531 Words
Canada - British Columbia -
Fish & Philosophy with a Twist
It is not every morning that I start the day with a cigar and coffee but on a recent excursion to Steveston I do just that. There is a bitter winter wind outside but inside Robusto Cigars and Coffee, I am enveloped in the heady warm aromas of smoke and espresso.
Richmond is that mysterious place with numbered streets on the wrong side of the river. To my mind, the Arthur Laing Bridge has only one purpose, that is, to get me to the airport and on a flight to anywhere. This time, I drive over the bridge, discover that the numbered streets make navigating a breeze and join some friends to explore this seaside village stuffed full of funky shops, museums and cafes.
In 1901 Steveston had a whopping 49 fish canneries stretching along the Steveston Channel. One of the few remaining intact canneries is now the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site. It is a dynamic fishing museum showing the rich history of the region.
Fishing is still the backbone of the village. Fresh seafood is available for sale straight off the dock and the Steveston Harbour Authority manages the largest commercial fishing harbour in Canada with over 46 acres of uplands, 25 acres of waterlots and more than 500 commercial fishing vessels.
I'd been to Steveston years ago and certainly enjoyed the requisite fish and chips but now I discover Steveston is more than just touristy place to do only the expected.
As a disclaimer, I might add that I am a bit of a massage junkie, so when we venture into Raintree Day Spa I am prepared for the standard fare. I am not ready for divinely heated massage tables with a million micro-adjustments, massive down comforters and organic green tea served in perfect Japanese mugs. I am not interested in leaving the little piece of heaven. However, as I am now detoxified, I promptly go next door for the aforementioned cigar and coffee. Best not to stay toxin-free for too long and I figure if I am going to skip the usual fare, I may as well go for it.
It is that philosophy that leads us to Serendipity's Backyard. The store, a combination inspirational centre, bookstore and gift shop, has been in existence for 17 years but recently changed hands. I chatted with the new owners, Deb McDonald and Shannon Sorenson. They both had been involved in the high-tech corporate world and used to come to the store to connect with something that felt more real. They still contract on high-tech projects, but now, they live their dream while creating that same grounding haven for others.
At the Steveston Village Gallery, Tamaka Fisher has her own story. She decided her passion was art and this gallery is the product of that dream. Original art, affordable prices and plenty of shows and classes, make hers a very accessible gallery.
I may not start too many more mornings with a sugar-scented cigar and coffee but I'll be heading back over that big bridge to poke around a coastal town with a bit of a twist. I might even have fish and chips.
Before you go: www.tourismrichmond.com
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