HagaFinn's BlogSpot: Parked in Prince Rupert

After nearly 10,000 miles since we left Juneau on November 11, 2010 we are nearly at the end of our trip. We had a good trip up to Port McNeil where we stayed on the water for two days and took a side trip to Alert Bay. The weather was outstanding, with warm sunshine and great views of the totems and wildlife of the area. Alert Bay is a 50-minute ride on the Quadra Queen BC ferry from Port McNeil. We were also able to take in several hocky games, with my buddy Jim rooting for the Canadians, and me the US teams (Blackhawks and Bruins).

Welcome Sign at Alert Bay on Cormorant Island

We had been there before in 2003 with Neil's brother Bruce and his wife Sandi. We were on our way up the island with our new (at that time) VW Passat. We visited the new cultural center, had a picnic on the beach, and walked their Ecology Trail through the forest and wetlands.

Pamela, Elaine and Jim on the Boardwalk Trail

Alert Bay Totem

From Port McNeil, it was only about twenty miles north to Port Hardy, where we spent several hours before getting in line for the ferry to Prince Rupert. We visited some bookstores, had some hot drinks, and had lunch. Weather was again beautiful and we had a wonderful time in Port Hardy. We were among the first in line at the ferry terminal and wound up waiting several hours before we were boarded. It was a bit daunting to drive the fiver into the cave mouth of the ferry, but all went well.

Port Hardy Welcome Sign with Ferry in the Background

Fiver in Line at Port Hardy

Our ferry was the Northern Expedition, which was built in Germany in 2009 and is a very nice ship. Our friend Jim Beedle, who recently retired as head of the Alaska Ferry system had "ferry envy" because of the quality of the ship.