The shuttle pick up was soooo helpful for us to reach Steveston. Anyone else need to reach Steveston via public transport, use the SkyTrain down to Bridgeport, then the 407 bus from across the station towards Steveston (southbound) will take you there, it will just take longer. Can't remember if it was 30 or 45 minutes. To head back northbound, check the 410 or 407 buses. Alight at the stop at 4th Street and Chatham (mention it to the driver as you have no idea as to what it looks like, he/she will usually be more than happy to help.) From there it's just a matter of walking to Moncton Street. If you know Once Upon A Time (the show), locate the building used for the Storybrooke Library and across from it you'll find a huge sign on the wall that goes "Steveston Marine Hardware". 50yds down that street is Vancouver Whale Watch (you have a post with an orca and a sign to point it).
If needing help to move around / re: directions, drop me a PM. Spent a few days in Steveston and I plan to go back at Easter so I can see if I can help you guys out if needs be.
With the shuttle.
You get there for a specific time, register some paperwork with the main office (mostly a security thing) and get your ticket, receive your whole waterproof vest (can't keep it, oops) and go to meet the crew of your ship. Our captain and guide were very knowledgeable and we loved the experience through and through. The sights were to behold, too !
Once you get back, the shop offers a series of memorabilia (clothing, and other items) for which the proceeds partly go to support the endeavours in marine research. And before you leave the ship, do make sure to take a look / take a picture at the map ! Just ask ! Our guide had every sighting written down on a map of the area, and I took a picture of it to remember it. They also have a visual guide the the known individuals / pods, going by the fin mark, to help them identify which orca is which and I snapped pics of it too to have even more infos about the animals we saw.
When we went out we had sightings of a few pods hunting, a couple resident ones and one or two transient ones, then we went up to have sights of a colony of mammals (sea lions? seals? I can't remember now I'd have to have a look again)
Well worth the time, and I'll do it again as soon as I hit Steveston again. Plus the main office is like less than a hundred yards from the Fisherman's Wharf, which is the pier area with a lot of small shops, restaurants (personnaly had a go / loved Shaddy Island and the Tapenade (the manager was giving live entertainment and damn was he good too

) or even Pajo's Fish & Chips for quick snacks. Lots to do, see and have opportunities to eat at. Must see and must do again !