Island city, by nature
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RICHMOND CALLS ITSELF AN “ISLAND CITY, BY NATURE,” A TIDY WAY OF SUMMING UP ITS RICH DIVERSITY. Richmond, with the village of Steveston on its southern flank, grew on the seventeen islands of the delta where the Fraser River flows into the Strait of Georgia. Its roots as a farming and fishing community are still an important part of what is today a humming metropolis. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery and the Britannia Heritage Shipyard national historic sites in Steveston bracket a cozy town center and a port that is home to Canada’s largest fishing fleet. Visitors can buy seafood right off the dock or enjoy the ocean’s bounty in the restaurants that line the river and the downtown streets. Steveston is also the jumping-off point for whale watching tours of Georgia Strait, where riders can see sea lions, orca whales and eagles. On July 1, Canada Day, visitors flock to the Salmon Festival where 1,200 pounds of wild salmon are grilled over open fires. The festival also features a pancake breakfast, parade, live music and performances, cultural shows and a big fireworks display. From the original Japanese and Chinese workers in Steveston’s boatyards and canneries, Richmond has grown WATERSIDENW.COM
PHOTO BY MEG OLSON
richmond & steveston.
