Travel to Historical Buildings in Richmond, BC

Find Heritage Stories & River History Along Canada’s Fraser River

Mar 9, 2009

Gulf of Georgia Cannery Heritage in Richmond, BC, Lori Henry

Travel to explore the river history and heritage stories within historical buildings along Richmond, BC's Fraser River.

Near Vancouver, Canada, lies the often-overlooked city of Richmond in BC. Discover the fascinating river history by traveling to the heritage buildings that dot this part of the Fraser River.

Heritage stories abound, historical buildings are preserved and sites like the Richmond Museum, Gulf of Georgia Cannery, Britannia Shipyard and London Heritage Farm are a great way to learn about the area.

Richmond Museum

3811 Moncton Street
Phone: (604) 271-6868
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (closed from 1:00-1:30)
Admission: Donation Box

The Steveston Museum is a quaint 1905 heritage building that Richmond designated as a heritage site in 1989. It acted as the first bank in Steveston and now houses a working Canada Post outlet.

Downstairs, an intact manager’s office is original from 1905. Upstairs, the manager’s quarters have been converted into a tiny museum with charming photos peppered on the walls, along with over 9,500 artifacts.

Gulf of Georgia Cannery

12138 Fourth Avenue
Phone: (604) 664-9009
Hours: May to October: usually Mon-Sat 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (call for updated hours)
Admission: $3.90 CAD youth to $7.80 CAD adults

Dubbed the “Monster Cannery” because it was one of the largest canneries in British Columbia, this 1894 building was a thriving production of salmon canning. From there, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery operated as a herring cannery.

Now, visitors can learn the heritage stories of the people who worked here through engaging exhibits that allow travelers to get up close and personal.

Britannia Shipyard

5180 Westwater Drive
Phone: (604) 718-8050
Hours: Summer: Tues-Sun 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Winter: Sat 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Sun 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Admission: Free

The Britannia Shipyard is the oldest shipyard community in British Columbia and a National Historic Site. There are 12 buildings within the 8.14 acre park dating back to 1885.

The Murakami House is one of the most touching, as the story of the family is told through a re-creation of their house.

London Heritage Farm

6511 Dyke Road
Phone: (604) 271-5220
Hours: Summer: Wed-Fri 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, Sat-Sun 11:00 am – 4:00 pm; Sept-June: Sat-Sun 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Admission: By Donation

Visit the London Heritage Farm to experience a farmhouse from the 1890s. Spread over 4.06 acres, the house is fully restored to its historical splendour.

As well as the surrounding flower gardens, picnic spots, family barn, hand tool museum, farm equipment, bees, chickens, rose arbor and pond, there is a picturesque tearoom open to visitors. Stop in for a cup of London Lady Tea, freshly baked scones and homemade cookies.

Travel to Richmond, BC

For help booking accommodation or making travel arrangements in Richmond, contact Tourism Richmond (1-877-247-0777).

The copyright of the article Travel to Historical Buildings in Richmond, BC in British Columbia Travel is owned by Lori Henry. Permission to republish Travel to Historical Buildings in Richmond, BC in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.