COVID-19 and your visit to Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site

By order and direction of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), all events and social gatherings are suspended to significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission related to social interactions and travel. We want to welcome you as soon as we can. Due to travel restrictions in B.C. effective April 23, 2021, people are not allowed to travel outside of their regional zone until May 25, 2021. To learn more about British Columbia’s travel restrictions, essential travel inclusions, and identify which health area you currently reside in visit www.gov.bc.ca/covidtravel

The site has re-opened with limited capacity and directional signage to ensure that safe physical distancing is possible. Interpretive programs such as guided tours, group programs and special events will not be offered at this time. Self-guided site maps will be available in paper form or in digital form for use on personal mobile devices. The Cannery film will be shown at limited capacity in the theatre, upon request.

Interpretive programming, group programs and events at Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site are suspended until at least January 8, 2021.

The site has resumed operations as informed by the advice of the Parks Canada, the BC Provincial Health Authority and WorkSafe BC. The Cannery Crew is working hard to ensure the safe conditions for our staff and visitors.

Here is some information to help you prepare for a visit to our site.

Hours of Operation:  Open daily 10am-5pm

Please call ahead (604.664.9009) or check the website for up-to-date information and details about Admission Fees.

What’s Open (as of July 13, 2020)

• Parking Lot
• Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS museum and exhibits (limited capacity)
• Gift Shop (limited capacity 10 people)
• Washroom (customers only)
• Theatre (limited capacity 30%)

What’s Closed (as of July 13, 2020)

• Interpretive programming (online programs offered here)
• Special Events (online events offered here)
• Group bookings

Health and Safety Protocols

• Cancellation or postponement of group public programs (group bookings, special events) in accordance with the public health officer’s prohibition on mass gatherings.
• Revision of public offer (interpretation) to accommodate smaller groups while maintaining physical distancing; initially only offer self-guided visits, with ‘interpretive stations’ to be offered when possible.
• Hand sanitizing stations for the public at entry ways.
• All staff interacting with visitors will wear non-medical face masks.
• Closure of washrooms to the public (open limited facilities for visitors/customers only)
• Control points of entry for workers, customers, and deliveries; public doors will be designated for entry and exit.
• Increased circulation of outdoor air by opening doors (weather permitting).
• Manage flow of visitors by implementing one-way walkways and marking off designated walking/stopping areas.
• Limit exchange of paper products (site information will not be self-served; handed out upon request). Digital site map may also be downloaded with QR code.
• Installation of plexiglass shields and expansion of the front desk area to allow for physical distancing. Limited number of staff in these pinch-point areas.
• Signage with COVID-19 protocols are posted on site for both staff and visitors.
• Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols for high contact items in the museum and exhibits.
• Staff are provided with appropriate supplies, such as soap and water, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, gloves and garbage bags, and sufficient washing facilities.
• Staff are provided with proper PPE gear for cleaning and interacting in the workspace.

Your safety when visiting

• As per the measures directed by the BC Provincial Health Authority, face masks are required in all indoor public spaces.
• Keep a healthy space of 2 metres between you (or your family group) and others.
• Practice proper hygiene as directed by health authorities.
• Stay home if you are sick or if you were recently exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• Respect all onsite direction and signage. Some will be new and will help ensure physical distancing.
• Be self-sufficient by bringing your own clean trip kit, including hand sanitizer, garbage bags, and masks when recommended by health authorities.
• Leave no trace when you visit outdoor spaces. Please take all your garbage with you and help keep these special places clean.
• Abide by all travel advisories and health recommendations.
• Be kind and patient with each other. We are all in this together!

Face Masks

Visitors are required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering when visiting indoor public spaces at any Parks Canada place. All staff interacting with visitors will be wearing a non-medical mask. Wearing a mask can help in containing your own droplets and protect others but it will not protect you from COVID-19.  Any mask, no matter how efficient at filtration or how good the seal, will have minimal effect if it is not used together with other preventive measures, such as frequent hand washing and physical distancing.

Please treat people wearing masks with respect.

Interactives

Touchscreens and other interactive displays which require touch will be cleaned following enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Visitors are requested to maintain safe practices including washing hands and avoiding touching of the face.

Membership

Thank you to our Society members for their on-going support. Memberships valid from March 2020 to March 2021 will receive an extension of 4 months to cover the duration which the Cannery was temporarily closed. See details here.

Venue Rentals

In order to abide by the Public Health directives on gatherings, Venue Rentals have been temporarily suspended. Please contact our venue rentals Manager for more information.

More Resources

Please check out our online and virtual experiences to learn about the history of Canada’s West Coast fishing industry from home.