British Columbia - Museums

Gulf of Georgia Cannery

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The Gulf of Georgia Cannery is a National Historic Site located in Steveston, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. It was built in 1894 as a cannery, and was one of the largest producers of canned salmon on the West Coast of North America. Today, the cannery has been converted into a museum and cultural center, and offers visitors a unique look into the history of the West Coast fishing industry.

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery features exhibits and displays that showcase the history of the cannery and the fishing industry, including the tools and equipment used in salmon canning, as well as photographs and documents that highlight the lives of the workers who lived and worked at the cannery.

Visitors can also see live salmon spawning in the nearby river during the fall season, and can participate in guided tours and interactive exhibits that provide insights into the history and culture of the fishing industry.

In addition to its exhibits, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery also hosts a range of cultural and educational programs, including workshops, classes, and events that celebrate the traditions and cultures of the West Coast fishing communities. These programs include fishing demonstrations, boat tours, and talks by industry experts and local historians.

The cannery is also home to a gift shop, which offers a variety of locally made crafts and souvenirs, as well as books and other items related to the history and culture of the fishing industry.

Overall, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history of the West Coast fishing industry, and a great place to learn about the traditions and cultures of the fishing communities that have played such an important role in the development of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest.

Additional Tour

  • The cannery was once the largest producer of canned salmon in British Columbia, and played a significant role in the development of the fishing industry on the West Coast of North America. The cannery was in operation for over 70 years, and during that time, it processed millions of fish.
  • The Gulf of Georgia Cannery was designated a National Historic Site in 1976, and underwent extensive restoration and renovation in the 1990s, with the goal of preserving its history and heritage for future generations.
  • The museum's exhibits include displays on the history of salmon canning, the lives of the cannery workers, and the impact of the fishing industry on the local environment and economy. The exhibits feature artifacts such as canning equipment, fishing nets, and photographs and documents that highlight the history and culture of the fishing communities.
  • The cannery also features several interactive exhibits, including a virtual fishing boat tour that simulates the experience of fishing for salmon in the waters off the coast of British Columbia.
  • The Gulf of Georgia Cannery hosts several annual events and festivals, including the Steveston Salmon Festival, which celebrates the history and culture of the fishing industry in the region. The festival features a parade, live music, food vendors, and other activities that showcase the traditions and cultures of the West Coast fishing communities.
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  • The cannery is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. Admission fees apply, with discounts available for seniors, youth, and families.
  • Overall, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the West Coast fishing industry, and a great place to learn about the traditions and cultures of the fishing communities that have played such an important role in the development of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest.

Museum Details

  • 12138 Fourth Ave Richmond, BC V7E 3J1 Phone: 604-238-8050 Email: andrea.park@gogcannery.org
  • Richmond, BC V7E 6P3
  • Phone: 604-238-8050
  • Email: andrea.park@gogcannery.org
  • WEBSITE

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Reference: Article by (Staff Historian), 2023

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