To the northwest of British Columbia is the lovely port town of Prince Rupert. The town has always relied on and been known for its fishing. Anglers and seafood lovers will appreciate being able to snag their dinner right out of the ocean. Depending on the time of year, the town is also great for spotting migrating whales. Along the waterfront, in the Cow Bay area, you will find some quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants. When you want to connect with nature you will find plenty of hiking trails just outside of town. If you are traveling with kids, be sure to take a trip to the Grizzly Bear Sanctuary where you will see more than just the bears. To help you plan your trip we put together this list of 20 fun things to do in Prince Rupert.
1. Explore the history at Museum of Northern British Columbia
The collections and artifacts of the Museum of Northern British Columbia reside in a cedar longhouse overlooking Prince Rupert Harbor. The museum celebrates the history and culture of indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest. The exhibits are divided among five display areas, such as the main gallery which focuses on trade and transportation. Be sure to stop by the gift shop to grab a souvenir to remember your visit.
Museum of Northern British Columbia
Address: 100 1st Ave W, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1A8, Canada
Website: Museum of Northern British Columbia
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 6 USD
2. Soothe your soul in lovely Sunken Gardens Park
Sunken Gardens Park is a small park ideal for strolling and picnics. The space was originally designated for the old courthouse but the plans were changed in 1923. The hole left behind, that was dug for the foundation, is used for the first level of the park. A pebbled walkway runs from the first level, through a tunnel, and into the lower level. This lower level is surrounded by a brick wall and contains lovely manicured gardens.
Sunken Gardens Park
Address: 1st Ave, Prince Rupert , Canada
Website: Sunken Gardens Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Browse artifacts at Prince Rupert Fire Museum
Located next door to the fire hall, this is the Prince Rupert Fire Museum. Kids will love seeing the display of old fire-fighting equipment, fire trucks, and other memorabilia. The star of the museum is the restored 1925 REO Speedwagon fire truck. It was the first of its kind and featured the latest equipment of its time such as inflatable tires and electric lights.
Prince Rupert Fire Museum
Address: 200 1st Ave W, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1A8, Canada
Website: Prince Rupert Fire Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
4. Go hiking at the Butze Rapid Trail
The Butze Rapid Trail meanders through the coastal rain forest and ends at the lookout over the tidal rapids. Get back to nature as you enjoy the easy hike through changing wetlands and animal habitats. You will be reminded just how small we are as you stand next to the grand old trees of the Northwest. Every so often, a break in the trees will provide beautiful views of the ocean.
Butze Rapid Trail
Address: Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Marvel at local creativity in Ice House Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Ice House Gallery on Saturday, July 3, 2021
The Ice House Gallery was established in 2004 by the North Coast Artists cooperative. The goal was to give them someplace to display their work, share information and skills, and market their art. You will find an eclectic collection of every kind of art crafted from local and unusual mediums. The gallery holds paintings, sculptures, hand made jewelry, and many more items to dazzle your eyes.
Ice House Gallery
Address: 215 Cow Bay Rd, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1A2, Canada
Website: Ice House Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm
6. Take the kids to Pacific Mariners Memorial Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Pacific Mariners Memorial Park sits overlooking the harbor. The park is dedicated to the men and women who have lost their lives at sea. At the main entrance is a large statue of a ship’s captain at the wheel. The kids can burn off some energy at the playground. And everyone can explore the memorials and antique ship parts displayed.
Pacific Mariners Memorial Park
Address: 101 1 Ave E, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 3X4, Canada
Website: Pacific Mariners Memorial Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Sample local beers at Wheelhouse Brewing
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Wheelhouse Brewing was created in 2013 by three close friends. They came to Prince Rupert and fell in love with the area so decided to make it their home. Since they also loved to craft their own beers, it only made sense to open a brewery. They crafted a selection of IPA’s and ales that come in bottles or draft. To accompany the beer they offer a menu of small plates featuring fresh seafood from the bay.
Wheelhouse Brewing Company
Address: 217 1 Ave E, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1A7, Canada
Website: Wheelhouse Brewing Company
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 4pm - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
8. Learn the early pioneer history at Kwinitsa Railway Museum
Located at Waterfront Park is the Kwinitsa Railway Museum. The small museum showcases exhibit to give you an idea of what the station master’s life was like. You will be transported back to the early days of Canada’s railway system with maps, photos, and other memorabilia. See what Prince Rupert looked like when it was just a small tent town before it became the city of today.
Kwinitsa Railway Museum
Address: Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1A2, Canada
Website: Kwinitsa Railway Museum
Opening hours: Tue- Sat: 9am - 5pm; (closed on Sun & Mon)
9. Try your luck at the Chances Casino
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Chances Casino is a modern community gaming center that is ideal for a fun night out. The casino features slots, electronic gaming tables, horse racing, and bingo room. Try your luck at any of the casino games and maybe you will be the next winner. Don Cherry’s Sports Bar & Grill is located here and offers 18 big-screen TV’s to watch your favorite game, a tasty menu, and a full line of cocktails and beer.
Chances Casino
Address: 240 1st Ave W, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1A8, Canada
Website: Chances Casino
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 2am
10. Taste authentic Japanese cuisine at Fukasaku
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We are fully booked tonight and tomorrow all day. Saturday lunch is wide open but fully booked for dinner. Thank you...
Posted by Fukasaku of Prince Rupert on Thursday, March 25, 2021
Fukasaku is the premier Japanese restaurant in Prince Rupert. They believe in offering substantial, sustainable cuisine that is healthy and delicious. All of the seafood is caught in the Pacific Ocean being mindful not to overfish any one area. They specialize in sashimi and sushi. If you can’t decide what to try, order the Omakase, the chef’s choice meal.
Fukasaku
Address: 215 Cow Bay Road., Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1A2
Website: Fukasaku
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 12pm - 8pm; Sat: 12pm - 8:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
11. Tour the iconic North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site
North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site will take you back in time with its undisturbed natural setting and original structures. The canning industry played a significant part in the cultural, economic, and natural development of British Columbia. Many of the old machines are still in use today. Guided tours of the facility are available and you can eat lunch that is inspired by pioneer days.
North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site
Address: 1889 Skeena Dr, Port Edward, BC V0V 1G0, Canada
Website: North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 12 USD
12. Seek answers at the Port Interpretive Center
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Port Interpretive Center, or visitor’s center, is the perfect place to learn all about the city of Prince Rupert. Knowledgeable ambassadors are available to help answer any question you may have. They have plenty of resources, such as guidebooks and maps. Learn about the city’s connection to other countries through the use of videos and interactive exhibits.
Port Interpretive Center,
Address: 215 Cow Bay Rd, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1A2, Canada
Website: Port Interpretive Center,
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
13. Hike the Tall Trees Trail
The Tall Trees Trail offers hikers of all ages a beautiful trek through changing scenery. The trail runs through both tropical rain forests, and alpine meadows. The first part of the trail is an easy hike through old forests and takes about one hour to complete. The second part of the trail begins a moderate climb, getting steeper towards the top. If you are physically able to make the climb the views from the top of the trail are worth the effort.
Tall Trees Trail
Address: Prince Rupert, BC, Canada
Website: Tall Trees Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Enjoy a cocktail with a view at Breaker's Pub
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Breaker’s Pub is located on the waterfront and has been a local favorite for over 25 years. Their patio overlooking the bay is open in the summer and is a great place to relax with friends. Enjoy a cocktail as you watch the seals and otters at play. The indoor lounge has plenty of TV’s to watch your favorite sports. Their menu is full of tasty dishes, such as the Cow Bay Cod Burger, or the Bacon bourbon Tiger Prawns.
Breaker's Pub
Address: 117 George Hills Way, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1A3
Website: Breaker’s Pub
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 11:30am - 12am; Thu - Sat: 11:30am - 1am; Sun: 12pm - 11pm
Price: 15 - 30 USD
15. Cast a line and catch your dinner
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A big crowd for the Kids' Fishing Derby.
Posted by Visit Prince Rupert on Thursday, August 18, 2011
The port town of Prince Rupert was built on fishing. First, the indigenous people fished the waters to feed their people. Then the commercial fishing and canning industry exploded in the area in the early 20th century. Anglers of all ages and skill lovers will be happy with abundant fishing opportunities. Along the waterfront, you will find plenty of bait and tackle shops, charter boats or boat rentals. So throw out a line and see what’s biting. Will be it salmon, halibut, cod, or even a tuna?
Fishing in Prince Rupert
Website: Fishing in Prince Rupert
16. Spot a grizzly at the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary
The Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary is a Class A park dedicated to preserving grizzly bears and their habitat. The large sanctuary sits on the head of an inlet and serves as a marine sanctuary too. There are viewpoints that look over the estuary and shoreline for you to spot other animals in the sanctuary such as wolverines, porcupine, mountain goats and black bears. If you’re more interested in spotting grizzly bears, there are guided multi-day trips Khutzeymateen. You can only access the sanctuary by boat from Prince Rupert or by air from nearby towns.
Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary
Address: Skeena-Queen Charlotte A, BC, Canada
Website: Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary
Opening hours: 7am - 11pm (daily)
17. Savor the food and views at Waterfront Restaurant
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Prince Rupert, thank you for your support over the past number of weeks. We are excited to announce we will reopen dine...
Posted by Crest Hotel on Tuesday, May 19, 2020
The Waterfront Restaurant is located inside the Crest Hotel. The restaurant offers stunning views of the harbor and Tuck Inlet. The chef prepares dishes that feature an interesting blend of international styles with Northwest flavors. Try such decadent dishes as the Fisherman’s Pasta, lobster, prawns, mussels, scallops, and fish served on pasta with a creamy parmesan sauce. Or the Millionaire’s Cut Filet Mignon topped with a peppercorn sauce.
Waterfront Restaurant
Address: 222 1st Ave W, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1A8, Canada
Website: Waterfront Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6:30am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 9pm
18. Kayak down the famous Butze Rapids
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Butze Rapids offers more than just scenic trails for hiking. Adventure lovers might prefer to rent a kayak and paddle down the famous rapids. Experienced kayakers can find quite a few places that rent the kayak if you don’t have your own. Or you can choose to contact one of the local tour offices or adventure guide and they can get you set up. Some of these tours even offer hotel pickup and drop off.
Butze Rapids
Address: Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada
Website: Butze Rapids
19. Watch the seals play at the docks of Rushbrook
Rushbrook Harbor lies at the north end of George Hills Way. The marina can hold up to 400 boats but limits its docks to non-commercial vessels. You can stroll along the dock and enjoy the sea breeze. While you are doing so, you are sure to see the seals and even otters playing in the ocean. If you like you can fish from the dock as well.
Rushbrook Harbor
Address: 299 George Hills Way, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1X2, Canada
Website: Rushbrook Harbor
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
20. Shop your heart out at the Second and Third Avenue
If you are in need of some serious retail therapy, no worries. Prince Rupert has three shopping centers sure to please anyone. If you are looking for vintage items or antiques, then the Argosy on Third Avenue is where you should go. Besides the antique store, Third Avenue has galleries, coffee shops, and gift shops waiting to explore. If you aren’t looking for anything particular, then Second Avenue is ideal to browse or window shop. Here you will find pet stores, bait shops, book stores, and specialty boutiques.
Third Avenue
Address: 3 Ave W, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1M6, Canada
Enjoy the otters, seals, and bears abound
The coastal town of Prince Rupert is the ideal location for an adventure-filled vacation. The town sits overlooking a bay surrounded by lush, tropical rainforest. You don’t even have to leave town to see the local wildlife, just take a stroll down to the harbor and see marine mammals and birds plenty.
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