It is situated on the Tsimpsean Peninsula, at Porpoise Harbour, near the southern end of Chatham Sound, close to the mouth of the Skeena River, 15 km (9 mi) southeast of Prince Rupert.

At one time sustained by the numerous canneries in the area, transportation and construction are now the mainstays of the local economy.

[3] Tourism is also important, with the North Pacific Cannery providing both a living museum and national heritage site within Port Edward.

The project was a major joint-venture between Malaysia's state oil and gas company, Petronas, and significant partners including Sinopec and JAPEX.

This $11 billion (CAD) project, if constructed, would have brought significant economic activity to Port Edward.