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Prince
Rupert
Prince
Rupert is situated on the western end of Yellowhead Hwy 16 in British
Columbian's North Coast region. Located on the Pacific Ocean 144
km (90 miles) west of Terrace, Prince
Rupert provides the gateway to Masset
on the Haida Gwaii-Queen Charlotte Islands, Alaska and the Asia
Pacific.
'City
of Rainbows'
Serving as a major port, Prince Rupert has various docking facilities
for shipping British Columbia's and Western Canada's various raw
materials to points abroad. The CN Railway operates a major terminal
at Prince Rupert delivering products from across Canada to be delivered
overseas. Known as the 'City of Rainbows' Prince Rupert has very
high levels of precipitation in the form of rain.
Fishing
Industry
Traditional home to the Tsimshian Nation, Prince Rupert's history
has revolved around the rich fishing grounds that surround this
remote land. There is evidence everywhere from the dockyards down
by the railroad tracks, to the canneries that still exist, to the
museums that are dedicated to fishing and the fishing industry.
Even recently, after a large fire claimed a cannery, the fishing
industry is still so active that they decided to build another facility.
Cafés
and Restaurants
The biggest treat you can give yourself when you visit Prince Rupert
is to visit any one of Prince Rupert's many fish cafés and
restaurants. One of BC's best places to eat a piece of halibut can
found at a very modest café called The Green Apple. For more
upscale surroundings, make sure you try the Crest Hotel where the
food is superb.
Cow
Bay
Cow Bay is a trendy area set up on the waterfront. Here you can
find cafés, gift stores, coffee shops and gift stores. There
is a nice dock area where you can watch the large fishing boats
entering and leaving the harbour. A very good pub and restaurant
located in Cow Bay is called The Breakers; it has great food and
the atmosphere is wonderful.
Hike
to Butze Rapids
If you enjoy hikes, Prince Rupert has a few nice ones that are close
by. A favourite is down at Butze Rapids. This is the area where
the tidal rapids go around Kaien Island, the island on which Prince
Rupert is located. The parking lot is located on Hwy 16 at the entrance
sign to Prince Rupert. Make sure you visit the wild action of this
natural spectacle. The hike is fairly flat and can be done quite
quickly. There has been evidence that wolves do frequent the area
and, for this reason, you should leave your dog in your car. Please
take note of any warnings posted.
First
Nations
If you're walking around Prince Rupert, make sure you view some
of the totem poles and Native art displayed. An area down by the
courthouse as you come in on Hwy 16 is famous for totem poles. Other
areas to see is the lookout near the hospital. Here you can view
the "Grizzly Bear Pole" a pole that originated in the
Haida village of Yan in the Queen Charlotte Islands.
Impressive
Totem Pole
Another impressive totem pole is down at the terminal for Alaska
Marine Highway and, also, where you catch the ferry to the Queen
Charlotte Islands-Haida Gwaii. Both are beautiful pieces of Native
art, rich in the proud heritage that surrounds this land.
Native
Art
For First Nation art, go to the museum of Northern BC which is close
by to the Atlin Terminal and Cow Bay. This museum will also impress
you with the proud First Nation heritage that exists in this area.
Port
Edward
If you have rented a car or have transportation a place to visit
is a museum at Port Edward called
the North Pacific Historic Fishing Village. Port Edward is a small
community located 15 km (9.4 miles) south of Prince Rupert towards
Terrace on Hwy 16. This historic settlement
was once home to the hundreds of canneries during the early 1900's.
North
Pacific Historic Fishing Village
Now little is left except a Point of Interest sign and the museum
cannery located at the entrance to the Skeena River about 5 km (3
miles) south of Port Edward. The North
Pacific Historic Fishing Village is well worth this drive. It is
generally only open during the summer months but if you're there
off season, make sure you take this drive because the scenery is
beautiful.
BC
Ferries Inside Passage
For a real scenic trip along the ocean, another way to Prince Rupert
is to take the BC Ferries Inside Passage route. This amazing route
originates at Port
Hardy on the northern tip of Vancouver Island.
Queen
Charlotte Strait
The route encompasses crossing Queen Charlotte Strait and traveling
the narrow Inside Passage of British Columbia passing hundreds of
islands and countless fjords. There are a few different options
for the Inside Passage, with some routes stopping at the small coastal
communities of Bella Bella, Ocean Falls and Bella
Coola.
Via
Rail's "The Skeena"
Besides
traveling to Prince Rupert overland using a car, there is also the
scenic rail trip "The Skeena." Originating in Jasper,
Alberta, Via Rail's "The Skeena" travels along the CN
railway's line to Prince Rupert. You will travel from the Rocky
Mountains, across British Columbia's Interior Plateau, through various
mountain ranges along the Bulkley River eventually meeting up with
the Skeena River at Hazelton. 'The Skeena'
then follows the Skeena River through Terrace
all the way to Prince Rupert. This is a very relaxing way to enjoy
one of British Columbia's most scenic areas.
Digby
Island Airport
There is also airplane service into Prince Rupert with an airport
located on Digby Island. This island is located in Prince Rupert
harbour area and you have to catch the bus and ferry to get to the
terminal.
Seal
Cove Seaplane Base
For remote airline service there is a seaplane base established
at Seal Cove. This is where you can find service to Masset
on the Queen Charlotte Islands-Haida Gwaii and other small islands
in the Prince Rupert vicinity.
Provincial
Parks
Two provincial parks that are close by Prince Rupert are Dianna
Lake Provincial Park and Prudhomme Lake Provincial Park.
RV
Camping
Information
on Prince Rupert
Recreation
Transportation
Accommodation
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