Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site of Canada
School Programs
Guided Tour and Machine Demonstration (Suitable for all ages, including ESL) Social Studies I.R.P.
Children learning about the canning process © Parks Canada/K. Mayer
Try your hand at peughing a salmon at the receiving dock and follow its journey from fishing net to airtight can. See the fish scales that still cover the walls and learn about the lives of the people who worked on the line 12 hours a day. On the herring reduction plant tour, students will find machinery that was adapted from other industries including dairy, wine and pulp and paper. The 20 minute film Journey Through Time is a perfect introduction to the history of the Cannery and BC's fishing history for all ages.
Salmon's Journey (Grades K-2)
Social Studies and Science I.R.P.
Engage your students in a lively conversation about the salmon life cycle through interactive hands-on activities that explore the journey of an Adams River sockeye. Students will make shadow puppets and perform skits on related themes.
Cannery Quest (Grades 3-5)
Social Studies and Science I.R.P.
Peugh, slime patch and clinch. Students will explore the salmon-canning process over the decades through an exploration of our dynamic, 4000 sq. foot Canning Line Exhibit. Cannery Quest encourages student to work cooperatively and builds on reading comprehension and research skills.
Fishy Business: A Century of Change (Grades 3-5)
Social Studies I.R.P.
Children enjoying a school program © Parks Canada/J. Gordon
Fish and fishing are a part of the historic fabric of Steveston and many other B.C. coastal communities. After an introduction highlighting the importance of water and fish in B.C., students will be led on an interactive tour of the Fishing the West Coast Exhibit which compares fishing 100 years ago with fishing methods today. Students will also explore the 3-dimensional fish wall, share information about commercial fish species and finish up with a fishing artifact discovery game.
Cannery Stories (Grades 4-6)
Social Studies I.R.P.
What was life like for the people who lived and worked in one of B.C.'s cannery towns? The Cannery's general store serves as the backdrop for a detective game. Students will work in teams to discover the identity of six cannery workers. Conversations with the store clerks, access to primary sources and artifact replicas provide the clues that will reveal the personal story of these workers and bring the multicultural history of B.C.'s fishing industry to life.
Machines at Work (Grade 5)
Science I.R.P., Forces and Simple Machines
Through the design of their own compound machine and a close up look at a real canning line in action, students will gain a greater understanding of the science of forces and simple machines. Students will engage in hands-on activities and analyze art work and film.
Des Poissons et des Conserves(Grades 4-7)
French & Social Studies I.R.P. - French Tours for Non-French Immersion Classes
A unique museum program designed to assist French as a second language teachers bring the French language to life outside the classroom. Using simple sentences and lots of visual props, students will be led on a guided tour of the Cannery in French. Get ready to roll your “r”s!
Industrial Images: The Art of Machines
(Grades 8-12) Visual Arts I.R.P.
Industrial sites have a long history as inspiration for the visual arts. Using our interactive DVD in the classroom, students are introduced to the rewards of exploring an historic industrial site with an artistic eye. The Cannery becomes the venue for sketches and photographs leading to art that is relevant in our modern industrial world. Students will also have the opportunity to mount a public exhibition of their work at the Cannery.
New for 2010 – Strolling Through Steveston Walking Tour
(Grades 8-12, ESL) Social Studies I.R.P
Looking for a unique way to bring Canada's social history to life? This 1.5 hour walking tour begins at the Cannery and weaves its way through a century of laughter and hardship in Steveston. Return to the raucous heyday of the fishing village, hear tales of shady characters, and uncover the hidden lives of cannery workers and fishermen.
New for 2010 - Education Kits
Bring the Gulf of Georgia Cannery into your classroom! Education kits contain artifacts, historical photographs and activities that are adaptable for different grade levels.
My Monster Cannery (Grade K to 6)
Social Studies, Language Arts, and Music I.R.P.
Based on the children's book My Monster Cannery, this interdisciplinary resource kit uses music, rhythmic movement, and song to develop language skills and to enhance historical understanding. Students will respond to texts, perform tableaux and take on the mantle of the expert.
B.C.'s Fishing History (Grade 10)
Social Studies I.R.P.
How is the history of fishing linked to today's fishing industry? Drama techniques are used to immerse students in B.C.'s fishing history both past and present. Students will analyze primary and secondary sources, engage in debate, and participate in a fishing simulation.
ESL Programs
Many of our popular programs can be specially tailored for English as a Second Language groups. Your students will be able to expand their vocabulary while learning about an important chapter of B.C.'s history. Pre- and post-visit vocabulary and activity package available upon request. Contact the Cannery for more information.
Custom Programs
Looking for a student experience that doesn't quite match one of our existing programs? Contact us with your needs and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Pre-Visit Packages
Help your students prepare for their visit with our pre-visit packages that will be sent to you along with your booking confirmation.
Want to learn more about the Cannery and our programs before bringing your class? Bring your valid school id and receive one complimentary admission to the Cannery.
Lunch Options
There are many great restaurants within walking distance of the Cannery. Packed lunches can be enjoyed in Fisherman's Park just outside the Cannery doors or on the dock. Arrangements must be made in advance to have lunch inside the Cannery and is subject to availability.
Evening Bookings
Unable to bring your group to the Cannery during our regular open hours? Groups can now make special arrangements to participate in our tours and programs in the evening. Bookings must be made at least two weeks in advance and are subject to availability.
Making a Booking
Phone: 604-664-9009
Email
Fax: 604-664-9137
- Advanced booking is required
- 10 student minimum
- Teachers, parents and chaperons are admitted free of charge to a maximum ratio of one chaperone to 6 students
Program Fees (Including tax):
Education Programs: $3.90 per student Walking Tours: $3.90 per student Combined Education Program and Walking Tour: $7.00 per student Outreach Kit Rental: $45 for 3 weeks.
Payment is due the day of your visit. We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard and cheques payable to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery.
Outreach kits may be picked up and returned to the Cannery. Additional charges will apply for delivery.
Cancellations received less than two weeks in advance are subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the program cost.
The Cannery offers free parking and bus drop off, service in French and English and is fully wheelchair accessible.
For information on public transit options, call Translink at 604-953-3333 or visit www.translink.bc.ca.
Looking for additional teaching resources? Visit the Parks Canada website.
Looking for more activities in Steveston?
Steveston Museum
3811 Moncton St., Phone: 604-271-6868
Britannia Heritage Shipyard
5180 Westwater Drive, Phone: 604-718-8050
Steveston Community Centre, Outdoor Pool and Waterpark
4111 Moncton St., Phone: 604-718-8080
London Heritage Farm
6511 Dyke Road, Phone: 604-271-5220
Steveston Seabreeze Adventures (Bicycle rentals and Whale Watching)
12551 #1 Road, Phone: 604-272-9565