Prince Rupert’s magnificent 14-mile harbour, located 550 miles north of Vancouver, BC, is one of the deepest, natural, ice-free harbours in the world.
In 2004 the Port of Prince Rupert entered the cruise ship market with the opening of its Cruise Terminal, and is now a port of call for many Alaska cruises. This has boosted the city’s tourism industry, making it second only to it’s shipping trade.
Visitor Info Centre is in the Museum of Northern BC and is open year-round. 100 1st Ave West. 1-800-667-1994
The 15,000 inhabitants of this city enjoy a marine climate with summer temperatures in the low 20s Celsius, and in the winter between 0 and 10 Celsius. Prince Rupert is located in the heart of Tsimshian territory, and for 10,000 years many villages flourished in the harbor. European explorers first arrived off the northern coast in the 18th century and quickly established a maritime fur trade with the Tsimshian and the neighboring Nisga’a, Haida and Heiltsuk nations.
Fishing and trading were ancient businesses on the Northwest Coast, and the village of Port Essington sprang up at the mouth of the Skeena to capitalize on this. After the railroad focused its attention on Kaien Island, the city developed quickly—the first surveyors arrived in 1906, a “tent city” sprang up almost immediately, and by 1910 the City of Prince Rupert was incorporated. Following the war a pulp mill and other major industries were added to Prince Rupert’s economy, helping to build the vibrant seaport community and transportation hub of today. The Museum of Northern B.C. is the gateway to explore the history of the Northwest Coast.
Crest Hotel featuring more than 100 guest rooms, luxury suites, lounge and the Waterfront Restaurant, that was voted one of the top 100 things to do in BC before you die. Whether you are holding a meeting, planning a wedding or need a special events room, The Crest has it all. There is even a fitness center on site. 222 West 1st Avenue. 250-624-6771 or 1-800-663-8150
Camping Prince Rupert RV Campground 1750 Park Avenue, 250-627-1000. 1 km
from ferry terminal on Highway 16. 87 serviced and unserviced
sites, 30-amp electricity, Wi-Fi, showers and restrooms, sani-station,
telephone, laundry. Open year-round.
Alaska
Marine Highway . Regular ferry service between Prince
Rupert and the Alaskan Panhandle communities is provided by
the Alaska State Ferry system. Reservations are an absolute
must during the summer. Information on passenger/vehicle
rates, schedules and staterooms can be obtained from the
Alaska Marine Highway, Reservation Line: 1- 800-382-9229
BC
Ferries. For a scenic cruise through the Inside Passage
of British Columbia's unique coastline, take the BC Ferry from
Port Hardy (northern tip of Vancouver Island) or Prince Rupert
on the BC Northcoast mainland. Frequent sailings are scheduled
between these two points during the summer months as well
as between Prince Rupert and Skidegate in Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte
Islands). Because of the extreme popularity of the summer sailings,
advance reservations are definitely recommended. Information
about schedules, fares and staterooms can be obtained
from their website www.bcferries.com
Buses. Greyhound
serves Prince Rupert daily with connections to the rest
of Canada. 1-800-661-TRIP (8747)
Things
To Do Breakers Pub has been a landmark on Prince Rupert’s waterfront for over 23 years. Situated over the water between the Yacht Club and Altin Terminal. Enjoy casual dining on the deck in the summer.
First Nation Carving Shed, visitors will be able to see, first hand, some of the finest, most skilled carvers living in northern British Columbia. On First Avenue, beside the Museum of Northern BC.
Cow Bay In 1908, farmers began unloading cows in Prince Rupert's bay and, as a result, it was renamed Cow Bay. Today, a steady stream of cruise ship passengers come ashore at the Northland Terminal, opened in 2004 at Cow Bay, not far from downtown Prince Rupert.
Today Cow Bay is a waterfront area of historic buildings, many of them built on pilings over the water. Though visitors will still find working marine shops providing services for the commercial fleet, Cow Bay is a trendy shopping district where visitors can book area tours, visit a variety of boutiques, including souvenir and gift shops, or relax in one of several restaurants and coffee shops. The Northland Terminal shopping centre features the Ice House Gallery, an artists’ cooperative where visitors can browse through a wide selection of works by local artists.
Cow Bay Gift Galley Local hand crafted jewellery, souvenirs and a large selection of Canadian gifts, quality kitchenware, luxurious bath products, home decor, and much much more. 250- 627-1808
Centennial Golf Course. An 18-hole golf course
is located at the foot of Mt. Oldfield, just 5 minutes
from downtown Prince Rupert. Visitors are welcome. Call 250-624-2000
for tee times.
Fire Museum - located
in the present Fire Hall. A1925 REO Speedwagon Fire Truck, the center piece of the museum, which was purchased new
and retired from Prince Rupert use when a more modern
engine was commissioned. The engine was reclaimed from
the bush and rebuilt by Corps personnel. Admission by donation. 200 1st Avenue West 250-624-2211
Kwinitsa Railway Museum exhibiting
the railway history of Prince Rupert and the surrounding area.
This is an original Grand Trunk Railway station that was
situated 45 miles East of Prince Rupert, at Kwinitsa, on the
Skeena River and was moved by barge to its present location.
250-624-3207
Museum of Northern BC Enter and experience the magnificent architecture of a Northwest
Coast longhouse. In the Great Hall view exhibits that portray
history and culture dating back to the end of the last ice age.
North Pacific Historic Fishing Villageis the oldest and most complete remaining cannery
village on the West Coast. Today a museum and Canadian National
Historic Site, it pays tribute to the people who lived and worked
in the more than 200 salmon canneries that once dotted the B.C.
coastline. Guided tours, live performance and mouth-watering
food.
Oldfield Creek Hatchery will house one of the very few Salmon Education Centres in all of British Columbia which will let people have a greater understanding of what to do to preserve salmon life. Wantage Road 250- 624-6733
Performing Arts Centre. 1100 McBride St. 250-627-8888.
Smiles Restaurant - 113 Cow Bay Road. History
dates back to 1922 when it started as an ice cream and hot dog
stand. Sold in 1936 to Harry and Dolly Nelson it took the name
from Dolly who was known for her smile. Since 1922 it has
had seven owners and is a local institution.
Totem Poles. The Pacific
Northwest is the home of the Tsimpsean and Haida native
Indian peoples. Scattered throughout Prince Rupert are numerous
totem poles which are authentic reproductions of historic and
famous poles. Totem poles are carved from cedar and were
raised as a public record of some important event in native
history. There are six different types of poles and the average
life span of a totem pole is 70 years.
