In 2011 we launched our juicing business, four wheels rolling in the form of a bright watermelon pink food truck, at the corner of Water and Abbott in Gastown. Myself and my business partner Ryan Slater made the daily commute from Steveston out to the city. We made it our goal that we’d one day be able to open up a shop in Steveston.
Six year later, we were able to make this dream come true. Our juicing team grew up here in Steveston. Ryan, myself, my wife Meghan and our Vancouver GM Lauren Ho, all grew up in Steveston. Many of our team have their roots in Richmond so we were so excited when the opportunity to open up shop in our hometown presented itself. We officially opened last week at 12151 1st Ave in the historic Alegria Cafe location. Alegria had been one of my go to spots growing up and my mom had worked there for years so it felt full circle when the opportunity presented itself for us to take over the location.
If you’ve never been, Steveston is one of the best kept secrets in the Lower Mainland. Anyone that lives in Steveston know’s it.
Steveston was a turn of the century, fishing village built on the water where the Fraser River meets the ocean. It’s maintained a modern village charm. Think Cape Cod - Maritime vibes with the best sunsets you can find.
Alas, growing up in Steveston we wanted to share our go to spots and everything you need to know about visiting our hometown.
A Guide to Steveston:
Drink
This place is a gem of gems. Tucked away off the main drag on Moncton, Gudrun’s rocks the best wine list in town. Long table ambience, incredible wines and a rotating food menu that focuses on fresh, local ingredients done in the most gourmet way. Date night, wine night… Gudrun’s should be a top of any list of things to do in Steveston.
The coolest spot to be in Steveston. It’s the first microbrewery in town and these guys nailed it. They also have a great food program for dinner and brunch on weekends. If you want to try something outside of the box, try their chai beer!
One of the original pubs in Steveston. A few beers in and you’ll feel like you’ve travelled to Ireland. They have an amazing selection of craft beer and if you need something to go they have a liquor store next door with lots of local and craft options.
The Buck and Ear Bar and Grill
Famous for it's Friday nights! Steps from the famed Steveston Cannery, Fishing Docks and Garry Point Park, The Buck & Ear Bar and Grill boasts a 200 seat pub with old school pub vibes with pool, darts and lots on tap!
The original coffee purveyors of Steveston, having been around for over 15 years. They roast their own beans and have vegan treats to go with your cup of joe!
How do you like your coffee? Pour over coffee, siphon coffee, cold brewed coffee, espresso based coffee, lattes... Rocanini has the works when it comes to your caffeinated needs! You can't miss them...located right at the entrance of the village at Moncton and 1 Road.
Eat
Juice, smoothies… something fresh and healthy. We’re the newest kids on the block and we’re excited to be here. Check out our retail section for vegan ice cream, chocolate bars, teas, books and much more.
Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant
One of the best sunset views you’ll find anywhere. Set right on the water, there's not a better place in town to relax to the flow of the ever changing tide. Get there before the dinner rush to get a seat on their patio.
A giant in Steveston and worth the drive on its own. This is pizza at its finest. You can’t find flavours like this anywhere. Vegan options and all!
Award winning tacos and amazing customer service. You’ll feel right at home … at least after a few tequila or mezcal cocktails.
A staple in Steveston. All of our friends worked here in high school and this is where the tourists flock too. We go for the chips and vinegar. Be sure to watch out for the seagals… they’re a fan of the chips too.
Above The Blue Canoe with postcard water views and the best veggie burger in Steveston. Try and get yourself a window seat… you might even get a glimpse of some passing sea lions!
Move
If you want to get a sweat on this is where you want to be. Russel Sean Fitness is right at the pulse of Steveston. You’d be hard up to find a better place to workout anywhere in the Lower Mainland. From circuit training bootcamps, to boxing and spin, your options are covered. Their warehouse style gym gives you the room to push it to your max each work out.
Tucked away in a secret little garden behind The Juice Truck lies a sanctuary of yoga bliss. Steps from one another... the perfect duo; juice and yoga!
Walk
This is the jewel of Steveston. A 75 acre waterfront park with sunsets worth travelling for. The water lights up like a tide of fire at the magic hour of sunset. During the winter a pond in the middle of the park is frozen for outdoor hockey. The ultimate Canadian experience!
Linking up to Garry Point, you can take the Dyke from Terra Nova all the way into Steveston. With panoramic views to the west of the ocean, Gulf Islands and estuary, and views to the north of the Coastal Mountains and Vancouver International Airport, this is another prime spot for watching the sunset, or if you're an AM stroller for an early morning sunrise. Walking or cycling, this trail offers high reward for an easy adventure.
Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site
Step back in time for this boardwalk jaunt. With a little imagination you could be strolling down the docks in years long passed. A wooden boardwalk takes you from the Chinese Bunkhouse past the Murakami gardens and the shipyards all the way along the water into Steveston Village. Expect to see herons, old fishing boats and maybe a seal or two along the way.
See
Finn Slough Heritage and Wetland Society
Adventure to the outskirts of Steveston for this made for a movie set town. It's worth the efforts to see these wooden houses built on stilts floating over the water, along the marshy river bank of the Fraser River. Finn Slough was originally built by Finnish Settlers in the 1880's. Think Alabama backwaters meets Finnish folklore with a small village flare.
Home of the largest Buddha statue in North America. Steps from the bustle of #3 Road this is one of the most beautiful temple's in the Lower Mainland. Meditation, farming, traditional temple food and buddhist teachings. Theres lots to see, do and learn here!
Shop
In need of a gift... go no further. Nikaido is stocked full with well curated wares from an unmatched line of teas sure to satisfy any enthusiast to stylish pens, stationary and tablewares.
If there was one shop that checked the boxes for Steveston vibe gift wares it would be Pieces. This popular spot is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Steveston Village. It's one of those places that makes you feel good as soon as you step through the door.
New or used books... or maybe just the coffee. Boasting beans from 49th Parallel Roasters, this book store is an adventure awaiting your visit. Their used book section is amazing from kids books, to business, travel, self development and beyond.
A utopia for green hearts and green thumbs. This place is special... a wonderland for any plant lover with everything for your outdoor and indoor needs. They also have an equally amazing gift shop and are two steps ahead for any seasonal needs from pumpkins in October to Christmas Trees in December.
Supporting creativity from canvas to frame. If you're here for an extended stay sign up for one of their classes (or check out their art retreats). From art supplies to framing to classes, your inner creativity awaits you!
For cool moms and cool babes, this spot is a one stop shop. With tons of local options and everything else you could imagine needing for those special years!
This makers and finders collective has the hippest of Steveston offerings. They have a pinterest worthy selection of artisan, locally made wares from Vancouver and across Canada.
Raise you vibrational frequency at this metaphysical gift shop that specializes in crystals, spiritually minded books, jewelry, incense, sage, gems, sacred gem jewelry, tarot, oracle cards and much more!
A staple in the Steveston community. They've got the best pickles within 20 kilometers and incredible home made veggie patties. For the non vegans, they've got you covered with lots of options too ;)
We love this place. You can't come to Steveston and not browse the General Store for hidden treasure. Full of antiques, vintage and retro items of all genres. This is where I got my first juicer back in high school. This is where the juicing all began!
Heal
From chiropractics to nutrition and massage, Satori is the place to heal your mind, body and soul! Located in a cozy little heritage home repurposed as an integrated health studio. Book a massage with Wesley...best healing hands we've come across!
Might as well stay a while. This massage therapy clinic will have you driving back to Steveston for some of the best in the biz. Juice and a massage... don't mind if we do.
Ah yes.... You should feel more relaxed just reading about Rain Tree. A true retreat and spa experience right in the village. An oasis of calm, surrounded by open air, seaside charm and the feeling you have stepped into a home away from home. Everything you want and more from a spa!
We can't write a section on healing and not include Turning Point. Ask for Aysha Revell, master RMT and master story teller.
Healing River Acupuncture Centre
Steveston is a mini mecca for wellness centres and Healing River is the go to spot for acupuncture.
Do
This tattoo shop has an amazing vibe. Just walking through the doors you'll feel the energy of the place. International guest artists are always coming through so be sure to stay up to date with who's in store.
Just down the street from Steveston Tattoo Company, Browcasso is famous for their brow work. Customers flock from far and wide for their microblading, eyeliner tattoos, eyelash extensions and much, much more.
A heritage spot in Steveston. They've been cutting hair since 1937... one of the oldest establishments in town. Old school at heart, with modern barber style.