Foggy Bay to Prince Rupert

Feisty Lady lifted anchor just ahead of us, but we weren’t far behind. Both of us had Prince Rupert in our sights and wanted an early start—just in case Dixon Entrance decided to misbehave.

PredictWind called it perfectly: calm seas, light winds, and an easy ride. The only interruptions were a couple of course changes to dodge gill netters strung out along the way.

silver seas make for a smooth ride

green island lighthouse is an important weather station in this area

Venn Passage was exactly as we remembered—straightforward, but mildly exasperating thanks to the fish boats blasting past at warp speed. Managing their wakes while staying in the channel takes patience.

you know you’re arriving at prince ruppert when the cargo docks come into view

Cow Bay Marina is new since our last visit, and we scored slip 24 on B Dock. At 60 feet, it’s roomy with a good view of the harbor. Swell management is decent, though the parade of fish boats and harbor patrol launches still keeps things rocking. But this is Prince Rupert—no marina is ever truly calm—so we’ll call it a win. The 24/7 gated dock is another big plus.

We stretched our legs with a mile walk up to OV Burger, a new spot in a renovated building overlooking the harbor. Burgers, chicken sandwiches, pub food, and cold beer—served mostly to local families. Solid stop; we’d recommend it.

On the way back, we made a reconnaissance run through Safeway for staples and a look at fresh provisions before Saturday’s departure.

One striking difference this time around: the personalities of Prince Rupert’s two marinas. Cow Bay is laid-back—staff help if you ask, but the office may close early if things are quiet. The Prince Rupert Rowing and Yacht Club is the opposite: structured, precise, almost like dealing with an airport ground controller. Boaters request “clearance” to leave or enter the harbor, and transient arrivals are carefully briefed—engine type, thrusters, docking plan, the works. Dockhands are dispatched to ensure you fit exactly. It all makes sense in their tight fairways, and while the contrast is stark, it’s oddly reassuring.