BC Ferry from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert

Costs (I spent):

Transportation: $180 for ferry one way. BC Ferries (http://www.bcferries.com/) runs this trip on both night and day voyages, both voyages take about 15 hours and costs about $180 (foot passenger) one way. Go with the day sailing because you don't want to miss any of the scenery.

Food: $8 Lunch, $13 Dinner, $4-5 on snacks and coffee. The cost is slightly more than you would expect to pay on land. Buying some food and snacks at a grocery store before boarding will save some money.

Getting from Port Hardy to the ferry terminal can be tricky for foot passengers. Fortunately a shuttle picks up passengers from the hostels ($7) at 5am and delivers them to the ferry terminal. Upon arrival in Prince Rupert hostels have a free shuttle to pick up backpackers.

The Inside Passage is a legendary shipping route through the channels and islands along the BC and Alaska coast. The scenery along this route is unbelievable, imagine green mountains rising up on each side as the huge boat cruises on calm glassy ocean. There is a good chance to see Humpback Whales and Porpoises, maybe even an Orca. The best spot to see whales is from the back deck where you can view of both sides and behind the boat. Dress warmly (it gets windy) so you can be outside looking for whales as much as possible. The Captain will tell passengers if he sees a whale, but don't wait for the announcement, I saw 5-6 whales before the captain reported his first sighting to passengers.