Not John Steinbeck's Cannery Row: A True History of Old Ocean View Avenue

Pack your lunch and join historian Tim Thomas on this 4-hour walking tour of Monterey's famed Cannery Row and waterfront. For thousands of years people have made their living fishing the Monterey Bay, beginning with the Rumsen Ohlone, the region's Native People. The Monterey Bay was a multi-cultural stew, made up of whalers from Azores, squid fishermen from China, salmon fishermen and abalone divers from Japan and Sicilians fishing sardines in the “dark of the moon” making Monterey the “sardine capitol of the world.” 

This tour takes you back in time to explore the history of the fisheries and the often struggle of the workers and the development of unions and fair working conditions in the canneries. You will learn that Ed “Doc” Ricketts was not the only marine biologist on Cannery Row, nor was he even the most important. All of these factors and people come together to help make Monterey the unique community that it is today.

About Tim Thomas

A fourth-generation native of Monterey, Tim Thomas is a respected historian and engaging tour guide, known for his expertise in the region’s maritime history. Tim served as historian and curator for the Monterey Maritime & History Museum for 16 years and has collaborated with notable organizations such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, California State Parks, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. He is the author of several books, including The Abalone King of Monterey: 'Pop' Ernest Doelter and The Japanese on the Monterey Peninsula, and is the co-author of Monterey's Waterfront. Tim also serves as the curator of the new Heritage Center/Museum at the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), where he is a board member. He is a 2023 recipient of the prestigious Ed Ricketts Memorial Award.