Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada
Historic Prince Rupert captivates both mind and heart with its maritime history and awe-inspiring scenery. Located near the Alaska panhandle, Prince Rupert was established in 1910 as the intersection of commerce and trade for First Nations people and continued to develop as a town when selected as the western terminus for the Grand Turk Pacific Railway. Nestled within a temperate rainforest, it experiences 220 days of rain each year, earning it the poetic nickname "The City of Rainbows." But from within the raindrops, Prince Rupert shines with heritage charms best seen in its Kwinitsa Railway Station Museum, The Museum of Northern British Columbia and the historic North Pacific Cannery compound. Its stunning vistas captured in flight from the window of a seaplane adventure amaze travelers. Abundant wildlife can be observed on land at the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. And seen from the deck of a wildlife cruise on the chilly waters, breeching humpback whales and soaring eagles inspire. Hike through the Butze Rainforest or the Exchamsiks River Provincial Park, then end the day with a stroll among the colorful gift shops stopping in a charming bistro to sample the freshest catch of the day.
Points of Interest
- Museum of Northern BC
- Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary
- North Pacific Cannery
- Butze Rapids Trail
- Kwinitsa Railway Museum
- Exchamsiks River Provincial Park
- Wildlife
- Seal Cove Salt Marsh
More about Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada Points of Interest
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Museum of Northern BC -
Housed in a North Coast longhouse, this well-curated museum displays a significant First Nations collection. Peruse thousands of archaeological artifacts, enlightening exhibits, and native artwork from past to present.
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Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary -
View majestic grizzly bears in their protected natural habitat from the safety of a 72-foot catamaran designed for wildlife viewing. Hear stories and learn about the diverse marine environment from the knowledgeable crew.
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North Pacific Cannery -
Established in 1889, the oldest intact cannery in British Columbia is a National Historic Site. Interactive walking tours include the expansive grounds and a variety of structures, restored to their 19th-century condition.
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Butze Rapids Trail -
Trek through the lush rainforest ecosystem on a naturalist guided hike that takes in its splendid flora and fauna and stops at an overlook for great views of the Butze Rapids, a natural phenomenon.
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Kwinitsa Railway Museum -
Journey through the origin and history of this northern rail line, which ran between Winnipeg and Prince Rupert. A variety of displays and exhibits detail the development of early Prince Rupert and the growth of Canada's railways.
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Exchamsiks River Provincial Park -
Explore this conservation parkland by land and by water. Jetboats negotiate rock walls and waterfalls while guided nature walks under a canopy of ancient Sitka spruce trees traverse this lush ecosystem and coastal forest.
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Wildlife -
Summertime presents the amazing opportunity to witness a wealth of wild animals including bears, whales, harbor seals and eagles.
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Seal Cove Salt Marsh -
A scenic waterfront recreational attraction with a pedestrian bridge, picnic tables and seating. Restoration of a fish habitat and natural aquatic vegetation and exposure of a hidden creek revitalized the area.
