Preparing for the Ferry from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy
This time we did it right. The night before departure we stopped at Safeway and picked up a picnic lunch. In the morning we added coffee and doughnuts from Tim Horton’s before heading to the terminal.
We were number four on the waitlist for a cabin. When we checked in for our Aurora Lounge seats, the purser told us we had been assigned a cabin after all, so we gladly gave up the lounge seats.
The weather was more typical of coastal British Columbia, with clouds and light rain, but the sightings were still impressive. We saw plenty of whales along the way.
Tip for BC Ferries: if the ship slows down unexpectedly, there is probably a reason. Check both sides of the vessel. If there are crowds gathering, chances are there is a whale or something else worth seeing.
Another tip: in addition to hot meals, the cafeteria (Canoes) refrigerators are stocked with salads and pre-made sandwiches, which are a healthy alternative to the giant sized hot dishes.
We arrived in Port Hardy close to midnight. Our next destination was Campbell River, several hours south, so we had booked a cabin at the Port Hardy RV Resort.
Staying Overnight at Port Hardy RV Resort
The resort was just five minutes from the ferry. The manager had emailed instructions for late arrivals: an envelope with our name would be waiting outside reception. It felt a bit like The Amazing Race — dashing in after dark and ripping open an envelope to see what’s next. We were not alone; a dozen envelopes were pinned up, each with cabin assignments.
Our cabin was easy to find, super clean, and even had a well-stocked kitchen, though we did not use it given we were only there for eight hours. The campground looked quiet that night, but by morning it was packed, every site and parking space was filled.
Whale Watching in Port Hardy with Coastal Rainforest Safaris
Before heading south we had one more adventure planned: a half-day whale watching trip with
Coastal Rainforest Safaris. They had been reporting excellent sightings, and we could not resist.
Armed with a full seasickness tablet this time, I was ready. Port Hardy, which had felt almost like a ghost town on our previous visit, was buzzing with activity for the
Filomi Festival — soap box derby, stalls, and a weekend of community events.
We suited up like pros in our survival gear and set out at 10 a.m. for the half-day trip. The wildlife delivered:
- Two groups of orca, both transients and residents.
- Sea otters floating lazily on their backs.
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Lots of humpback humps and flukes.
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Harbour seals hauled out on rocks.
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Steller sea lions adding their voices to the day.
We couldn’t believe how much we say in a few hours, considering this was literally a pit-stop between destinations.By 4 p.m. we were back on the road, heading 2.5 hours south to Campbell River. The whole reason for stopping here was the famous Eagle Show. The only question was whether it would this tour happen.
We’re Andy and Jennifer—two former corporate executives who chose long ago to prioritise experiences over stuff while pursuing our passions for travel and photography. From the Arctic to Antarctica, and most places in between, we’ve captured the world through our lenses and love sharing those stories. Our careers gave us the means, but our purpose is inspiring others to explore and helping people create images they’re proud of.
