The site was originally home to the Britannia Cannery, which began operations in 1889.
The Murakami House provides a rare glimpse into the life of a Japanese-Canadian family before their internment during World War II.
Buildings were constructed on pilings over the river to facilitate the direct loading and unloading of salmon from fishing vessels.
The site represents the 'Steveston style' of architecture, characterized by vernacular wood construction designed for the riverfront environment.
It is one of the oldest surviving industrial waterfront sites in British Columbia.
The location served as a vital hub for the regional fishing industry, which once made Steveston the salmon canning capital of North America.
Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site is a former cannery and shipyard complex located on the banks of the South Arm of the Fraser River. It remains one of the last remaining examples of a turn-of-the-century cannery village in British Columbia. The site features a series of restored wooden buildings that document the lives of the multi-ethnic workforce, including First Nations, Japanese, Chinese, and European immigrants. Visitors can explore the preserved Murakami House, the Shipyard Office, and the Chinese Bunkhouse to understand the industrial history of the fishing industry. The site is part of the larger Steveston Village waterfront, connected by a network of boardwalks. Historic vessels are occasionally moored at the docks, reflecting the site's ongoing relationship with maritime maintenance. Exhibits detail the evolution of wooden boat building techniques used in the region from the 1880s onward.
The end of the main boardwalk looking back toward the row of historic cannery buildings and the river.
Wear comfortable, flat walking shoes to navigate the wooden boardwalks and uneven historic flooring.
Bring a windbreaker or layers, as the proximity to the Fraser River often results in cooler temperatures and breezes.
Check the tide schedules if you are interested in seeing the historic vessels at different water levels.
Attempting to climb on the historic wooden structures or walking on off-limits sections of the docks.
Operating hours often change seasonally, with more buildings open to the public during the summer months.
Maintain respectful behavior in the heritage homes and bunkhouses; avoid touching delicate artifacts.
