NORTH PACIFIC CANNERY MAY 21st

South of Prince Rupert in Port Edward, the North Pacific Cannery is the oldest remaining cannery village from over 1,000 similar facilities  once operating along the West Coast.  Dating to 1889, it is now a national historic site.  Many of the original buildings, including a church, schoolroom, general store and living quarters may be seen. 

The remote locations necessitated housing the workers on-site.  Each ethnic group performed specific jobs and housing was grouped accordingly. The groups were hierarchical and did not intermingle.   Many times the canneries were sited to take advantage of First Nations populations and their fishing skills.  They were also located near the source of salmon since transportation and refrigeration were crude.

Interestingly, from 1864, on the Sacramento River, the industry migrated North and there were many failures.

The proverbial Company Store.

Mechanization took its toll on employment.

If you'd like to see more of our photos Click Here and choose 'Slideshow' at lower left.

Here is a link to a site that offers more of the history of the cannery  NORTH PACIFIC CANNERY