Unique Outdoor Accommodations in Prince Rupert1

Located strategically on a sheltered cove, protected by a string of uninhabited islands on British Columbia's northern Inside Passage, Prince Rupert is known as the gateway to the Queen Charlotte Islands and Alaska. It was founded as a centre for transportation and trade, and is accessible by land, air and water. Its port is the deepest ice-free natural harbour in North America, and ferries arrive often, shuttling in adventurers arriving from Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle, while cruise ships depart to hop on the Alaska Marine Highway for excursions farther north. The city's airport, found on Digby Island, is only 20 minutes from downtown by ferry-bus, and is busy every day with more than 5,000 planes landing yearly. The city is situated on Kaien Island, but offers easy land access to the rest of BC by Highway 16, also known as Yellowhead Highway, which crosses to the mainland by a small bridge. Prince Rupert also acted as the northern terminus for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, which became part of the Canadian National Railway (CNR) shortly after its inception.

Set at the edge of thick and unfathomable wilderness, visitors generally arrive to Prince Rupert to set off for unforgettable wildlife viewing trips of whales and grizzly bears, kayaking and fishing tours, and excursions by boat and airplane. The Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary, a short drive northeast of the city, was Canada's first park dedicated specifically to preserving and enhancing the habitat of the bears. An interpretive centre is open to the public, and controlled viewings are allowed.

For whatever reason travellers find themselves visiting the Prince Rupert area, this WorldWeb.com Travel Guide article can help with making an informed accommodation choice along with three important information pages:

1. Accommodation Directory - A complete accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, luxury resorts, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their type of trip and their personal preferences.
2. Secure Room Reservations - A convenient online room search and reservation page allowing the user to check for room availability and then make a secure online reservation. Although this is a useful feature anytime of year, the online Secure Room Reservations page is particularly helpful during busy peak seasons.
3. Maps - The Prince Rupert map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

GETTING AROUND

Prince Rupert is easily walkable, and, indeed, should be wandered through slowly to take in the numerous Haida and Tsimpsean totem poles scattered throughout the city, a number of which concentrate Totem Park, where the silent, stone-faced monuments watch over the sea. Car rental agencies are available for those who prefer to sightsee from the road, and sailboat and yacht chartering companies cater to salty sea dogs.

ACCOMMODATION IN THE CITY CENTRE

	Pillsbury Guest House Has Sheltered the City's Elite2

Downtown Prince Rupert's major attractions are located on First Avenue, facing the Pacific Ocean, running along the shoreline. A few steps south of Yellowhead Highway is the Museum of Northern B.C., built as a replica of a traditional First Nations longhouse and exhibiting artifacts from the region dating to the end of the last ice age. A little farther down is the Firehall Museum, which memorializes the century-long history of the Prince Rupert City Fire and Rescue department. Across the street find the award-winning Kwinitsa Railway Station, a former remote train depot now housing displays depicting Prince Rupert's evolution from a simple tent town to the thriving hub it is today. Keep heading south to reach Cow Bay Waterfront, a favourite gathering place where several shops and services enjoy views of boats arriving and leaving from the harbour.

Prince Rupert seems to specialize in bed and breakfasts, with several individual and quality choices available. Bed and breakfasts are usually family-owned and located in a private home, and, of course, a hearty breakfast is presented each morning. Guests enjoy carefully decorated and well-maintained rooms, and benefit from gleaning the knowledge of the surrounding sights and sounds from the often-colourful owners.

	A Comfortable Room at the Tall Trees B&B3

Close to nearly everything, the Pillsbury Guest House was the first home ever built in Prince Rupert, originally housing Grand Trunk Pacific railroad dignitaries and their loved ones. The house stands out with a brightly-painted red wooden facade, and its distinct four gables, each one directly facing north, east, south or west, were designed in 1908 by Joel Pillsbury, the B&B's namesake. The Tall Trees Bed and Breakfast is an intimate stay, with private entrances to every room, each of which is dedicated to a special island memory of the family who owns the home. The backyard reaches out into the surrounding forest, and there are plenty of trails to travel, but the B&B is still within walking distance to downtown.

Further examples include the Java Lodge, a restored heritage home in the centre of the city that was once a Bank of Montreal, the Harvey Guest House, located in a quiet area a short walk from downtown, and Eagle Bluff, brightly lit with huge windows and topped with a jaunty red turret. The Ambling Ambrose looks out over Tuck Inlet and is near several nature trails, and Andree's, just a few blocks away from the waterfront, has four pleasant rooms with private ensuites to choose from.

	Sunny Room at the Aleeda Motel4

Hotel accommodations in Prince Rupert include The Crest, where rooms look out over Prince Rupert's harbour and guests can expect a high level of service and quality amenities, including the in-house restaurant, which serves an extensive menu, a fitness centre available for all guests' use, and catering for large meetings, conferences and events. The Pacific Ocean is visible from nearly every room at the Inn on the Harbour, which serves up a complimentary continental breakfast each morning. Barrier-free rooms are accessible for people with disabilities, and the hotel is pet-friendly. The Aleeda Motel has 31 rooms, some with kitchenettes, and offers weekly and monthly rates during the off-season. Arrive at any time, as the front desk is staffed 24-hours a day, but reservations are recommended.

Smack dab in the middle of everything is the BlackRooster Roadhouse Hostel, cheerfully painted and impeccably cared for. Budget travellers are treated to a comfortable stay in bright and sunny rooms, meals may be prepared in a huge and modern kitchen and the downstairs cafe serves yummy creations such as crêpes, panini sandwiches, soups and aromatic coffees. Recently renovated, the Pioneer Hostel is located in a false-fronted frontier building with a welcoming front porch. The backyard boasts a gazebo, a barbecue and a fire pit for evening story-telling. The hostel offers free shuttle service from the BC ferries port and the VIA train station, free wireless Internet access and complimentary bicycle rentals.

	The Welcoming Facade of the BlackRooster Hostel5

ACCOMMODATIONS CLOSE TO YELLOWHEAD HIGHWAY

Oasis Apartments specialize in long-term stays, although rooms are available for short-term stopovers as well. Lifestyles at home and away can remain relatively similar, as the fully-furnished apartments come with complete kitchens, and guests may feel free to take advantage of the fitness facilities and hot tub. The building is monitored and secure. Situated in an easy spot to reach from the highway, the Neptune Motor Inn has several large units suitable for families, including suites with three separate bedrooms. Many are equipped with kitchenettes. Laundry facilities are also available to help revitalize tired wardrobes. Also in a hard-to-miss location, the Parkside Resort Motel streamlines their guests' stays with hassle-free service with several bonuses, including a free continental breakfast, Internet access, complimentary coffee and mini-refrigerators in the rooms. Finally, the Black Forest B&B is near many services and has a cosy sitting area with a fireplace and entertainment centre for guests to trade stories at the end of the day.

CLOSE TO THE FERRY, AIRPORT AND COW BAY

Recently built and interestingly designed, the Anchor Inn is an ideal choice for both business and pleasure travellers. Rooms all have designated workspaces and wireless Internet access for those who need to get a bit of business done, but also have orthopedic mattresses and a soothing décor to aid in relaxation and a good night's sleep. Totem Lodge has 31 rooms available, most with kitchenettes with full-size fridges, microwaves, stoves, ovens, toasters and coffee machines. Guests may take advantage of new laundry facilities, and small pets are welcome.

Several bed and breakfasts are also located close to the harbour, such as the Pineridge B&B, with spacious rooms finely decorated with local arts and crafts, and Studio 1735 B&B offers a special retreat for the creative, with an artist nook and instruction available. Harbourview B&B ensures guests their privacy with a huge guest room equipped with a refrigerator, microwave and satellite television. Transportation to and from the ferry and train stations is provided. The Rainforest B&B is minutes from Cow Bay and seconds from many nature trails, and the proprietors of Caroline's Home Comfort B&B do their best to ensure guests feel welcomed and at ease.

Prince Rupert RV Campground caters to those who live on four wheels as well as those who carry their shelter on their backs. Several RV and tenting spots are well-treed and serviced with many amenities, and the site is located in the city within walking distance to downtown. Open year-round, reservations are recommended.