Steveston Village and the Fraser River Waterfront from River Rock

Start → Steveston

Getting to Steveston from 8811 River Road

When using the resort as a base for exploring Richmond and the surrounding region, Steveston Village sits a straightforward drive south from our location at 8811 River Road. We usually exit the resort past the garage complex onto River Road or No. 3 Road, heading south across Richmond toward the mouth of the Fraser River. Drive times vary significantly depending on traffic across the municipal grid and congestion near the George Massey Tunnel approach, so we recommend planning trips outside peak commuter hours.

For guests arriving with standard passenger vehicles, parking in Steveston is available in public lots and along municipal streets near the village centre. If you are using the resort as a road-trip base, returning to the property puts your vehicle back into the resort's self-parking garage or surface lots. Before setting out, verify your parking arrangements; guest self-parking in the West lot is included in the resort fee for hotel guests, while daily rules apply for non-overnight visitors. Full parking policies are detailed on our parking rates and the garage reference page.

Gulf of Georgia Cannery and Britannia Shipyards Historic Sites

Steveston's waterfront highlights two major National Historic Sites that preserve the industrial history of the Fraser River's fishing industry. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery opened in 1894 and operated as one of British Columbia's largest salmon canneries until its closure in 1979. Today, the building stands as a National Historic Site featuring guided tours, machinery displays, and exhibits detailing the history of commercial fishing, canning techniques, and the diverse workforce that built the coastal seafood industry.

A short distance along the riverfront sits the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. This preserved heritage zone includes wooden shipyard buildings, net lofts, residences, and bunkhouses that date back to the late nineteenth century. Visitors can walk among the restored heritage structures along boardwalks over the river mudflats to see how boatbuilders, fishermen, and cannery workers lived and worked during the height of the river's commercial fishery.

The Commercial Fishing Wharf and Dyke Cycling Trails

Steveston is recognized as Canada's largest small-craft commercial fishing port. Public boardwalks extend along the harbour, where commercial fishing boats dock along the riverfront. Visitors can walk the docks, observe working fishing vessels, and buy fresh seafood directly from local vendors along the public wharf when boats are in port.

Beyond the historic buildings and docks, Richmond's system of perimeter dykes provides miles of flat, unpaved and paved trails suitable for walking and cycling. The West Dyke Trail and South Dyke Trail connect through Steveston, following the edge of the Fraser River estuary. The paths offer open views across the water toward Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, with flat terrain that makes for easy distance cycling or simple afternoon strolls before heading back to the resort.

Base Operations at River Rock Resort

After spending a morning or afternoon in Steveston, returning to River Rock Casino Resort places you directly back at the northern transit hub of Richmond. Owned since 16 June 2026 by a partnership of Petroglyph Development Group (Snuneymuxw First Nation) and Musqueam Capital Corp, the property sits on Musqueam lands and provides comfortable lodging in its rooms in the two towers. Commercial gaming operations inside the resort are conducted by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and regulated by the Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO). Entry to the casino floor requires valid government photo ID and is strictly restricted to adults aged 19 and older.

Whether returning for dinner at one of the ten on-site dining venues or taking the Canada Line from YVR and downtown into central Vancouver for the evening, Steveston remains one of the most accessible local half-day excursions from the property desk.