How to Explore Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada
Prince Rupert is on the northwest coast of British Columbia on Kaien Island, almost 450 miles north of Vancouver. It is a gateway city to many northwest destinations, with one of the deepest natural harbors in the world. It was founded in 1910 by Charles Melville Hays, general manager of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, who died on the HMS Titanic in 1912. A major cruise ship port stop along Alaska’s Inside Passage, it is also accessible by road, ferry, railroad and airlines. A visit can include museums, whale-watching and nature tours, camping, fishing, hiking trails, shopping and dining. You'll also see totem poles.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
A Small Town with Plenty to See and Do
-
1
Start exploring Prince Rupert from the visitor center at the Atlin Terminal building on the cruise ship dock, a former fish-processing plant. Pick up brochures, maps and guides before venturing into the city. Attendants can also help with camping, tours and accommodations. The Ice House Art Gallery in the same building is a co-operative for British Columbian artists. Walk up the hill to Cow Bay, an area once known for dairy cows, now a shopping district with art galleries, gift shops, scooter rentals, seafood restaurants and Internet cafes. Black-and-white cow-themed decor abounds, including garbage cans, bathtubs and fire hydrants. Stop at the Cow Bay Gift Gallery, Coastal Spirit Native Arts, Cappuccino's Coffee House and Smile Seafood Cafe, a 1922 landmark.
-
2
Pacific Mariners Park on McBride Street overlooks the harbor with gardens, antique buoys and a ships propeller. Nearby is Prince Rupert Waterfront Park, with a whale statue at the entrance; take a tour of the Kwinitsa Railway Station Museum.
-
-
3
Take a guided tour of the North Pacific Cannery, a museum on the salmon industry and the oldest remaining cannery on North America's west coast. Consider taking a three-hour float plane trip to Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, or by boat for whale watching. Depending on the length of your stay, other exploration opportunities include guided kayaking, nature trail and fishing trip expeditions.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Prince Rupert is a walking town; you will get a work out.
There are some hilly areas that may be difficult for wheelchairs.
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos by Natasha Lawrence
