Walking through history In the early 1900s, more than 200 salmon canneries lined the coast. One by one, they closed. Today, none remain. North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site in Port Edward, 24 kilometres southwest of Prince Rupert, showcases the history of the fishing industry and the role of canneries in the area. It was the last remaining cannery village on North America’s West Coast until it closed in 1968. On excellent free guided tours, we learned that nearly 1,000 people once lived and worked in the North Pacific Cannery. It was built in 1889 as a village where European bosses presided over segregated communities of Chinese, Japanese and First Nations workers. Strolling along boardwalks, we peered into wooden, tin-roofed homes and stores once used by families that worked here. Fishing and canning equipment occupy the main building. The company store (circa 1939) stocks boxes of White Owl cigars, cans of insect spray, bottles of Kik Cola and tube radios. The Mess Hall – now the Cannery Café – serves delicious salmon chowder and homemade baked goods. Halibut Capital of the World It’s not surprising that many Cow Bay restaurants serve seafood. A long history of fishing earned Prince Rupert the title of “The Halibut Capital of the World.” Numerous charter fishing companies draw sportfishermen searching for massive halibut, trophy-sized Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, red snapper, ling cod, rock cod and Dungeness crab. We watched smiling participants return with fish stories and photoworthy catches. Local shops offer fish-cleaning, smoking, freezing and vacuum-sealing, as well as fishing licences and tackle. If you don’t have the time or inclination for deep-sea fishing, you can buy delicious smoked sockeye, salmon pâté and halibut steaks from vendors such as Dolly’s Fish Market and Fukasaku Market. Fisherman with halibut caught on charter fishing trip Shop sells smoked sockeye, salmon pâté and halibut steaks Strolling along boardwalk between buildings, North Pacific Cannery North Pacific Cannery Village Museum sign 18 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
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