Staycations and local getaways are a great way to support local businesses. A daytrip to Steveston Village can also include a trip back in time with a visit to the local heritage sites. Relive and learn the history of Britannia Shipyards, London Heritage Farm and the Steveston Museum with costumed guides, engaging exhibits, kid-friendly programs and an on-site food truck.
“Richmond has a rich history of diverse cultures and pioneer spirit that shaped our City and made it the thriving economic community we know today,” says Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “The heritage sites in Steveston offer an insight into a world gone by and give visitors an opportunity to connect with a part of Steveston’s history, in-person — an experience that many have missed during the pandemic.”
Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
Britannia Shipyards is an authentic representation of a once-thriving community of canneries, boat yards and residences. Many of the heritage buildings date back to the 1880s and tell the stories of the Chinese, European, Indigenous and Japanese workers through authentic recreations of living and working spaces. The site is open seven days a week from noon to 4 p.m. with costumed guides & historical demonstrations. Starting this Saturday July 24th Kids can collect a new activity booklet for an even more hands on experience as a junior boat builder.
London Heritage Farm
London Heritage Farm is a four-acre agricultural park illustrating rural life in Richmond in the early 1900s. The site includes an historical Edwardian-era farmhouse and heritage barn nestled among rolling lawns and colourful garden beds. Visitors can enjoy exhibits, a chicken coop, heritage fruit trees, a picnic area and ornamental gardens open from dawn to dusk every day.
On weekends from noon to 4 p.m. this summer, visitors are invited to explore the main floor of the restored and furnished farmhouse, and what live demonstrations of churning butter or doing laundry with a washboard as part of the Living History program. Pick up a reminder of your visit, at the London Heritage Farm Society boutique shop which sells local jams and teas, and heritage-style gifts.
“We are thrilled to invite people to experience Steveston’s heritage,” says Diane Brow, Chair of the London Heritage Farm Society. “We are especially excited to share our hallmark teas and jams, and other great gifts in the London Farm boutique gift shop. Our heritage sites are wonderful places to have fun, learn and relax outdoors, and we look forward to seeing visitors here again.”
Steveston Museum
The Steveston Museum is located in the centre of Steveston Village and offers displays about Steveston’s vibrant history. The historic bank building includes the Steveston Post Office, which is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Behind the post office, the Japanese Fishermen’s Benevolent Society building houses exhibits on the Japanese Canadian experiences in Steveston over the last 150 years. This summer, the building is open weekends from noon to 4 p.m.
COVID-19 safety measures are still in place at all sites; including mandatory masks, hand sanitizer stations and maximum capacity limits inside buildings. Visitors can drop-in during open hours for each site, with no pre-registration required.