Prince Rupert Arts, Culture & History Tours
Aboriginal drummer at Laxspa'aws (Pike Island), JF Bergeron photo
Discover the ins and outs of Prince Rupert's beautiful harbour, Chatham Sound. Several companies in Prince Rupert offer guided tours. Learn about local First Nations, modern local history and view a beautiful old-growth rainforest. Keep an eye out for eagles as well as other land and sea creatures in their natural environment – another bonus to the trips.
Pike Island tours
One 90-minute tour takes visitors by ferry to Pike Island, also called Laxpa'aws, which means "island of sand," and includes an interpretive walk. Pike Island features ancient First Nations village sites, petroglyphs dating back thousands of years and a recreated traditional longhouse. On the tour, a local First Nations Tsimshian guide explains the significance and history of the sites while pointing out evidence of lives lived hundreds of years before Prince Rupert became a city.
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Paddle the Harbour by Canoe or Kayak
For the more adventurous, paddle across the harbour for about 20 minutes to one of the islands facing Prince Rupert in a traditional 29-foot canoe. On the way, look for seals and eagles. Also learn about local Tsimshian First Nations history and ways of life including protocol and roles of First Nations elders. On the island, explore the old-growth rainforest, check out a salmon spawning stream – although the salmon spawn only at certain times of the year – then feast on fresh seafood on a sandy beach.
A four-hour kayaking tour is another option. Take the ferry to a nearby First Nations village Metlakatla. From there, local guides kayak with visitors through the marine channel of Venn passage and explain the history of the area and its people.
Relaxed Cruising Tours
For visitors who want to spend time on the ocean, but not exert themselves physically, regularly scheduled two-hour cruises explore the busy harbour. A similar cruise loops Kaien Island, on which Prince Rupert is located, and pokes around and into its smaller inlets. Passengers may see a mix of cargo ships, float planes and fishing boats as well as eagles and other marine animals including seals and even whales. Most cruises are during the day but dinner cruises are also available.
Practical Points
- Most tours can be arranged at Atlin Terminal, the main tourist shopping centre in Cow Baby. They leave from there too.
- Booking at least two weeks in advance is recommended though it's possible to join a tour on the same day.
- Some tours require a minimum number of people and maybe cancelled during inclement weather.
- Self-guided kayaking trips are also possible and kayaks are available for rental.
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