Metlakatla Ferry Dock

Metlakatla sits at the entrance to Venn Passage (also called Metlakatla Pass), roughly 5 km northwest of Prince Rupert on the Tsimshian Peninsula. The name means saltwater pass in Sm'algyax, the Coast Tsimshian language, and the passage itself threads between forested headlands to connect Prince Rupert Harbour with open Chatham Sound. Population is approximately 80 to 100 residents year-round.

This is not a recreational marina. The dock at Metlakatla village is a community and ferry landing operated by the Metlakatla Development Corporation (MDC), the economic arm of the Metlakatla First Nation. The MDC runs daily weekday ferry service to and from Prince Rupert — departing from Cow Bay, below the Museum of Northern BC (phone 250-624-3337) — with the crossing taking roughly 15 minutes. The North Co Corp vessel Tsimshian Storm, jointly owned by Metlakatla, Hartley Bay, and Kitkatla First Nations, runs a twice-weekly regional route connecting Prince Rupert to Oona River, Kitkatla, and Hartley Bay.

Metlakatla reserve is closed to unsolicited visitors. Anyone wishing to enter the community — including boaters considering tying up — must obtain advance permission from the Metlakatla Governing Council (250-628-3234). No transient moorage slips, guest berths, fuel, shore power, or visitor amenities have been documented at the community dock. There is no restaurant, store, or place to purchase supplies in the village.

The one public exception is the Metlakatla Wilderness Trail, a renowned day-hike along a heritage route originally built by the Tsimshian in the 1800s and restored by the community. The Governing Council runs a free twice-weekly charter ferry (Tuesdays and Saturdays, limited to 20 hikers, sign-in required) for trail visitors during the May through October season. Hikers are strongly advised to bring all food, water, and gear — nothing is available for purchase at the village end.

For cruising boaters, Metlakatla Pass and Venn Passage are familiar waypoints on the north coast route between Prince Rupert and Chatham Sound. The passage provides a sheltered inside channel, and the community dock is a reference point on charts, but it is not a stop for services. Prince Rupert — 15 minutes south by fast ferry — is where fuel, provisions, moorage, and repairs are available.

Wind exposure at the dock is moderate. The village is tucked into the western shore of the Tsimshian Peninsula with partial protection from surrounding terrain, but Venn Passage itself channels winds, and open Chatham Sound immediately to the west is subject to significant NW and SE weather systems rolling in from Hecate Strait. Boaters transiting Venn Passage should consult current conditions before rounding into Chatham Sound.