Come to the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site in Steveston on Saturday and Sunday on the August long weekend (August 2 and 3, 2025 from 12pm to 4pm) to head down to the docks and get up close to the boats of the Ex BC Forest Service Vessel Squadron.
See the Boats
These wooden working vessels were once used by BC’s Forest Rangers to monitor the logging practices along the coast. They were also used to conduct forestry surveys, and even assist with forest fires! Today these vessels have been beautifully restored with great care by their owners – come down to the docks to meet the owners and learn about the unique history of this west coast squadron. For more on these fascinating boats, read this Pacific Yachting article.
Forest Ranger II 45 ft/13.7 m
Oak II 34.5 ft/10.5 m
Western Yew 46 ft/14 m
Explore the Historic Site
Don’t miss the heritage buildings open throughout the 8 acre historic site, open from 10am to 5pm – admission is free. Visit the Richmond Boat Builders for demos and activities on the tools and techniques used in boat building past and present. See the wooden fishing boat Crystal S restoration project in action, and meet the shipwright on Saturday August 2.
Take a Boat Cruise
For a unique tour of the Fraser River estuary on a former west coast forestry workboat, check out the Voyage of the Gikumi, a tour-hour river boat tour offered on August 2, 3, 16 & 17.
