Steveston Village: Full Day Adventure
I initially thought Steveston was just a few restaurants on a wharf. I was wrong. After going to the Blue Canoe for early dinner one day ( lovely view). I discovered it was a quaint, heritage fishing village with lots to see so I planned a full family day out.
The 35-minute drive from Vancouver was pure chaos. Between Gabe needing a roadside feeding and Yuyu’s very specific apple snack demands, I questioned my life choices. But we persevered, Jamie even played "haircut roulette" in Steveston with a local barber (success), and it turned into one of our favorite days.
The Official Intel - https://www.visitrichmondbc.com/things-to-do/steveston-village/
Set Your GPS To: 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond.
Parking Hack: Paid parking is available near the wharf, but there is also free street parking throughout the village and at the Steveston Community Centre lot if you don't mind a short walk.
Wheely Friendly? 100%. Our double stroller was a lifesaver. The terrain is mostly flat and easy to navigate for a day-long trek. The path to the Shipyards is a bit uneven and bumpy but totally fine.
The Snack Situation: Numerous restaurants and cafes within walking distance all over Steveston. We grabbed slices at Moncton Pizzeria and finished with Sally's homemade ice cream
Nap Roulette Options? The double stroller was the MVP here. Both kids managed to nap while we walked the boardwalk, allowing us to actually finish the full village circuit.
The Game Plan: Steveston in 4 Stops
1. Gulf of Georgia Cannery
Official Info: https://gulfofgeorgiacannery.org/
The Damage Report ($): 17 & under: Free, Adults: $14.75 (ish)
Wheely Friendly: Yes! I was surprised how easy it was to navigate our huge double stroller around the museum.
Potty Proximity: Excellent. They have a gender-neutral bathroom with a change table, so Jamie could handle the diaper changes as well.
Mum musing
I didn’t expect a West coast fishing history & salmon cannery museum to be so kid-friendly. But, it didn’t disappoint, I'd recommend it.
There is a "Kids Corner" with toys and books, and during our Easter visit, they had a "Salmon Life Cycle Hunt" with candy rewards. Yuyu loved just looking at all the pictures of “fishy” and engaging with some of the exhibits from the Canning line to the Herring reduction plant.
They have a great gift shop. There’s also a comfortable bench outside the exhibit where I fed Gabe while Jamie and Yuyu continued to explore in the museum.
Toddler tolerance:
We spent about 1.5 hours at the Cannery.
2. Fisherman’s Wharf:
Official info: https://stevestonharbour.com/fishermans-wharf/
The Damage Report ($): Free to browse
Mum musing:
It’s all about the hustle and bustle, which I love. Yuyu loved seeing the "fishy" seafood for sale right off the boats.
Toddler tolerance:
20 minutes walk
Steps to the tram
3.Steveston Tram
Official Info:https://stevestonheritage.ca/visit/steveston-tram/
The Damage Report ($): Free
Wheely Friendly: Somewhat - you can push your stroller around the tram. To get on the tram there is a parking area provided in the building.
Potty Proximity: There is a bathroom. There is a change table in the park bathroom which is 1 minute walk away.
Mum musing:
The whole interpretive centre explores the history of the last interurban tram car 1220 which transported people from Richmond to Vancouver and other places.
They have an exhibit table specifically labeled "Please Touch Me" (a parent’s dream). Yuyu also spent ages ringing the tram bell and dressing up in the (very oversized) conductor’s uniform.
The ‘piece de resistance’ for Yuyu was being able to get on board the beautifully restored tram and sit on all the seats.
It's a 2 minute walk to the Steveston Community Park - it was under construction when we visited but, I can imagine how great it will be when the renos are completed. There were picnic tables and play structures.
Toddler tolerance:
We spent about 30 mins at the tram
4.Brittania Shipyards National Historic Site
Official Info: https://stevestonheritage.ca/visit/britannia-shipyards-national-historic-site/
The Damage Report ($): Free
Potty Proximity: There is a bathroom
Mum musing:
The walk to the Shipyards was about 15 mins on a scenic pathway. It was a pleasant surprise to get in a bit of fresh air and a walk towards the end of a long day.
Truthfully, by the time we arrived, our energy was flagging. While the historical buildings are interesting, they weren't quite as "hands-on" for a 2.5-year-old. It’s a lovely way to end the day, but don't save your "high energy" for this stop.
Author
I’m Mimi, the writer behind Mi & Yu. This blog was born out of a year spent exploring Vancouver with my toddler Yuyu and newborn son Gabe while my husband Jamie worked through a demanding fellowship.
What started as a way to survive the newborn phase turned into a collection of tried-and-tested family adventures, real reviews, tested logistics, and the occasional toddler meltdown included. Now back home in Newfoundland, I’m sharing those adventures so other parents can skip the decision fatigue and get straight to the fun part.
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