Portland Inlet, Pacific Ocean inlet in British Columbia, Canada
Portland Inlet is a coastal waterway on the northern coast of British Columbia, situated between Dixon Entrance and Chatham Sound near Prince Rupert. The inlet contains three main islands and receives the Nass River, connecting southward to the Portland Canal.
English navigator George Vancouver named the inlet in 1793 after the ducal house of Portland during his mapping expedition of the coast. This naming reflects the era of European exploration and charting of the Pacific Northwest.
The inlet holds deep meaning for the Nisga'a Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have used these waters for generations. Visitors can see this heritage reflected in the names of local communities and in how people today continue to rely on the sea for food and travel.
The inlet functions as a major marine route for fishing vessels, so visitors can expect active boat traffic and weather typical of the northern BC coast. Being aware of tide schedules and sea conditions is helpful when planning any time on or near the water.
The inlet's southern terminus connects to the Portland Canal, which forms the boundary line between Canada and Alaska. This geographic feature makes the waters notable as a place where two countries meet.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
