A hundred years ago, the village of Steveston was central to the Lower Mainland’s food system. The rich, fertile soil supported many farms. Fishing boats hauled in fresh catch most days, and much of it was processed in Steveston’s Cannery Row.
Today, the canning industry is long gone, and the farmland has been sadly diminished. Yet Steveston (now part of Richmond) has managed to retain much of that village charm. A handful of farms remain; in fact, Steveston Stock and Seed Farm began as a dairy farm in 1877, and still belongs to the original family for which the village was named. Harold and Kathy Steves now produce natural beef and seed for the Heritage Seed Program, which preserves endangered seeds for heirloom fruits, grains, and herbs. Harold is one of BC’s most vocal supporters (and founding “grandfather”) of the Agricultural Land Reserve.
Cycling the dyke is a relaxed, scenic way to travel to Steveston. Put cooler packs in your panniers, take the Canada Line to Aberdeen Station, and ride west along Cambie Road until you reach the shoreline; Steveston Village is within about an hour of steady pedalling south. The trail takes you through marshy wetlands, past the Olympic speed-skating oval, in front of Terra Nova Rural Park, and alongside Steves’ farm, where Belted Galloways graze on either side of the trail. (They’re chocolate-coloured at both ends with a broad white band in the middle that makes them look like Oreo cookies.)
The Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market is a hive of activity that happens every other Sunday between 10am and 4pm. And any day except Sunday, be sure to stop in at Heringers Meats for fantastic gourmet fare from BC and further afield. (We recommend a roast chicken for your picnic, or some lovely lamb meatballs for your spaghetti.) Walk down the dock to Fisherman’s Wharf to purchase fresh (or frozen-at-sea) sidestripe shrimp, salmon, halibut, cod, and sardines, directly from the fishers.
Those fascinated by food and history will find the Gulf of Georgia Cannery of interest. Built in 1894, it was known as the “Monster Cannery” until 1902 (not because they canned monsters, to our knowledge, but because it was the largest in the area). Today the historic site’s exhibits include a sockeye canning line, herring reduction plant, numerous historical photos, fishing equipment of the era, and the Hong Wo General Store.
August 28, 2010, from 10am to 5pm, the Wild BC Seafood Fest will take place in front of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. Expect cooking demonstrations, recipes, and samples of wild BC salmon, sablefish, and sardines.
Heringers Meats, #190–12251 No. 1 Road. 604-274-6328.
Gulf of Georgia Cannery, 12138 Fourth Avenue. 604-664-9009.
Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market, 604-729-7326.
