1889 Skeena Dr
Prince Rupert, BC

In the late 1800s, salmon canning was a big deal on the BC's Northern West Coast. Over 200 canneries set up shop along the shores, making it a bustling hotspot of activity. The benefits of salmon canning didn't stop at the canneries. It lit up the whole Coast. It offered jobs, boosted local trade, and was a big reason these remote locations got roads and railways.

1889 Skeena Dr
Prince Rupert, BC

Salmon canning on the BC's Northern West Coast was distinct from the South, largely because of its remoteness. Canneries were set up near the fishing spots around the Skeena and Nass Rivers. This was mainly to handle fresh fish quickly without the advent of refrigerated boats and to tap into the local First Nations' deep fishing knowledge.

1889 Skeena Dr
Prince Rupert, BC

Dive deep into over a century of history as you explore the manual and mechanized canning processes that transformed fresh Northern West Coast salmon into global market delicacies. From learning about trolling, gillnetting, and purse seining to witnessing the machinery evolution, visitors will gain a complete view of the salmon's journey from the river to the international table at the North Pacific Cannery.

1889 Skeena Dr
Prince Rupert, BC

These weren't just places to can fish. They tapped into the overflowing salmon rivers, leaving a lasting mark on the region's story. In those quieter, northern spots, canneries became like small towns. They had places for workers to live and many things to do, all set up to ensure the businesses were always staffed.

1889 Skeena Dr
Prince Rupert, BC

As the 20th century progressed, advances in canning technology were introduced at the North Pacific Cannery to save time and work. To keep the cannery running smoothly, an onsite machine shop was needed to fix everything from boat motors, soldering machines, automatic fish knives, and mess hall stoves.

1889 Skeena Dr
Prince Rupert, BC

Unlike workers of Japanese and Chinese descent, entire families of First Nations lived and worked at the cannery. The families would congregate in the Net Loft to hand-tie nets, dye them, and do other repairs. The First Nations Net Loft also became the day-to-day hub for childcare, meals, and even basketball tournaments that inspired the yearly All Native Basketball Tournament, the largest basketball tournament in British Columbia and the largest Indigenous cultural event in Canada.

1889 Skeena Dr
Prince Rupert, BC

Worker housing was essential in these remote areas, reachable only by boat or train. Throughout the canning season, employees lived onsite. The work at these canneries was split by race and culture: Japanese and First Nations mainly fished, Chinese worked on the cannery line and cooked, while Europeans managed and fished. Wooden walkways connect all the buildings, making them accessible whether the tide is in or out. 

1889 Skeena Dr
Prince Rupert, BC

At the outset, the canning process at North Pacific was entirely manual. However, with the progression of the 20th century, technological advancements, including the introduction of the gang knife and the can soldering machine, streamlined operations. While these innovations augmented efficiency and profitability, they ended certain roles, notably the Chinese tinsmiths and traditional butchers.

1889 Skeena Dr
Prince Rupert, BC

The salmon fishing industry has been on a transformative journey in Northern BC. Despite facing challenges from environmental factors, the region has been proactive in championing sustainable practices. Conservation measures are being actively implemented to revitalize and protect salmon stocks.

1889 Skeena Dr
Prince Rupert, BC

Visitors can experience the North Pacific Cannery through self-guided or guided tours. On guided tours, guides will help you navigate the historic boardwalks and open restricted buildings not available on the self-guided tour, explore the canning lines, and experience the homes of past residents.