The 22nd Annual Richmond Maritime Festival, held in Steveston, British Columbia, runs 11am – 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, August 23 and 24. The festival highlights the rich maritime history with nautical-themed activities at the historic Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site.
The entire 8-acre Historic Site will be open to the public for all ages at this free event. Located along the Steveston Channel, adjacent to the charming fishing village of Steveston, Britannia was originally a cannery before being converted into a shipyard. Twelve heritage buildings at the site tell the stories of the residents and workers – Chinese, European, First Nations, and Japanese-Canadians.
You can tour many of the Britannia historic buildings while visiting the festival Art Show and enjoying the Roving Performers. The buildings are connected with a boardwalk and is an impressive historic site not to be missed. The town of Stevenston itself, with boardwalk shops and boutiques overlooking the fishing fleet, is a delight to visit. There are plenty of eateries in town as well, and the August festival will have a number of food trucks.
Come see the beautifully restored wooden boats at the docks and learn about each fascinating vessel. Check out the wooden boats on display HERE. The festival dock is accessible through the Seine Net Loft (no strollers, dogs, or large backpacks for safety reasons). There is much to see and do at the Maritime Festival in Steveston – enjoy live music and performances at the Port of Call Stage, participate in an art workshop like Netmaking or Origami; bring the entire family to Octopus Garden and listen to entertaining storytellers and watch the Puppeteers.
You can learn more about the festival and view the schedule of events HERE. The Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site near Steveston, off the South Arm of the Fraser River, is located at 5180 Westwater Drive, Richmond BC.
Arriving at Steveston. Limited guest side-tie moorage is by reservation at the Steveston Harbour Authority Wharf. A 600-foot dock at Imperial Landing, located a third of a mile east of the Steveston Harbour docks, will be filled with Dragon Boats for the Richmond Dragon Boat Festival taking place simultaneously on Saturday, August 23. It is recommended to arrive at Stevenston by car or public transit.
Parking will be made available at Homma Elementary (5100 Brunswick Dr., Richmond) north of Britannia Shipyards. The lot is accessible from Trites Road to Westwater Drive (not from Railway Ave.). Parking will be by donation. The section of Westwater Drive north of Britannia Shipyards will be closed on Aug. 23-24 from 10 am to 7 pm.
The Richmond Discovery Shuttle will provide complimentary transportation from the north entrance of Homma Elementary to the Britannia Shipyards. The SkyTrain rapid transit from Richmond-Brighouse Station No 3, located on No 3 Road between Saba and Cook Roads, is another option for reaching Steveston.
Header Photo: Richmond News
Historic Buildings: Lorena Landon
Other Photos: Festival Website
