Prince Rupert is a port city surrounded by untamed nature. This makes it a perfect destination for water-based activities, including amazing ocean fishing.
This is one of BC's fishing hot spots. Situated on the migratory salmon routes of the north coast waters, it's rich in salmon, giant halibut, rockfish, lingcod, crab and prawns. A number of great charters are available.
The city is also the beginning and end point of various transportation routes – rail, ferries and local seaplanes – giving visitors many easily accessible opportunities to explore through different avenues.
The rich First Nations culture, tasty seafood and more modern attractions such as lounge restaurants and a casino make Prince Rupert a fun place to poke around in.
Water Activities
Saltwater summer fishing draws anglers to Prince Rupert from all over the continent, even the world. The quiet waters and large quantity and size of the fish are an exciting prospect for expert and beginner anglers. Coho and chinook salmon as well as halibut keep visitors in keen pursuit. Charters are the most popular way to go.
Harbour cruises and cultural tours in canoes and kayaks are another way to discover the area. Dinner cruises are great for a mellow meal while daytime cultural tours teach about local First Nations culture. Passengers can also see wildlife such as seals, eagles and possibly even whales.
Natural Sights, Parks & Wildlife
Seeing whales swim and play in their family pods in the Pacific Ocean is a unique experience for visitors to Prince Rupert. Group whale watching tours leave at least two times a day.
Watch grizzly bears feed at the stunning Khutzeymateen Sanctuary, via a bear-watching tour that is sure to be a magical experience. The Khutzeymateen, which means "sheltered place of fish and bears" in Tsimshian, is a protected park just northeast of Prince Rupert. It's home to about 50 grizzly bears as well as black bears. Boat or fly there and glide in through the water, quietly watching the incredible creatures from sea.
Flightseeing by itself, in a helicopter or seaplane is another option. Visitors can stick to the Prince Rupert area and surrounding villages, or land in specific destinations such as Ketchikan, Alaska.
A more relaxed activity can also be had just a few minutes drive east of town on Highway 16. A few small lakes surrounded by easy walking and hiking trails dot the highway. One of the most popular and most beautiful is the Butze Rapids Interpretive Trail. The moderate trail is an approximately two-hour long circle route that can be enjoyed by all ages.
Culture & History
Visiting the North Pacific Cannery is like taking a step back in time to see what cannery life was like back in the day. The well-preserved cannery, a national historic site, and the machines and fascinating relics it holds can take a day to discover.
Visitors also shouldn't miss the Museum of Northern British Columbia, with its intricate displays of First Nations and pioneer days artifacts. Not only is the museum's traditional long-house building majestic to enter, the place has a peaceful atmosphere of learning and sharing.
Combining exploration on the water and learning about the area and its people history and customs, various guided cultural tours of the area – some in canoes, others in kayaks – are a neat way to experience the land and ocean. One tour takes visitors to Pike Island where they can see historic petroglyphs etched in the rocks thousands of years ago.
Attractions
Other things to do in Prince Rupert in the summer include playing an 18-hole round of golf in the summer and strolling through the quaint farmer's market on Thursday afternoons. Or time your trip right to experience the town's biggest annual festival, Seafest, in June.
In the winter, drive an hour east to ski or snowboard in the endless inches of powder at Shames Mountain.
In any season, enjoy the variety of food at local restaurants. See various live music acts that play in local bars throughout the year. Shop for local crafts and gimmick items, or enjoy a coffee while watching eagles in Cow Bay. Or try your luck at the new casino in town.
Driving Routes
Prince Rupert's outdoor adventures, whale and bear watching opportunities, parks, museums, farmer's markets, and many more attractions are accessible along three distinct driving routes through beautiful Northern British Columbia. Learn more about routes through Prince Rupert here: Driving Routes.
For more information on any of these activities, call or visit the Prince Rupert Visitor Centre in Atlin Terminal in Cow Bay.
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