Fort Rupert



Storey's Beach & Park, Beaver Harbour - Fort Rupert (Native Reserve in background)

Kwakiutl Band Longhouse 

Kwakiutl Cemetery

From Sointula, we made the short 40 minute crossing of Broughton Strait to Port McNeill where we spent a couple of nights.  We borrowed the courtesy van provided at North Island Marina and drove to the historic town of Fort Rupert.  Fort Rupert is made up of two areas, the newer town on the southwest shore of Beaver Harbour, and the Native Reserve on the southern most shore of Beaver Harbour.  The southwest area is the location of Storey’s Beach Park, offering a nice sandy beach and a park with picnic tables and a covered shelter.  The south shore is the most interesting area to visit with the Kwakiutl Band Longhouse and the adjacent Kwakiutl Cemetery.  

Intricate Detail on the Kwakiutl Longhouse

The Longhouse (on Tsakis Way & Eagle Pl.) has exceptional carvings and paintings created by Calvin Hunt, a world-renowned Master Carver and local resident.  

Kwakiutl Cemetery

Likewise, the cemetery is very striking with carved poles and artwork honoring the deceased.  The Hunt family name, among other Band leaders and members of the Kwakiutl, are found here.  A community carving shed is located near the Longhouse, and we also visited the carving shed and art gallery of Calvin Hunt located a block south on Copper Way (Copper Maker Gallery, 250-949-8491).  

Calvin Hunt's Carving Shed

We found the Kwakiutl people and the village to be a delight.  

Calvin Hunt's Gallery

Fort Rupert once served as a Hudson’s Bay Company fort, built in 1849, first commanded by William Henry McNeill.  Unfortunately, in June of 1889, the fort burned and the ruins were soon overgrown, a large stone chimney remained but has since collapsed.  

Fort Rupert Cannon at the Kwakiutl Longhouse (cemetery across the road)

Several iron and brass eight-pounder cannons also remained but were removed or taken over subsequent years.  Only one cannon remains at Fort Rupert today, now displayed in front of the Longhouse.  We recommend Fort Rupert as a nice side trip, which can be done by car or boat.  Beaver Harbour is a very large bay exposed to north and east winds, but has several areas that can serve nicely as day anchorages or overnight anchorages in settled weather.  The views are beautiful and the beaches are easy to access by dinghy or kayak.  There is an extensive drying beach which is charted, position the dinghy appropriately. 



Kwakiutl Beach, Beaver Harbour - Fort Rupert