!
Specialties
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery commemorates the history of Canada's west coast fishing industry. The trials and tribulations of those who worked in the canneries and fished on the seas are told through interactive exhibits and guided tours. The tours, led by our knowledgeable guides, depart every hour on the hour, with the first tour at 10 a.m. and the last at 4:00 p.m. We also offer many engaging school programs, tied into the provincial curriculum, as well as tours for special-interest and English as a Second Language groups. Pre-booking is required for groups.
Our gift shop, The Cannery Store, offers a wide selection of maritime and Steveston-themed gifts, books and artwork.
History
Established in 1894
Built in 1894 and situated atop wooden pilings over the mighty Fraser River, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is one of the few remaining 19th century salmon canneries in B.C. In its heyday, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery was the largest building of its kind and the leading producer of canned salmon in Canada. Now it is a dynamic museum celebrating the history of fishing on the west coast of Canada.
