Gulf of Georgia Cannery and its collection

Gulf of Georgia Cannery
Source

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery is a National Historic Site of Canada, situated in the charming town of Steveston, British Columbia. This former fish cannery, built in 1894, now serves as a fishing museum, offering a unique glimpse into the region's rich maritime history. It was once the largest cannery in British Columbia, known as the 'Monster Cannery', and in 1897, over 2.5 million cans of salmon were manually packed here.

Establishment of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery as a National Historic Site

The Canadian federal government acquired the property and declared it the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site of Canada on July 15, 1976. The administration was handed over to Parks Canada in 1984. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society, a non-profit organization, was established in 1986. The site was opened to the public in 1994, a hundred years after the factory's opening, and today, it is one of the few National Historic Sites owned by the federal government that is operated by a third party.

Read more…

ENGulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Science & Technology Science & Technology Industrial heritage Maritime

Gulf of Georgia Cannery
12138 Fourth Ave
BC V7E 3J1 Richmond

Visitor information Gulf of Georgia Cannery

Opening hours

Monday
10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 17:00
Sunday
10:00 – 17:00

Admission

0 – 17Free
AdultsCA$13.25
Seniors (65+)CA$11.25
Society MembersFree

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible

Location & Map

12138 Fourth Ave, Richmond

Discover all museums in Richmond

Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Gulf of Georgia Cannery have been found.

Gulf of Georgia Cannery Reviews

Gulf of Georgia Cannery has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Richmond, Canada, offers visitors an informative journey through the region's fishing and canning history. Located in a historic cannery building, this national historic site provides a comprehensive look at the once-thriving salmon canning industry on Canada's west coast.

    Visitors often appreciate the well-preserved machinery and equipment, which give a tangible sense of the cannery's operations. The museum's exhibits are generally praised for being educational and engaging, with many interactive displays that appeal to both adults and children. The guided tours, when available, are frequently highlighted as a valuable addition to the experience, offering in-depth information and interesting anecdotes.

    The museum does an effective job of presenting the cultural and economic impact of the fishing industry on the local community, including its effects on Indigenous peoples and immigrant workers. This broader context is often cited as a strength of the museum's narrative.

    However, some visitors note that the site can feel a bit dark and cold, especially during winter months, due to its location in an old industrial building. A few reviewers mention that some exhibits could benefit from updates or more extensive information.

    The cannery's waterfront location adds to its appeal, with many visitors enjoying the views of the Fraser River and the working fishing boats nearby. This setting helps to connect the historical narrative to the present-day fishing industry.

    While the museum may not be extensive enough to occupy a full day, most visitors find it provides a solid couple of hours of educational content. The admission price is generally considered reasonable for the experience offered.

    Overall, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is well-regarded for its preservation of local history and its ability to bring the story of the west coast fishing industry to life. It's particularly recommended for those interested in industrial history, local culture, or looking for an educational family outing in the Richmond area.

    Read more…

  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

Write a review

Your review helps other people learn about great and less great museums. If you've visited Gulf of Georgia Cannery, you can write your review below! Please pay attention to our content guidelines before you post your review.