Day 9 Port Hardy to Prince Rupert on the Northern Expedition

Day 9 - Port Hardy to Prince Rupert on the Northern Expedition

522.8 km

Total km cycled 1.8  :)

We arrived bright and early at the Port Hardy ferry terminal excited for our next leg.  As we waited for the ferry we met a family from Klemtu, a remote coastal village.  We chatted away with Grandma Rhonda and her delightful six year old grand daughter Nasi.  Grandma Rhonda was born and has lived her whole live in Klemtu.  Nasi was named after Vancouver Canuck Marcus Naslund and was a sheer joy to hang out with.    She entertained us with her dances, stories and ability to count to 100 by 10's.  

It was an eclectic group travelling on the ferry:  Klemtu locals returning from a shopping spree in Campbell River, kayakers heading out on an adventure from Klemtu to Bella Bella, motorcyclists on a circle tour and of course bus loads and campers full of tourists from Europe.  

Waiting to board BC Ferries, Northern Expedition

We boarded the ferry and immediately felt like we were on a cruise ship.  The Northern Expedition features cabins equipped with showers and TV's, lounges, a movie theatre, buffet, cafeteria, and most importantly front row seats to arguably some of the most spectacular scenery in the province. 

Front row seats on the Northern Expedition

Buffet dinner (with wine)

I am unable to find words to describe the scenery and feel of the Inside Passage.  The low coastal mountains tower above you as you weave your way through the narrow channels.  The trees are a lush green and the forest is so dense that you can't see in further than a few feet.  Low hanging cloud touches the trees and appears to hang on the branches creating a mystic feel to the area.  The route is steeped in history and you find yourself being transported back in time as you pass numerous light houses, and old fishing, logging and mining areas.  As you near Prince Rupert you travel through Grenville Channel, where mountains 1,500 to 3,500 feet surround you at a point where the channel narrows.  We were told that occasionally you can see moose and deer swimming across the channel through these narrows which go for 70km.  At the narrowest point the channel is 2.1km across.  Incredible!

Speaking of wildlife viewing, the Humpback Whales did not disappoint.  It became almost comical as the ship's Captain would announce a whale sighting and the passengers would sprint  from port to starboard to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures.  At one point, I was convinced the boat might tip as we all sprinted on mass to the starboard side.  I am sure we looked ridiculous to the veteran crew.

We ended this glorious day on a high.  There to meet us as we disembarked in Prince Rupert at 11pm was our son Ian and his friend Julie.  They are on their own cycling vacation and our paths crossed.  We enjoyed a couple of cold brews at their campsite and shared stories of our trips.  They have the best and most epic ferry story to tell.  It is theirs to share, so I will leave this as a cliff hanger, but should you run in to them be sure to ask about Hecate Strait, a tent, a ferry and a biker.......  

Ian and Julie on their way home

Giggle of the Day:

Terrified we would miss the ferry, we set our alarm for the ungodly hour of 4:30am!!!  The alarm went off to the music of Bon Jovi singing, "oh oh we're half way there, oh oh livin' on a prayer!" .... enough said!

#explorebc #bcferries #haidagwaii #cycle #cycletour #northernexpedition