Meet Chris and Gen

An Unexpected Move

For Chris and Gen, Prince Rupert wasn’t part of a long‑held plan. Like many good things in life, it arrived unexpectedly. Before moving, Gen and Chris had never been to Prince Rupert. They didn’t know anyone who’d lived here. But the community wasted no time welcoming them, and it turns out Northern degrees of separation are short.

On one of their first days, walking through Cow Bay, a stranger on a bike stopped and shouted, “Are you Chris and Gen? I’m Molly’s friend—she told me you were moving here! Welcome!” That moment set the tone. And the vibe hasn’t changed since.

I had to be convinced to leave Vancouver to come up here – but I’m glad I was. Gen got to follow her passion and I got to immerse myself in art – painting murals, curating art shows, making pottery – and now I have my own company. I don’t think that would have been possible down south. – Chris

A Dynamic Duo

Gen wears many hats in Rupert. She’s a part‑owner of Cloudberry Catering, a biology technician who has worked on numerous environmental projects around the region, and a guide with Prince Rupert Adventure Tours. Chris is a talented artist and chef and the founder—and other half—of Cloudberry Catering. Together, they’ve built a business rooted in community, seasonality, and creativity: Telling a story about the place they live with many of the ingredients they use in their small but mighty catering business.

With catering, no two weeks look the same. One day might be providing local fare to cruise passengers at the container market, the next a corporate lunch. It’s demanding, fast‑moving work—but it keeps things interesting.

When there’s downtime, Gen and Chris lean into what makes Rupert special: dog hikes with friends, craft nights, sushi from Fukusaku, paddle‑boarding on nearby lakes, setting crab traps, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. It’s a life shaped by nature, season, and community.

Their social circle grew through many channels—the ACE program, evenings at the Wheelhouse, volunteering with the salmon hatchery, the arts council, the queer community, and through work itself. Many of the people they’ve connected with arrived in Rupert for practical reasons—and stayed for the same ones Gen and Chris did.

Our social life here is full – people really show up for one another here. It’s one of the main reasons we stayed. Having moved from Vancouver, it felt very refreshing. – Gen

What Brought them North, and What Made them Stay

The move to Prince Rupert began with Gen’s decision to return to school and follow her passion for environmental science. After researching programs across the province, she landed on the Applied Coastal Ecology (ACE) diploma at Coast Mountain College. The program brought them north, but it wasn’t long before the city itself made a case for staying.

Affordability played a role. Compared to much of B.C., Prince Rupert still offered the possibility of buying a home—something that felt increasingly out of reach elsewhere. But more than that, it was the people. Community formed quickly, and organically.

Chris admits they needed convincing. Leaving Vancouver wasn’t easy at first, but once in Rupert, new doors opened. Gen pursued her environmental work, and Chris found space to immerse themselves in the arts—painting murals, curating art shows, and making pottery. Creative pathways eventually led to Cloudberry Catering, a business that might not have been possible in the more crowded, expensive landscape down south.

A Blank Canvas with Real Opportunity

Prince Rupert, they say, is a bit of a blank canvas. If you have a skill set, an idea, and the willingness to put in the work, there’s space here to build something new—and the community is ready for it.

The community response since launching Cloudberry has been overwhelmingly positive. If you have a business idea and a specific skill set – the sky is the limit! Also if anyone is reading this – we need a ReStore! We need a tool library! We need so many things. Come start them all.- Gen

People show up for local businesses here. There’s a real appetite for thoughtful, locally rooted offerings—and a genuine excitement when someone tries something new. If you’re thinking about moving here, building something here, or starting over—Rupert makes room for that, and Gen and Chris are proof.