Prince Rupert is within the traditional territory of the Tsimshian. Over thousands of years they developed a trading network that extended into the early period of European contact.
In the early 1900s Prince Rupert was touted as a possible site for a world-class port and the terminus of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway that extended from Winnipeg. In 1914 the Last Spike was driven in Fort Fraser (see post #181) completing the second transcontinental railway. In 1919 the GTP was absorbed by Canadian National Railway now CN Rail.
The expected port did not develop at that time and the community turned to fishing as its economic mainstay becoming known as the “Halibut Capital of the World”.
As the most northerly railhead in North America, Prince Rupert served as a World War II port for the war in the Aleutians and the Pacific. Extensive facilities were built to handle the Canadian and US troops and equipment silently shipped from the city.
In 1975 construction of Fairview Terminal heralded the port city of today. Prince Rupert has the deepest natural harbour in North America and is located a few days travel closer to Asian markets than any other North American port.
Prince Rupert is also known as a foggy, rainy city and that was the case when we walked along the waterfront.
This sign speaks to the local weather.
This sign speaks to the local weather.
This photo was taken on a clearer day from the ferry to Haida Gwaii.
Cow Bay was the centre of the fishing industry and is now the main tourist centre.
Extensive murals brighten the city.
The eyes of this wolf follow you along the street.
This mural looks forward to the future.
The rain and mist create great photo ops.
Reading this to my spouse, I thought to tell him something he didn't know about PR. However, he lived there for 15 years so...….
ReplyDeleteAs usual, Linda, your photos are fabulous. Especially the one with the mist over the lake. Gorgeous.
Love those murals. Thanks for sharing. It looked to be quite foggy that day.
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