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Prince Rupert is a port city on Kaien Island, near the mouth of the Skeena River on British Columbia's north coast. It was laid out as the Pacific terminus of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway in the early twentieth century, on lands that have been home to Tsimshian peoples for thousands of years. Its deep natural harbour, misty green hills and frequent rain define the setting.
The waterfront district of Cow Bay holds cafes, shops and fishing boats, and is the most pleasant place to stroll. The Museum of Northern British Columbia, in a building inspired by a traditional longhouse, presents thousands of years of coastal First Nations history and art. Nearby, the Kwinitsa Station Railway Museum occupies a relocated railway station, and Pacific Mariners Memorial Park overlooks the harbour. The Sunken Gardens occupy a terraced hollow beside the courthouse, and Totem Park displays carved poles. South of town, the North Pacific Cannery in Port Edward preserves a historic salmon cannery village. Boat tours visit the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary in season and cross to the community of Metlakatla.
Prince Rupert is also a transport hub, with ferries continuing to Haida Gwaii and south along the Inside Passage. It suits independent travelers and wildlife enthusiasts who pack for rain.
WiserMap travel guidePrince Rupert British Columbia Totem Poles and GrizzliesPlan a Prince Rupert trip with museums, totem poles, a historic cannery, grizzly country and ferry links to Haida Gwaii on British Columbia's North Coast.Read the guide
Historic waterfront district with colourful buildings, cafes, seafood restaurants, galleries and shops, decorated with cow-patterned details. Fishing boats and the marina are right beside it. It is the most popular spot for dinner and evening walks.
Waterfront park honouring those lost at sea, with a bronze mariner statue looking out over the harbour. It also houses the Kazu Maru, a small Japanese fishing boat that drifted across the Pacific in the 1980s. It is a calm spot with harbour views.
Terraced flower gardens set in a hollow beside the courthouse, originally dug for the foundation of a building that was never built. They are colourful in summer and a quiet place to sit. It is a short walk from the downtown shops.
Museum in a longhouse-style building downtown, with an outstanding collection of Tsimshian, Haida and Nisga'a art and artifacts and exhibits on local history. The gift shop sells quality Indigenous art. Allow at least an hour.
Restored Grand Trunk Pacific railway station on the waterfront, showing how stations and railway workers lived in the early 1900s. It is small and run seasonally. It sits along the waterfront walk, so it is easy to drop in.
National Historic Site in Port Edward, south of the city, preserving the oldest surviving salmon cannery on the BC coast. Boardwalks connect the cannery buildings, bunkhouses and offices, with guided tours in summer. It opens seasonally, so check dates.
Forest and muskeg trail of about 5 km loop on the edge of the city, leading to reversing tidal rapids where the water roars in and out of a narrow channel. Check the tide tables to see the rapids at their best. The trail can be muddy.
Easy waterfront trail along the harbour from the edge of downtown, passing old pilings, forest and views over the water. It is good for a short walk and for spotting eagles. It can be slippery in wet weather, so wear good shoes.
Mountain above the city with a steep gravel road and trail to the top, where the views take in the harbour, islands and coastal mountains. Bald eagles are often seen. Allow several hours to walk up and back, and go on a clear day.
Canada's first grizzly bear sanctuary, a remote inlet northeast of Prince Rupert where grizzlies feed on the sedge flats in spring and early summer. Access is only by licensed boat or floatplane tour. Book well ahead, as visitor numbers are limited.
Tsimshian community a short boat ride across the harbour from Prince Rupert, with a long history as a village site and a mission. Cultural tours visit the village and nearby historic sites. Respect private property and visit with a guide.
Boat tours from Prince Rupert head into Chatham Sound to look for humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions and eagles. Summer and early fall are the best times. Dress in warm, waterproof layers even on sunny days.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Miguel Borges from Prince Rupert, BC, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: Adam Jones, Ph.D., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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