Britannia Heritage Shipyards

Britannia is a rare example of the type of village which once served the thriving fishing industry with its canneries, boatyards, stores, homes and its mix of cultures. This national historic site is representative of the diverse community built on pilings and connected by boardwalks.

The purpose of the Society is to preserve the history of commercial boat building in Steveston. The activities of the Society include: collecting artifacts, photographs & documents; raising funds for the restoration, repair and preservation of heritage vessels and associated elements of Steveston's history. The Society is also directly involved in education, research and promoting general understanding and enjoyment of Canada's West Coast marine history in an open and park-like setting.

Britannia Heritage Shipyard is a favorite with locals and visitors to Steveston alike. The large pleasant, park like setting encourages strolling, picture taking and even picnicing.

There's always something happening. The S.S. Master, a fully operational steam-powered tug boat from the early 20th century tied up at our floats recently and provides another element of fascination.

The Silver Ann restoration continues and she is will be launched on 1 July, 2009. The newly acquired Merrilee II is tiead alongside the Britannia floats.

Restoration continues on the Fleetwood. Her foredecek is now fully replanked, caulked and scraped. Side and rear decks are now being brought up to standard. Expect more work on her cabin interior.

Phase II of the site expansion, the recreation of the original water front, is due to open 2 May, 2009.

The society has a program of diposing of surplus equipment. Watch these pages for details of spectacular deals on old power tools, boats and other equipment.