Prince Rupert has many exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities. See Prince Rupert's reversing tidal rapids on a hike along the Butze Rapids Trail or tackle the challenging Mt. Hays trail for a panoramic view of Prince Rupert as well as the islands and mountains that surround it. You can camp in the wilderness of one of the many deserted, water or air access-only islands and inlets in the area or play a very civilized round of golf on the lush, 18-hole Prince Rupert Centennial Golf Course.
Buildings and structures of note in Prince Rupert include the longhouse, which houses the Museum of Northern BC, totem poles scattered throughout the city and the North Pacific Historic Fishing Village. The museum's longhouse features massive cedar timbers, contemporary glass art and an outstanding view of Prince Rupert harbour.
The Museum of Northern BC offers guided walking tours of the totem poles, which are the work of both Tsimshian and Haida carvers. The North Pacific Historic Fishing Village, a National Historic Site, is the most complete example of a pioneer-era cannery village on the west coast. Guided tours of the site are available.
The first people in the Prince Rupert area were the Tsimshian, who still thrive in numerous island and mainland villages. There are five significant Tsimshian archaeological sites on Laxspa'aws (Pike Island), including village sites that date back 1,800 years. Access to the island is only possible via a guided tour. The Tsimshian were, and are, master carvers; a collection of their totem poles, one of the best on the west coast, is located in Prince Rupert. The Museum of Northern BC offers guided walking tours of the totem poles and other heritage sites, as well as exceptional exhibits chronicling thousands of years of north coast history.
After Prince Rupert was incorporated in 1910, first railroading and then fishing became the city's major economic drivers. Visit the Kwinitsa Railway Station Museum for a look at the history of railroading in the area and the North Pacific Historic Fishing Village (a National Historic Site) for a taste of life in a cannery village. At the latter, you can take a guided tour of displays and exhibits housed in period buildings, watch a play about the north coast fishery, shop at the gift shop, dine and even stay overnight on the site.
Some of Prince Rupert's most exciting attractions focus on its rich Aboriginal heritage. The Museum of Northern BC, itself a major attraction, offers guided tours of a number of cultural sites in the summer months. One of the best collections of standing totem poles on the west coast is located in Prince Rupert. Important archaeological sites on nearby Laxspa'aws (Pike Island) include village sites that date back 1,800 years. Southeast of Prince Rupert, in Port Edward, is the most complete, pioneer-era cannery village on the west coast. Built in 1889, the North Pacific Historic Fishing Village, a National Historic Site, comprises 28 buildings scattered over 18 ha (45 ac). You can take a guided tour of displays and exhibits housed in original cannery buildings, watch a play about the north coast fishery, shop the gift shop, dine and even spend the night.
Other Prince Rupert attractions include the Kwinitsa Railway Station Museum; Cow Bay, a historic commercial district on the city's waterfront; and Butze Rapids, a reversing, tidal rapid.
While you may be aware that Prince Rupert is a top fishing, kayaking and whale watching destination, you might be surprised to learn that it's also a bastion of high culture. The city's Performing Arts Centre is one of the top performance venues in Canada. It seats 700 and stages more than 120 performances a year.
Prince Rupert is also a great place to shop. Its Cow Bay district bustles with shoppers, diners, cruise ship passengers and yachters. Many of the city's oldest buildings stand here. The black-and-white, cow-print paint scheme on lamp posts, dumpsters and some businesses is sure to get your attention.
One of the best ways to enjoy the scenery around Prince Rupert is to take a scenic drive to Terrace along Highway 16. The roadway has many rest stops for enjoying views that include mountain, river and lake scenery. In springtime, bald eagles and seals can be seen in and around the Skeena River fishing for Eulachons. In early summer, mountain goats can be seen on the cliffs south of the Skeena.
Just east of Prince Rupert, the Butze Rapids are a set of reversing tidal rapids best viewed an hour after high tide. The viewpoint for the rapids is accessed by a 4.8-km (3-mi) hiking loop through old-growth forest.
The north coast is one of the best places in North America to view bears and whales, but you do have to get off the beaten track to see them. Most of the best wildlife viewing opportunities around Prince Rupert are air or water access-only. Grizzlies and black bears can be seen around Khutzeymateen Inlet and other inlets north of Prince Rupert. Humpbacks and other whales are also to be found in waters north of the city.
Prince Rupert has long been considered a premier North American fishing destination. The north coast in general is legendary for hefty salmon and "barn door-sized" halibut. All five species of Pacific salmon migrate through the area, which is also abundant in lingcod, rockfish, crab, prawns and shrimp. Fishing charters are readily available in Prince Rupert. There are a number of fly-in lodges in surrounding areas as well.
Ocean kayaking around Prince Rupert is a real treat, whether you're a fearless expert or a tentative beginner. The coastline, with its waterfalls, sandy white beaches and abandoned villages, is scenic indeed; wildlife is everywhere. Watch for humpback, Orca and grey whales, porpoises, seals, sea lions and marine birds. You can also sail or cruise these waters in search of wildlife. The guided boat tours available include whale watching tours, harbour tours, archaeological tours, Kaien Island circle tours and historical tours of the lower Skeena River.