Richmond’s Historic Waterfront Is Going Strong. Here’s How to Get In on the Action on a Trip to BC.

25.09.2024 - 14:42 / matadornetwork.com

On a floating restaurant patio in Steveston Village, an enclave of Richmond, BC, the ocean views are almost as pleasant as the flaky, lightly battered cod on your plate. After a busy day cycling along the seashore and watching the catches come in at Fisherman’s Wharf, your reward is a generous helping of the city’s best fish and chips. Tomorrow, you’ll be heading out on the water to try and hook your own rockfish or spot whales along the coast.

Located south of Vancouver between two arms of the Fraser River, with the Salish Sea to the west, Richmond is rich in both maritime history and access to fresh seafood. It’s also a budding destination for outdoor enthusiasts — the city was recently named British Columbia’s most active community, thanks to its many parks, pathways, and sporty residents. From the bustling wharf and landmark attractions to the open seas and nearby trails, these are some of the best things to do in Richmond, BC, for a lively adventure on and around the city’s historic waterfront.

Photo: Tourism Richmond

On Richmond’s south coast, Steveston Village holds colourful clapboard buildings and heritage-inspired murals that capture its maritime legacy. At the turn of the last century, 15 canneries where fresh salmon and herring were turned into tinned goodies lined the channel, along with shipyards that built seagoing vessels. Visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site and Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site to learn how these industries shaped the Richmond of today.

Steveston draws more tourists than fisherfolk these days, but you can still tap into the spirit of the working harbour by sneaking a peek when vessels unload their daily hauls. Go a step further and pick up some tuna, salmon, halibut, rockfish, or sole right off the boat at Fisherman’s Wharf, where vendors keep them fresh on ice until you’re ready to snatch them up.

Photo: Tourism Richmond/JPS Media Works Inc

If you’d rather cast your own line, join a fishing charter from Steveston Harbour with Seabreeze Adventures. The waters off the Fraser River are home to species including chum and sockeye salmon, albacore tuna, and sablefish, and the company’s seasoned guides know where these sleek swimmers are most likely to bite. Ocean fish are incredibly strong, so don’t be afraid to ask for help reeling yours in and onto the boat.

Steveston is also a launching spot for whale-watching tours. Climb into a zippy Zodiac or board a larger vessel to scout for migrating humpback whales and resident or transient orcas. If you’re lucky, you might see members of a pod breach in the Salish Sea. The experts at Vancouver Whale Watch and Seabreeze Adventures will brief you on the marine life you could encounter on your tour,