Trip Introduction – Alaska Cruise on Holland America
Lodging Review: Element Seattle Downtown
Our Time in Seattle
Ship Review: Holland America ms Noordam
Our Time in Kodiak, Alaska
Our Time in Anchorage, Alaska
Our Time in Valdez, Alaska
Our Time in Juneau, Alaska
Our Time in Ketchikan, Alaska
Our Time in Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Hullo Ferry Between Nanaimo and Vancouver
I knew nothing about Prince Rupert, British Columbia before our stop here, but it was another perfectly delightful little port town. We were in port from about 7 AM until 4:30 PM and the town is not that big, so we had a leisurely morning before disembarking. It was quite foggy early in the day but by 11:30 or so the fog had lifted and we had an amazingly sunny afternoon.
Sunken Garden
This attraction is a bit off the beaten path, accessible via a couple of pedestrian tunnels or by taking the drive beside the sheriff’s department. The area was originally dug out to be the site of the town’s first courthouse but when World War II came along, the sunken area became an ammunition bunker. The courthouse was eventually located elsewhere and the “hole in the ground” became a community project. During our visit there were loads of people sitting in the sun, enjoying the beautiful gardens.
We even saw a totem pole across from the sheriff’s office as we left.
Fire Museum
We then just happened upon the Prince Rupert Fire Museum, a delightful little one-room piece of history. With free admission, it’s definitely worth a look. Out front is this cute child-sized engine with a couple of helmets.
Inside the centerpiece (or is that centrepiece since this is in Canada?!) is the 1925 REO Speedwagon fire truck. It’s been lovingly restored and is just gorgeous.
Of course what fire truck is complete without a Dalmatian?
Pacific Mariners Park
This park is very close to where our ship was docked and is dedicated to those who lost their lives and/or are lost at sea.
The plaque on the statue reads: We know you care and pray to God. We are out there in the care of God.
The local Sons of Norway Lodge provided this memorial with flags from the Scandinavian nations: Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland.
Around the Town
We had time to stroll a good part of the town and came across City Hall
and Prince Rupert’s founder, Charles Melville Hays.
The Courthouse is surrounded by a lot of green space, making it look quite peaceful.
As we headed back to the dock we could see the Atlin Terminal and the marina behind it.
The afternoon’s sunny photos were quite different from the foggy one I took in the morning!
In the end
We had a lovely day exploring Prince Rupert. We continued to marvel at the wonderful weather we’d enjoyed for yet another day. If your cruise ship has a stop at Prince Rupert, be sure to get out and enjoy the town.
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