New marina in Prince Rupert seen as tourism boon for B.C.’s north coast

PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. – Prince Rupert’s new marina had its grand opening April 9, with Mayor Lee Brain saying it represents “a fantastic new opportunity for increased tourism.”

“It has already received a lot of interest from boaters planning to travel through this summer,” he said.

The marina provides infrastructure for water taxis and chartered fishing boats, and has the capacity to attract large-scale marine tourism traffic to B.C.’s north coast, according to a release issued by Western Economic Diversification Canada.

Funding for the project, which includes a new public breakwater, included $2 million from the federal department.

The marina, with slips for about 50 vessels, is located in Cow Bay, Prince Rupert’s tourism and shopping area.

For local residents, the breakwater improves access to the waterfront, much of which is used by industry.