From Port Hardy to Prince Rupert

Our northern adventure begins... on the Northern Adventure

We were in line over two hours early for the ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert.  A little after four that evening, under a heavy rain and chilling winds, the crew began directing and loading us. 

We have been on many ferries, but this one was the first that required all vehicles to be backed into place.  For those not skilled enough or comfortable with backing into such tight quarters, staff members would take the wheel for you and back your vehicle into place.  It took two hours to load everyone, including cars, trucks, motor homes, vehicles pulling trailers, and tractor-trailer rigs.

We were happy and grateful to settle into our little cabin for the night.  Although tiny in size, it had room for four bunk beds, a small desk, and a wet bath, including a hot shower.  It even had a window for views of passing glaciers and waterfalls.  Although the ferry often rocked under strong waves, and the engine literally vibrated the beds, after days of camping in the wet and cold, we felt like we were in a five-star hotel. 

Our cabin aboard the Northern Adventure

The bath, complete with shower 

The view from our cabin window

The lounge area of the ferry was filled with passengers when we went to bed.  Many had staked out their claims, crawling into sleeping bags and sleeping on the floor or finding seats next to the windows.  The lounge seating was much like a large airplane with more room between the seats.  Each seat reclined a little for those wishing to snooze or relax.  The ferry had a television, a play area for children, and a cafeteria.

The ferry ride from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert is a 22-hour ferry run with two stops along the way.  When we awoke and arrived on deck, we were surprised to find a lot fewer folks on board.  Evidently many had departed when we ported in Bella Bella.  With coffee in hand, we strolled the lounge deck, watching the scenery.  Unfortunately the skies remained gray all day.  Still, the views on the inside passage were lovely.

 After talking with several dog owners, we were glad that Roxanne did not need to endure the 22-hour ferry ride alone in the vehicle deck.  Fellow Texans had brought their two Dachshunds.  The couple was allowed to take several 15-minute trips down to their vehicle to walk the dogs on the deck.  (One stop was at 1:00 am when we docked in Bella Bella.  The other was around 9:00 am.)  Crew members hosed the deck down after the dogs did their bathroom duties.  However, with all the engine noise, movement, and darkness, the little Dachshunds were quite traumatized by the experience.  Another gentleman who often took the ferry said, however, that his dog had no problem with the ride.

We arrived in Prince Rupert around four in the afternoon.  A whale was spotted in the harbor as we arrived.  While it was too far away to get a good photo, we were delighted to see it and took it as a good omen.

Prince Rupert

We debarked and drove into town for a bite to eat.  We needed to be back at the ferry terminal by eight o’clock that evening for our sail to Haida Gwaii.  It began raining in earnest as everyone backed their vehicles into place. Loading the ferry ran late because of the weather, and it was nearly eleven before we finally got underway.  I was so grateful that David had reserved another cabin for us.  They were completely sold out of rooms when we arrived.  We were so tired that all we could do was fall into bed to sleep.

The purser woke everyone around 4:30 the next morning, announcing that we would dock within the half hour.  Although we were still tired, we were delighted to see sunshine beginning to peak above the horizon.  Haida Gwaii… here we come!