Once Upon A Steveston

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What:Steveston

Fisherman’s Wharf
Garry Point Park
Britannia Shipyard National Historic Site

www.richmond.ca

Once Upon A Time Film Locations

Steveston is not a long commute if you live in Vancouver and have access to a vehicle. That’s why I am surprised to find that my friend Manami, who has been here for over a year, had not been there. Furthermore, I realize, like me, SHE WATCHES “ONCE UPON A TIME”.

Although I have not caught up to the latest series, at one point I have waited patiently each week for it to air on TV. It is fairytales meet genius twisted plots. And, many of the shots were filmed in British Columbia. Storybrooke, the modern-world set of Once Upon A Time, is shot in Steveston. Do you recognize these?

 
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Nikka Fishing & Marine is “Storybrooke Library” (Photo courtesy of Manami)
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We found Rumpelstiltskin/Mr.Gold’s store! (Photo courtesy of Manami)
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“Mr. Gold Pawnbroker & Antiquities Dealer” is actually a store called “It’s Posh!” (Photo courtesy of Manami)

We didn’t purposely scout out the film sets, but after the visit, I found a website that lists all the different sets: Once Upon A Time Film Locations. Next time, I’ll know what to point out :D

Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf

We arrive at Steveston around 11am. Perfect time when there’s still parking and the market is open for business.

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Fresh seafood direct from the boats.

By the docks, there’s a famous fish and chips shop called “Pajo’s”. They also have one at Garry Point Park, which is where we ordered ours. The walk to Garry Point is about 10-15 mins.

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Left: Memorial; Right: Picnic tables custom for Pajo’s Fish & Chips.

The stroll around the park is very tranquil. On a good day, you’ll see many people flying kites. In the wintertime, I’ve seen an outdoor skating rink.

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Japanese Garden.

Britannia Shipyard National Historic Site

Open on certain days only, this historic site showcases the lives of early fishing pioneers. This one is a 5 min drive away from the Pier. One can probably walk there too. (I drove. Don’t judge.)

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Windows and doors boarded up.
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Warehouse where they clean the boats.
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Broken windows.
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House exterior / interior.
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A room for 3 boys.
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Dining area

I’ve been to Steveston twice this year and both times the Murakami house was closed. It’d be interesting to see how they have adapted their Japanese culture into life in Canada.

My Thoughts

Steveston is one of many places that I like to visit from time to time. I remember the first time I saw Mr. Gold’s decal sign, it was spontaneous and it made my day. Silly thing, really. Almost like a validation that we do live in a really beautiful and magical place.

P.S. We saw a film crew preparing for a shoot the next day… The film? Power Rangers.

5 thoughts on “Once Upon A Steveston”

  1. I was thinking mmmm. will Tiff write a food blog after visiting Steveston. There’s a very luxurious pizzeria a few blocks from the Fisherman’s Wharf. I forgot the name…. I would describe it as …. a hole in the wall; and that hole is very expensive.

    1. Hi Little,

      Yes, I heard about the pizza place. I don’t have the urge to spend 20 some dollars for a vegetarian pizza yet. I think they’re specialties are the seafood ones though.

      Tiff

  2. I did not know what once upon a time is.. till now haha..

    Also I think the pizzeria is very highly prized. I rather to go the veggie pizzeria on main street again Hehehe that is good veggie pizza!

    1. Yes I like Pizza Farina too… that’s the one you’re talking about right? I haven’t tried the one in Steveston. No comparison from me.

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