Prince Rupert to Port Hardy
We sailed with BC Ferries on the Northern Expedition. We did the math and compared driving to sailing.
The marine route covers a distance of approximately 525 kms in 16 hours; the driving route about 1500 kms over a minimum of 4 nights (our average travel day). We ran a budget sheet and compared the cost of driving from this location to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island that included vehicle fuel, camping and food costs plus the time required. BC Ferries charges by the foot and for our 'short' vehicle the costs are not that high. The slight upcharge for us was worth it; and a chance to sail a portion of the Inside Passage was just too difficult to pass up. But, the charges to ferry the longer Class A's, fifth-wheels and travel trailers can get quite expensive, $20/foot in excess of 25 feet ... yet another reason to travel in a truck camper!
The rain stopped, the weather brightened and we had a much clearer day than expected. Food on-board the ferry was quite good, Okanagan wines are featured.
Along the way ... mountains of 1500 to 3500 feet in Grenville Channel, an abandoned cannery and fish reduction plant at Butedale, the remains of a sulphite pulp mile at Swanson Bay, Boat Bluff's scenic lighthouse and others at Ivory Island and Dryad Point, the First Nations communities of Bella Bella, Klemtu (with its' new ferry terminal) and Namu. We saw, but were unable to get good photos of humpback whales, dolphin and harbour seals.
This was a long day ... up at 4:45am, at the ferry terminal by 5:00am, Prince Rupert departure 7:30am, Port Hardy arrival 11:30pm, camp set-up 1:00am ... we're tired.
The marine route covers a distance of approximately 525 kms in 16 hours; the driving route about 1500 kms over a minimum of 4 nights (our average travel day). We ran a budget sheet and compared the cost of driving from this location to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island that included vehicle fuel, camping and food costs plus the time required. BC Ferries charges by the foot and for our 'short' vehicle the costs are not that high. The slight upcharge for us was worth it; and a chance to sail a portion of the Inside Passage was just too difficult to pass up. But, the charges to ferry the longer Class A's, fifth-wheels and travel trailers can get quite expensive, $20/foot in excess of 25 feet ... yet another reason to travel in a truck camper!
The rain stopped, the weather brightened and we had a much clearer day than expected. Food on-board the ferry was quite good, Okanagan wines are featured.
Along the way ... mountains of 1500 to 3500 feet in Grenville Channel, an abandoned cannery and fish reduction plant at Butedale, the remains of a sulphite pulp mile at Swanson Bay, Boat Bluff's scenic lighthouse and others at Ivory Island and Dryad Point, the First Nations communities of Bella Bella, Klemtu (with its' new ferry terminal) and Namu. We saw, but were unable to get good photos of humpback whales, dolphin and harbour seals.
This was a long day ... up at 4:45am, at the ferry terminal by 5:00am, Prince Rupert departure 7:30am, Port Hardy arrival 11:30pm, camp set-up 1:00am ... we're tired.
Leaving Prince Rupert Harbour
Ivory Island Lighthouse
Boat Bluff
Butedale
Klemtu Ferry Terminal
Port Hardy Arrival
LOAF ... it's the next day, lets get to camp, I'm tired!
Judy is in Campbell River. Billy O is in Qualicum Beach.
ReplyDeleteJudy is in Campbell River. Billy O is in Qualicum Beach.
ReplyDelete