Prince Rupert-City of Rainbows

	Skeena River 1

Located on the edge of the wilderness on British Columbia's northwest coast, Prince Rupert has a rugged beauty, surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes. Situated near the mouth of the Skeena River on Kaien Island, Prince Rupert has much to offer visitors. It boasts prime sportfishing, magnificent wildlife viewing--including whale watching--several scenic hiking trails, and a vibrant history, which is preserved at museums and throughout the city's historic districts.

Its ideal location makes Prince Rupert an excellent starting off point from which to explore the Pacific Northwest. The city operates as a main transportation hub with ferries connecting to Alaska, the Queen Charlotte Islands and Vancouver Island. Named after Rupert of the Rhine, a Hudson's Bay Company governor, Prince Rupert is also a major shipping port with its natural deepwater, ice-free harbour.

HISTORY

Prince Rupert's past is a fascinating blend of First Nations history and culture, railway construction, fishing and foresty.

Archaelogical evidence indicates that human history and settlement on the north coast dates back 10,000 years. The Tsimshian First Nation has its ancestral roots in Prince Rupert, and today, visitors can witness the influence of this native group and others in the community through many remaining cultural artifacts, including totem poles that are positioned throughout the city. The tiny Pike Island, situated across from the Tsimshian village of Metlakatla, offers a glimpse into the past at significant archaeological sites found here. The island is only accessible via guided tours.

Crowd by Train, Prince Rupert, BC 2

Another major impact on Prince Rupert's history was the construction of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTP). The city was founded by Charles Melville Hays, the general manager of the GTP, who felt that Prince Rupert was the ideal location for the western terminus of the railway. Hays had many plans for the city but unfortunately died in the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Hays' vision, however, was fulfilled on April 9, 1914, when the first train arrived from Winnipeg, Manitoba. A visit to the Kwinitsa Station Railway Museum, located in the waterfront park, highlights major railway developments and achievements of Prince Rupert.

Once known as the “Halibut Capital of the World,” Prince Rupert's economy was also greatly influenced by the fishing industry after World War I. During World War II, Prince Rupert was used as a transportation base and shipbuilding centre, and after the war, forestry became a major industry with the construction of a pulp mill.

Today, tourism is Prince Rupert's leading industry, with cruise ship traffic bringing a seasonal influx of tourists into the city and the abundance of sportfishing opportunities in the area attracting visitors annually.

TRANSPORTATION

Getting There

Air
Both Air Canada Jazz and Hawkair offer flights from Vancouver to Prince Rupert, flying into Digby Island Airport and taking approximately two hours. Hawkair flies out of Vancouver International Airport's South Terminal, with a shuttle service available between the Main Terminal and South Terminal. After arrival at Digby, passengers board a bus that takes them to the ferry terminal, from where they cross to Prince Rupert. Both Air Canada Jazz and Hawkair passengers will be taken to the Highliner Plaza Hotel. The bus/ferry fee is included in the airline ticket costs.

	Close Up of a Totem Pole 3

Car
Land access into Prince Rupert is via the Yellowhead Highway 16. The journey from Prince George to Prince Rupert is approximately 756 km (469 mi).

Bus
Greyhound Bus lines provides service between Prince Rupert and Prince George, with two buses daily each way.

Train
Via Rail offers a trip from Jasper to Prince Rupert with an overnight layover in Prince George. This 1160 km (725 mi) trip takes over two days and offers a scenic journey through the Skeena River Valley.

Ferries
BC Ferries and the Alaska Marine Highway System operate year-round. For those travelling with vehicles, it is advisable to book ahead as vehicle space goes quickly. Travellers without a vehicle can usually find space.

Getting Around

Public Transportation
BC Transit operates seven bus routes, connecting throughout the city. Route 60 connects to the nearby village of Port Edward, home of the North Pacific Historic Fishing Village (see below).

Visitor Centre
Located on Cow Bay Road in the Atlin Terminal building, overlooking the Prince Rupert Harbour, the Visitor's Centre is a wealth of knowledge and can help tourists with trip planning and provide details on accommodations, attractions, tours and other local information. The centre is open year-round with seasonal hours of operation.

CLIMATE

Prince Rupert experiences a maritime climate with mild winters and pleasant summers. Winter temperatures almost reach freezing point, while summers are warm, with temperatures reaching the high teens and low 20s ºC (low to mid 60s ºF). Known as the “City of Rainbows,” Prince Rupert is Canada's wettest city with 250 cm (100 in) of rainfall per year, autumn being the wettest season. Travellers are advised to dress in layers and bring with them water-resistant clothing.

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

Museum of Northern British Columbia
Learn about Prince Rupert's rich First Nations heritage at the Museum of Northern British Columbia, housed in a version of a First Nation longhouse. The multiple exhibits and galleries here showcase a variety of native artwork and archaeological artifacts, including ceremonial pieces, that depict ancient ways of life. Other displays offer insight into other important periods, including the fur trade and the construction of the railway. Seasonal programs are offered by the museum, running from May to September. 

Guests of the museum can also experience native culture up close and personal with a visit to the Carving Shed, located nearby on Market Place. The Carving Shed, which features First Nation carvers at work, is operated by the museum and is open to the public from June to August. Back at the museum, tourists can purchase original works by northwest coast artists in the gift shop located on-site.

	Several Coffee Shops are Found in the Cow Bay District 4

North Pacific Historic Fishing Village
Take a trip back in time by visiting the North Pacific Historic Fishing Village (aka North Pacific Cannery), located 20 km (12 mi) south of Prince Rupert in the village of Port Edward. Open May to September, the cannery attracts thousands of tourists annually, making for an excellent half-day excursion from Prince Rupert. A bus service between Prince Rupert and Port Edward is available Monday to Saturday, with departures from the Museum of Northern British Columbia. 

Built in 1889, North Pacific Cannery is one of the oldest intact fish canneries on the west coast and was designated a National Historic Site by Parks Canada in 1987. The cannery is significant in that it educates the public on the role of the fishing industry in the economic and cultural development of northwestern BC. The village is made up of historic buildings, a boardwalk and working dock, complete with guided tours that detail the canning process and fishing methods, as well as re-enactments and performances. Other attractions on-site include a gift shop, a restaurant and overnight accommodation in a waterfront bunkhouse.

Cow Bay
Officially named Cameron Cove, Cow Bay got its unique name when a herd of dairy cows were forced to swim ashore because there was no dock. The name stuck and today Cow Bay is a bustling waterfront shopping district, filled with locally owned and operated boutiques and shops housed in restored heritage buildings. Located north of downtown, the district also features several souvenir stores, gift shops and galleries, with many showcasing First Nation artwork and jewellery. After a day of shopping and exploring, stop in at one of the many restaurants and coffee shops found in the area and sample the seafood, especially the fresh salmon and halibut featured on local menus.

Downtown
Tourists will also want to make their way into Prince Rupert's downtown district, which features a mix of independently owned shops, services and attractions. The district consists of McBride Street--which separates the city between east and west--Second Avenue and Third Avenue. Walking through the downtown area, visitors will be able to gain a glimpse into Prince Rupert's past and culture, with historic buildings dotting the streets and totem poles, gardens and fountains scattered throughout the core.

1. Skeena River; British Columbia, Canada
2. Crowd by Train; Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada
3. Close Up of a Totem Pole; British Columbia, Canada
4. Coffee Shop Sign; British Columbia, Canada