Port Edward – History of the North Pacific Cannery

Port Edward offers insights into the history of the fishing industry as well as activities to suit a range of interests. At its heart is the North Pacific Cannery, whose exhibits tell the story of work at the cannery and the people connected with it. Other attractions include a saltwater boat launch, a skate park, and a trail in nearby Diana Lake Park. This lets you consider culture and outdoor activities separately when planning your trip, without treating them as if they were at the same location.

North Pacific Cannery: Fishing history on the Inverness Passage

The historic site lies on a narrow strip of land between the mountains and the Inverness Passage, at the mouth of the Skeena River. The complex is a 19th- and 20th-century salmon cannery. In 1985, the North Pacific Cannery was designated a National Historic Site of Canada for its connection to the West Coast fishing industry. As a cannery museum, it brings this industrial history to life through buildings, exhibits, and tours.

A guided tour takes you across historic boardwalks, through industrial buildings and homes, and into the wilderness surrounding the site. The tour lasts about 60 to 90 minutes; duration and details may change. Check the operator’s current information before planning your visit. The Cannery Life Tour covers work and living conditions, as well as the family and cultural connections of employees of Indigenous, Japanese, Chinese, and European descent. The program also includes two buildings with limited access: the First Nations Net Loft and the Company Store. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, you can discover the landscape, architecture, and exhibits independently.

Exhibits on work, housing, and fishing

The “Canning Line” exhibit features manual and mechanized canning lines and tells more than 100 years of cannery history. Methods and equipment illustrate how fresh West Coast salmon was packed for an international market. “Fishing Methods” offers a different perspective on the industry: the exhibit looks at salmon as a resource, compares trolling, gillnetting, and purse seining, and explains developments in machinery that transformed commercial fishing.

“Village Housing” combines a replica of a First Nations house with a diorama depicting up to 120 buildings in the First Nations village. The Railman's House focuses on stories and memorabilia about fishing-industry employees who fought for fair treatment and wages. The Salt Shed is devoted to the former settlement of Port Essington. Together, these spaces offer different insights: into housing, the history of a former settlement, and workers’ concerns.

Smaller exhibit details are also part of the visit: the Cannery has a model railway exhibit, where the trains can be set in motion by inserting a coin. The different topics can be combined according to your interests, rather than viewing the history only as an overview of production.

Things to do in Port Edward and the surrounding area

Port Edward’s saltwater boat launch provides easy access to Chatham Sound and nearby fishing grounds. Since information about the facility should be checked before your visit, it is a good idea to consult current municipal information. If you would rather get active on land than explore fishing history, the community skate park is at 633 Sunset Drive. It has a mini half-pipe, three ramps of different sizes, several rails, and a few kickers.

Diana Lake Park is nearby. Port Edward is the closest community; the park should therefore not be considered part of the town. It has a moderately difficult trail of about three kilometres round trip. This distance refers to the full out-and-back route. The park is a separate option from the activities within Port Edward.

A break at the Mess House

The Mess House at the North Pacific Cannery serves regional cuisine and freshly brewed coffee. Since availability may change, check the latest information before your visit. When choosing a hotel in Port Edward, you can use the Cannery’s history, its exhibits, and the range of activities in town as reference points for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Skeena-Queen Charlotte E, Tlell, Prince Rupert.

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