Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site features a collection of historic buildings representing Steveston's canning, fishing, and boatbuilding heritage. Explore the oldest boatworks buildings in British Columbia, and the living quarters of the Chinese, European, First Nations, and Japanese workers who made up the diverse working community. Designated a National Historic Site in 1992, the site is managed and operated by City of Richmond staff and dedicated volunteers who work together to preserve and restore the shipyard and surrounding buildings as an active wooden boat centre and waterfront park.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Neighborhood: Steveston
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4.5
171 reviews
Excellent
82
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llccCanada
Vancouver, Canada77 contributions
Nov 2022
We visited in November when there are fewer activities available. The staff on site were still very enthusiastic and friendly (despite the chilly weather). There is a ton of information to sift through about the shipping and the canning industry as well as different ethnic groups who worked in both industries.
You can spend hours here or even just breeze through and enjoy the historic buildings and lovely Fraser River scenery.
You can spend hours here or even just breeze through and enjoy the historic buildings and lovely Fraser River scenery.
Written November 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LouLindy50
Richmond, Canada35 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We sailed on the Gikumi up the Fraser. It was narrated with wonderful stories of rum runners, settlers, dance hall girls that Lulu island was named after and so much more! The view from water is so different & you feel the power of the river. Crossing over the Dease Island tunnel - listening to the story of who its named after made it so memorable. The crew were professional and personable . We even tasted fresh local blueberries. We could ask question both about the river, the history or the boat. Whether you are a local or visitor I highly recommend exploring the Fraser estuary aboard the Gikumi and a visit to Britannia Shipyards.
Written August 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ProGuard Tactic... T
Ontario, Canada1,228 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
Was doing some adventuring in area and popped into this free exploration. Several buildings to examine from outside and read about the history. It is only open on Thursday- Saturday so we were restricted to outside and looking through windows. Still a very nice walk -30 minutes to take it in.
Park in immediate vicinity so it is a worthwhile drive to spend a couple hours.
Park in immediate vicinity so it is a worthwhile drive to spend a couple hours.
Written September 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry F
Richmond, Canada87 contributions
Aug 2021
Comfortable tour on a classic wood vessel, the Gikumi. Excellent narrative of the history of the area and the vessel was included. Seeing the region from the water was very special. Professional, thoughtful crew provided a safe experience.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peppi
Richmond, Canada43 contributions
Feb 2022
As an Internment Child, I can attest to the wooden shacks that were built by the Government for our Grandparents and Parents and Children to live in them.
We were given Outhouses and housing that had two bedrooms to house 8 members. A galvanized tub for bathing and to use for washing clothes.
A shame to the Canadian Government for confiscating the Property and Businesses of Japanese Canadians and not returning anything…just the opposite of the American Government who returned everything to their Japanese Americans.
We were given Outhouses and housing that had two bedrooms to house 8 members. A galvanized tub for bathing and to use for washing clothes.
A shame to the Canadian Government for confiscating the Property and Businesses of Japanese Canadians and not returning anything…just the opposite of the American Government who returned everything to their Japanese Americans.
Written February 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is important for us to learn these lessons from history to inform a better future. Thank you for sharing this difficult memory.
Written February 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JenniferFun
Vancouver, Canada18 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Highly recommend this beautiful two hour cruise up the Fraser River from Steveston. Having lived in Richmond for many years it was such a treat to be on the water and to see all the life happening around... fisherman casting their lines, eagles circling ahead and seals bobbing in and around the estuary. Our informative guide filled us with amusing stories while cruising through the marshes on our historic 1954 work boat. A perfect way to enjoy the summer in Steveston.
Written August 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob
3 contributions
Sep 2021
A few friends and I went to visit the site and was vastly informed on the history of Steveston and its inhabitants past and present. One interesting thing though was that when one of us started an audio recorder and asked if anyone was there, we physically heard nothing but during audio review heard a clear loud and distinct 'hello' with an asian accent appropriate for the time during that era. Can't explain that.
Written April 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zzyVancouver
Vancouver31 contributions
Aug 2022
Britannia Shipyards has something for everyone. Old style lawn games for the kids and historic buildings tell the coastal history of BC from all cultural perspectives. The highlight was the boat tour onboard the Gikumi, a restored wooden boat built in 1954. We toured east up the Fraser River to the Float Village at Ladner, a unique spot. The onboard commentary was easy to follow and very interesting. I highly recommend trying to get one of the spots on this river tour.
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toplsz
52 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This heritage site is well looked after, lots of original artifacts used in boat building on site. In the summer you can go on the voyage of the Gikumi for a 2 hour trip with historical commentary around Steveston & Ladner. Highly recommended
Written August 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RemittanceNinja
Vancouver Island, Canada91 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
Despite living in BC all my life, I actually came across this site purely by chance on a recent trip to Vancouver/Richmond. What a wonderfully preserved historic site! I enjoyed the variety of sights offered, from the living quarters to the working areas. As both a history lover, and a nautical geek, this place was a treat for the senses! Definitely will come back for another look around.
Written April 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I was told my grand father Yip Kai Bing has some history here and may be written about in the archives of Little Brittania. I am in town and would like to come and see if this is true. If it is not the place , would there be any other historical sites or museums of Brittania in the area?
regards
Steven Kai Yip
Written June 11, 2018
I suggest you check it out in case it’s helpful, it is a great place to visit either way. However the Richmond Archives may also be helpful. They have a Brittania oral history project. They are at 7700 Minoru Gate, and can be found on the internet.
Written June 11, 2018
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