One Day in Steveston (Perfectly Planned + Map)

👉 Jump to: 1 Day in Steveston | Where to Stay | Map | Tips | Get Printable Version

The picturesque fishing village of Steveston is less than an hour’s drive from downtown Vancouver. It’s one of the city’s most popular day trips and a great option for a layover at Vancouver International Airport.

Over 600 boats are moored on Steveston’s shores, with many belonging to fishermen whose family businesses go back generations. It’s a great place for anyone who enjoys maritime history and outdoor recreation.

I grew up near Steveston, and I still visit often. Along with Whistler, it’s one of my favourite places to go when I want to escape the big city. Although a day is all you need here, there’s lots to see and do. Use this itinerary to make the most of your time and to enjoy the best of Steveston.

1-Day Steveston Itinerary

🖨️ Get a printable version of this itinerary

9:00 AM – Coffee with a View

Blue sky over the Garry Point Park — *Garry Point Park*

Start your Steveston day early, especially on sunny, summer days. Grab a coffee at Rocanini Coffee Roasters. Or if you’re hungry, Toast to Coast Brunch Bar is a perfect breakfast spot.

Then, walk to Garry Point Park at the southwest tip of Steveston. The park provides sweeping views of the Salish Sea, Gulf Islands, and Vancouver Island. There is also a lovely Japanese garden and a fishermen’s memorial. Take a walk around the park. Sit on the beach, breathe in the sea air, and watch kite enthusiasts take advantage of this windy spot.

⚠️ Heads Up: Garry Point Park is surrounded by water, and on hot days, it might be tempting to go for a dip. But the currents are strong and fast-moving, so it’s not safe for swimming, and there is no lifeguard on duty.

10:30 AM – Learn About Steveston’s Canning Industry

Clear blue sky over the Gulf of Georgia Cannery building

After Garry Point Park, walk back to Steveston Village. Here, you’ll visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. This former cannery is now a National Historic Site with an informative museum, rotating exhibitions, and seasonal activities.

Salmon canning was the main industry in Steveston. Over 15 canneries operated here by the 1890s. This attracted a large workforce of Japanese, Chinese, First Nations, and European fishermen and cannery employees. These canneries also employed many women who stepped in to aid the war effort.

Salmon canning was the backbone of Steveston until the 1990s when the industry began declining and eventually ceased. Listen for the whistle that blows at 10 am, noon and 5 pm, marking the museum’s daily opening, lunchtime, and closure — just like it signaled important times in the work day for the cannery employees a century ago.

12:00 PM – Fish and Chips Lunch

A fish and chips with a salad on the side served at Dave’s — *I love the halibut at Dave’s*

For lunch, join in one of Steveston’s most popular activities: eating fish and chips. People from all over Vancouver come here every weekend just to have fresh, battered fish and a heaping portion of fries.

Steveston is all about fish and chips, and some of the best I have had is right here — sorry, England. I’m fond of Dave’s, a traditional hole-in-the-wall adorned in 1970s’-style nautical decor. It serves up every deep-fried seafood wonder you can imagine.

The Pajo’s floating restaurant on the river — *Pajo’s is a fun place for lunch*

Pajo’s is another fan favourite given its amazing location at the pier. I like to head down the rickety ramp and eat on the floating dock. It’s only open in the warmer months, but it’s quintessential Steveston.

You can also get great fish and chips at most of Steveston’s restaurants. So, if your travel mates don’t like fish, you won’t miss out.

12:00 PM (Alternative Option) – Whale Watching Tour

A mural of whales on a Whale Watching Tour company — *A couple of companies operate whale-watching tours in Steveston*

A whale-watching tour is one of Vancouver’s best activities, and often high on visitors’ wish lists. Depart from Steveston to sail out into the open ocean around the Gulf and San Juan Islands.

On this amazing whale watching tour, you are sure to see some of BC’s best animals and scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, seals, and bald eagles. But be warned, the waters in this area can be choppy. So, if you’re prone to seasickness like I am, bring your Gravol.

A whale-watching tour will take up a good part of your day. But this itinerary is full of things to do before and after your whale-watching adventure.

📚 Related Reading: Spending more time in Vancouver and don’t know where to begin? My 5-day Vancouver itinerary will do the work for you.

1:30 PM – Explore Steveston’s Chinese and Japanese History

Clear blue sky over the Britannia Shipyards Historic Site — *The Britannia Shipyards Historic Site*

After lunch, take a 10-minute walk east along the pleasant Imperial Landing Boardwalk. Be sure to stop at Lee’s Donuts for a treat.

The boardwalk will take you to the Britannia Shipyards. Here, you will learn the fascinating history of the Chinese and Japanese inhabitants, who were important to this community. Maybe you’ll even spot a heron or two as you walk alongside the Fraser River.

A tree during spring season at Murakami House — *Springtime at Murakami House*

Murakami House will be your first stop. This restored home tells the story of Otokichi and Asayo Murakami and their 10 children. The family lived here until their internment in 1942, when they were sent to BC’s Interior.

It’s a beautiful glimpse into the daily life of a notable local family — and the garden is spectacular in the spring and summer, some of the best times to visit Vancouver!

View of a tugboat at the Britannia Shipyards — *A tugboat docked near the Britannia Shipyards*

Then, you’ll reach a row of stilt houses, part of the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. Built in the late 1800s, these were former fishermen’s residences. Today, they serve as a visitor’s center and little museums that showcase the lives of the diverse community that lived and worked in Steveston.

Across the boardwalk is the Britannia Shipyards. It was built in 1889 and originally used as a cannery. In 1917, it was repurposed as a shipyard and maritime repair shop. Today, it’s an interesting museum.

View from the inside of the Chinese Bunkhouse — *I love the museum at the Chinese Bunkhouse*

To end your history tour, visit the Chinese Bunkhouse. Upon entry, you’ll see a large, empty hall. But go upstairs to the exhibition space. Originally built in 1920, this museum recreates the residence where many Chinese shipyard workers once lived.

3:30 PM – Steveston’s Past and Present

View of a heritage building at the Moncton street — *A heritage building on Moncton St.*

In the late afternoon, return to the heart of the village and visit Steveston’s Interurban Tram. Between 1905 and 1958, BC Electric Railway Company’s interurban trams moved passengers from Vancouver to Steveston. In Steveston Community Park, you’ll find this beautifully refurbished historic tram and its original tracks.

Then, pop into the Steveston Museum and Post Office. This sweet building dates back to 1905. It was the town’s first bank. In 1979, it became a museum and post office. It’s a wonderful place to see the former bank offices or to send a postcard.

The author Catherine Driver at the Steveston Tra — *Me on the Steveston Tram*

The Steveston Museum & Post office from the outside — *The Steveston Museum & Post office*

Next door, another small museum tells the story of Steveson’s Japanese community and their impact on the area. Outside, a serene garden and torii arch pay homage to them.

End your afternoon wandering the shops along historic Moncton Street. Quaint stores sell quality gifts, artisan food, jewelry, and unique home decor. I always spend too much money at A Monkey Tree and Nikaido.

6:00 PM – Stay for the Sunset and a Delicious Dinner

View of people and boats at the Fisherman’s Wharf — *I love visiting the boats at Fisherman’s Wharf*

In the evening, walk around Fisherman’s Wharf and head down the gangway to see the boats on the dock. If you want to pick up fresh seafood from them, go early in the morning when the boats come in. But in the evening, it’s a nice place to stroll. Stop into one of many souvenir shops for a t-shirt or a new addition to your postcard collection.

The author Catherine Driver smiling for a photo with foods on the table served in Kari House — *My family and I are regulars at Kari House*

There are endless options in the village center for dinner and the sunsets are amazing from the patios here. Blue Canoe serves West Coast cuisine with fun, beachy vibes, and I love Kari House for Malaysian fare. If you’re celebrating something special, Steveston Seafood House and Baan Lao are award-winning, high-end restaurants.

Steveston is not a nightlife hotspot. So, don’t expect to party into the wee hours. But if you want to keep going after dinner, head to Britannia Brewing for drinks.

Where to Stay in Steveston

A tree at the Steveston Waterfront Hotel — The **Steveston Waterfront Hotel**

Clear blue sky over the boardwalk at the Steveston Waterfront Hotel — *The back of the hotel with the boardwalk and river views*

Best Hotels in Steveston

Steveston is a beautiful, peaceful place to spend the night. However, it’s small, so there are only two hotel options. But Vancouver International Airport (YVR), the suburb of Richmond, and other Vancouver neighborhoods have endless choices. Here are my top recommendations in Steveston and Richmond:

💵 Budget – The Steveston Cafe & Hotel
🛏️ Mid-Range – Steveston Waterfront Hotel
💎 Luxury – Versante Hotel
✈️ Near the Airport – Fairmont Vancouver Airport

If you’d prefer to stay in Vancouver and make this a day trip, check out our guide to the best places to stay in Vancouver.

1 Day in Steveston – Itinerary Map

Itinerary Planning Tips

Tip #1 – Take public transportation to Steveston on busy days

View of a torii arch in Town Square Park — *The torii arch in Town Square Park*

It’s easier to take public transportation to Steveston — especially on busy, sunny days. From Vancouver, take the Canada Line SkyTrain to Richmond-Brighouse Station. From the station, bus numbers 401 One Road, 402 Two Road, or 406 Steveston will all take you to the heart of the village. Visit Translink’s Trip Planner for routes and schedules.

Driving from downtown Vancouver should take around half an hour. But Vancouver’s traffic can be bad, so always give yourself some extra time. Discover Cars is a great option if you’re looking to rent a vehicle to visit Steveston.

Tip #2 – Arrive early to avoid parking headaches

Blue sky over the tugboats on a shipyard — *Parking is easier for these guys*

On sunny days, parking in Steveston is a nightmare. So arrive early! The village is a mix of paid and free parking. Always check the signs for time limits if you snag a free spot (usually, it’s 3 hours). You can find free parking throughout the village and near the Britannia Shipyards.

The paid parking lots will be well-signed with a pay station. These lots are patrolled, so don’t take any risks trying to save a few dollars.

Tip #3 – Dress for wind, rain, and other weather

Close up view of a boat on a river — *Steveston is the best on a sunny day*

There is nowhere better than Steveston on a warm and sunny day. But being on the south coast of British Columbia, that’s not always a guarantee.

However, with proper attire, you can still have a great time in Steveston on those gloomy Vancouver days. Wear good walking shoes, dress in layers, and carry an umbrella. Steveston is windier than other parts of the city. So bring a hat and anything else you need to stay comfortable in the wind.

Tip #4 – Don’t miss Steveston’s year-round festivals

View of a Japanese scarecrow — *Kakashi, the Japanese scarecrow, always gets my vote at the Steveston Scarecrow Crawl*

Summer is one of the best times to visit British Columbia, Steveston included. Join this tight-knit community in celebrating the Steveston Salmon Festival, its bi-weekly Sunday Market at Garry Point, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Richmond Maritime Festival.

April brings the Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival to Garry Point Park. During (Canadian) Thanksgiving and Halloween, the Steveston Scarecrow Crawl comes to town.

But Christmas in Steveston is always my favourite. See the lights around the village, watch the Santa parade, visit the Cannery’s Festival of Trees, and climb aboard the winter tram.