Richmond, british Columbia
         Heritage Trail

Story and Photos by Craig Romano

Visitors to British Columbia's Lower Mainland often overlook Richmond for its glamorous northern neighbor, Vancouver. But this island city at the mouth of the mighty Fraser River is no ordinary suburb. Surrounded by water, teeming with parks, and home to one of the largest Asian populations in North America, Richmond has its own distinct flavor.

Situated smack dab in the middle of the Fraser River Delta, a series of dykes made the city possible, transforming marsh into building lots and prime agricultural land. But the industry that left the largest mark on Richmond is fishing. Its Steveston district once bustled with shipyards and canneries, and still houses Canada's largest fishing fleet. At one time Steveston's Gulf of Georgia Cannery was the largest on the entire West Coast.

But long gone are the foul odors, decrepit shanties, and rough edges of this former cannery row. Today, Steveston is a lovely historic district complete with museums, heritage centers, boutiques, plenty of good places to eat, and the Richmond Heritage Trail. Weaving together parks, historic sites, and revitalized neighborhoods, this 3-mile, mostly paved waterfront path makes for an excellent visit. And cultural attractions aren’t the only draw; the trail overflows with stunning natural scenery, too. Emerald islands flourishing with birdlife punctuate the vibrant river channel. Snow-clad Mount Baker hovers above in the distance.

Start your historic and scenic Heritage Trail walk from Garry Point Park, easily accessed from Highway 99 by following the Steveston Highway west to Seventh Ave (follow signs). Occupying a small peninsula at the mouth of the South Arm of the Fraser, Garry Point is especially delightful in the evening for its striking sunsets over the Gulf Islands.

Well marked with kiosks and interpretive signs, the Heritage Trail heads east along Cannery Channel soon coming upon the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. In operation from 1894 to 1979, the once dubbed "Monster Cannery" has been restored to its early 20th century grandeur and can now be visited as a Parks Canada National Historic Site. Containing numerous artifacts and displays, it's a dynamic museum of the fishing industry.

Make a short diversion into the village for a bite to eat, cup of espresso, or quick visit to the Steveston Museum, located in a quaint structure formerly the city's first bank. Then get back on the trail to Fisherman's Row lured by old pilings, wharf, and a logging boom. An elevated observation platform affords eagle-eye viewing of the sprawling row now part of the Imperial Landing park. Stroll farther down the trail to the Britannia Shipyard National Historic Site, a rare surviving example of a once thriving community of canneries, boatyards, and residences. Britannia employed and housed a multi-ethnic workforce represented by people of Chinese, European, Japanese, and Native American heritages.
You can learn more about Richmond's Japanese community, one of the oldest in North America, by visiting the adjacent Murakami Visitor Center. Occupying the Murakami family's original 1885 home, the center chronicles the life of this boat-building family. The trail continues east winding through new neighborhoods and the Great West Cannery Park. About two miles from Garry Point Park, the Heritage Trail terminates at the stately grounds and structures composing the London Heritage Farm. A fully restored 1890's farmhouse harkening Richmond's rural past, it makes for a great resting spot (tea served on weekends) for the return walk back to your vehicle and the present day.

Craig Romano is an outdoor writer based in Seattle. He also works as a hiking guide in Europe's Pyrenees Mountains. Aside from hiking he includes running, skiing, and kayaking among his passions.

Above: Walking the Heritage Trail
Below: Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHP

Above: Brittania Shipyard NHS
Below: Heritage Trail at Log Boom