Historic & Heritage Sites
Heritage buildings (Picture BC photo)
Salmon canning, boat-making, and farming all played big roles in the lives of early Asian and European settlers in Richmond.
At Richmond's historic and heritage sites, explore firsthand how this community came to be, and also discover its rich, contemporary tapestry of different religions.
Steveston and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery
Just a 10-minute drive from Richmond's City Centre, Steveston was incorporated as a village in 1889 and peaked as a salmon canning centre prior to World War I. Today, with its waterfront boardwalk, fisherman's wharf, and quaint shops, Steveston still attracts history-minded visitors to the southwest corner of Richmond.
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site is the perfect place to learn about how salmon canning drove the Steveston economy for many years. Built in 1894, the 5,100 sq m/55,000 sq ft facility was once the largest salmon cannery in BC. It still has the scent of the sea and a huge cedar-shake roof.
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Watch a film on fishing in the Boiler House Theatre, step inside a contemporary fishing boat cabin, check out a salmon canning line exhibit, and buy souvenirs at the gift shop. Admission varies, and there are discounts for seniors, students and children. It's open between May and October.
Britannia Shipyard
A short walk east along the waterfront leads to the Britannia Shipyard National Historic Site. At British Columbia's oldest shipyard community, visit restored 19th-century homes, bunkhouses, and boatworks, showcasing old fishing vessels and the lifestyles of Japanese, Chinese, and European immigrants who co-existed here. More recently, scenes from movies like Blade and The Lost Boys 2: The Tribe have been shot at the 3.4ha/8.5ac site, which faces Shady Island across the Fraser River.
Britannia Shipyard is the site of the annual Richmond Maritime Festival each August. It's open Tuesday to Sunday from May to September, and Saturdays and Sundays from October to April.
London Heritage Farm and Finn Slough
A little further east lies London Heritage Farm. Explore a charmingly civilized, restored 1880s farmhouse with a tea room, chickens, fruit trees, and heritage gardens. Admission is by donation. London Heritage Farm is open Wednesday to Sunday in July and August, and weekends during the rest of the year.
A more off-beat destination is Finn Slough, located at the end of No. 4 Road. It's a picturesque collection of rough-hewn wooden houses on stilts in riverside marshland. The tiny community of 50-some residents was originally founded by Finnish settlers who came here to fish more than a century ago. Although the Finns have mostly moved on, there is still good bird-watching in the vicinity.
Richmond's Diverse Religious Heritage
Richmond is home to several impressive temples. The Kuan Yin Temple of the International Buddhist Society is perhaps the best-known with its huge Buddha images, stonework imported from China, and fountain-laden formal garden. Devotees visit the on-site oracle or light incense sticks in the courtyard. It's widely considered the most authentic example of Chinese temple architecture in North America.
Other temples of note include the Ling Yen Mountain Buddhist Temple with up to 80 Buddhist nuns on site; the Steveston Buddhist Temple, which has served the Japanese community since 1928; and the Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple, a Sikh holy place.
A 5 km/3 mi stretch of No. 5 Road in Richmond has been dubbed the "Highway to Heaven" due to its multi-faith cluster of Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and other places of worship and religious schools.
Learn More About Richmond's History
For more information, head to the Richmond Cultural Centre, home of the city museum, archives, and art gallery. Or pop in at one of Richmond's Visitor Centres for information on attraction opening hours and admission fees.
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1
5180 Westwater Dr
Richmond, British Columbia
V7E 6P3
Websitehttp://www.richmond.ca/britannia
Toll-free
Phone604-718-8050
Britannia Shipyards, National Historic Site is an authentic representation of a once thriving community of canneries, boatyards, residences & stores. Tour the oldest shipyard buildings in BC & observe ongoing boat restoration projects in this active waterfront park along the Fraser River. Explore exhibits and take part in programs that interpret life on the river and the experiences of the multicultural community that called Britannia home.
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2
Miniature Train In Stanley Park
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6B 3X8
Websitehttp://www.aboriginalbc.com/klahowya-village
Toll-free
Phone604-921-1070
Enjoy the warmth of our Aboriginal Summer Village in Stanley Park this summer. Klahowya Village welcomes you to celebrate & experience our vibrant culture through song, dance, art & cuisine. There will be dance performances Fridays through Sundays & programming throughout the day, every day, by artisans - wood carving & weaving, crafts for budding artisans, aboriginal cuisine & artisan kiosks. More lasting memories if you hop aboard the Spirit Catcher train for a fun ride through nature. Gate admission to the Village is FREE. Charges apply for Spirit Train rides.
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Other businesses with Historic & Heritage Sites
3
3735 Capilano Rd
North Vancouver, British Columbia
V7R 4J1
Websitehttp://www.capbridge.com
Toll-free
Phone604-985-7474
Appreciate nature from three breathtaking perspectives - world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, the seven bridges of Treetops Adventure & the thrilling new Cliffwalk, a heart-stopping journey along the granite cliff high above Capilano River.
The 137 m (450 ft) long, 70 m (230 ft) high Capilano Suspension Bridge has thrilled visitors since 1889. While the wobbly bridge has become a Vancouver landmark, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers an all-encompassing BC experience. History, culture & nature are presented through knowledgeable staff and interpretive signage. Seasonal events like Raptors Ridge birds of prey June to October & Canyon Lights in December enhance this year-round destination.
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4
700 Apex Ave
North Vancouver, British Columbia
V7H 2R5
Websitehttp://www.takayatours.com
Toll-free
Phone604-904-7410
West Coast Canoe Tours:
Explore the rich marine ecosystem while experiencing Coast Salish culture while you enjoy a guided interpretive paddle in one of our traditional 31 foot Coast Salish Ocean going canoes. Gently paddle the protected waters of Burrard Inlet & the beautiful pristine Indian Arm. Trained First Nations Guides share first nation's culture, sing traditional songs & tell legends & the history of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation.
Rainforest Ground Tour:
Explore the ancestral trails of Whey-Ah-Whichen (Cates Park). Learn about the traditional uses of the local flora and fauna, harvesting methods, traditional medicines & how to identify different plant species.
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5
1905 Ogden Ave
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6J 1A3
Websitehttp://www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
Toll-free
Phone604-257-8300
Discover the history & maritime traditions of the Pacific Coast. Step back in time to 1944 on board St Roch, Canada's celebrated RCMP Arctic schooner. Wander the ship's narrow corridors where you are one of the crew on her second & most famous voyage through the treacherous Northwest Passage. Explore many exhibits such as shipwrecks, early fur trade, deep ocean exploration & more. Young at heart will entertain and experience the fun of Children's Maritime Discovery Centre & classic vessels in Heritage Harbour. Minutes from downtown at south end of Burrard St Bridge & a short stroll to Granville Island.
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