Prince Rupert
2 • Experience Prince Rupert
www.thenorthernview.com
www.thenorthernview.com
Experience Prince Rupert • 3
DISCOVER PRINCE RUPERT Editorial content by: Bruce Wishart Shaun Thomas Photos by: Shaun Thomas Lisa Thomas Martina Perry Todd Hamilton Chad Graham
TABLE OF CONTENTS An urban oasis in the wild....Page 4 Discover Nature Wildlife watching...Page 5 Sport fishing....Page 6 Outdoor fun....Page 7
Sales: Ed Evans Lisa Thomas Graphic design by: Lisa Thomas Shaun Thomas
Discover The City Three ways to shop....Page 8 Come celebrate....Page 10 Conferences and events....Page 12 Accommodations....Page 13
Publisher: Todd Hamilton
Discover History Connect with the past....Page 14 Connect with rich culture....Page 15 Discover Adventure By land, air and sea....Page 16 Discover Prince Rupert Walks, hikes and trails....Page 17 Our hidden treasures....Page 18
Produced by: PRINCE RUPERT
737 Fraser St. Prince Rupert B.C. V8J 1R1 250-624-8088
www.visitprincerupert.com Call toll-free: 1-800-667-1994 facebook.com/visitprincerupert
twitter.com/visitprincerupert
www.thenorthernview.com
4 • Experience Prince Rupert
DISCOVER PRINCE RUPERT
AN URBAN OASIS ON THE WILD COAST Nestled on Kaien Island and right on the Pacific Ocean, the city of Prince Rupert offers visitors a unique experience that simply can not be replicated.
be found in this North Coast gem include fine dining, fast food, pubs and ethnic foods such as Chinese, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek and Japanese.
It’s a community where wilderness meets the urban experience and where recreation, the arts and culture flow together seamlessly.
Prince Rupert has a rich and varied history starting with the vision of Charles Melville Hays, who saw the city as a terminus for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. The region’s history is captured from pre-contact to present day, in the Museum of Northern B.C., the Kwinitsa Rail Museum, the Port Interpretive Centre and the North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site in Port Edward.
For those who enjoy spending time on the open waters, activities such as world-class sport fishing, whale watching, grizzly bear viewing and kayaking will provide a full day of memories for people of all ages. For those who prefer to keep their feet on firmer ground, Prince Rupert is home to a number of trails through the coastal rainforest, an 18-hole golf course, an outdoor gym and the Earl Mah Aquatic Centre. Shopping in Prince Rupert can be an experience unto itself, with three distinct shopping areas in town — Cow Bay, downtown and the Rupert Square Mall — and stores that run the gamut in terms of selection, price and uniqueness. And after a busy day shopping, there is a restaurant to suit any taste and budget. The selection of food that can
Residents of Prince Rupert are proud of their community and nowhere is that more evident than in the many festivals and activities that take place during the year. From dance festivals to a four-day Seafest celebration every June, the spirit of Prince Rupert is always on display. As well as Prince Rupert itself, the city serves as a gateway to even greater adventures through connections with BC Ferries to Haida Gwaii and Vancouver Island, the Alaska Marine Highway System, Via Rail and a variety of charter seaplane operators located in town. This year, we invite you to discover our nature.
Ocean View Best view in town
36 Rooms
Nightly • Weekly Monthly Rates
4 New Suites 3 - 1 bedroom • 1 bachelor Oceanview, jacuzzie tub rooms available, includes, phone, internet & cable
OCEANVIEW HOTEL 950 1st Ave. West • 250-624-6117 email: oceanviewhotel@citytel.net
Kitchen Hours
Sun - Thurs 10 am - 9 pm Fri & Sat 10 am - 10 pm
From Semis to Sub Compacts, we have tires for you!
Pub Hours
Sun - Thurs 10 pm Fri & Sat 11 pm
Great Food Great Service Great Times!
We Take Reservations For Small Parties
We do mechanical work from tune ups to motor repairs OPEN 8AM-6PM MON-FRI OPEN 8AM-5PM SAT.
624-8550
943 Chamberlain Avenue
www.thenorthernview.com
Experience Prince Rupert • 5
CREATE MEMORIES WATCHING WILDLIFE Prince Rupert offers endless wildlife viewing opportunities. Within the city limits, deer wander the streets and eagles seem to outnumber people. Spending a quiet moment watching boats along the waterfront is often rewarded by a glimpse of a harbour seal or one of many species of seabirds. If you’ve never been whale watching, it’s an adventure that words can’t describe. These massive mammals frequent the waters around Prince Rupert throughout the summer, with peak viewing for gray whales running from April to August and peak viewing for humpback whales starting in midJuly. Tour operators in the area have an uncanny ability to know just where to find them. Simply witnessing the tails and arched backs coming out of the water is something to see, but often times the humpback whales can be seen bubble-feeding, which entails a group of whales releasing bubbles to confuse their would-be food before all coming to the surface as one, mouths agape, to feast. You may even be fortunate enough to see one of these giants of the sea breach the surface, seeming to defy gravity as they launch several feet into the air. Tours leave daily during the summer.
DISCOVER NATURE
Just north of Prince Rupert is the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, where the majestic bears live in a pristine wilderness uninterrupted by human development. It is a place that isn’t accessible by land, but tour operators in Prince Rupert can take guests to the verge of the shoreline to view the grizzly bears in their natural habitat. And who knows, on the way to see the bears you may just see some of the larger whales, seals and orcas. The timing of your visit will determine the species you see. There is a good chance you’ll see more than whales or bears on your tour as harbour seals, stellar sea lions, porpoises, eagles and many more creatures are present in the area.
Welcome to Prince Rupert
& Clothing 295-7 1st Ave. East, Prince Rupert
WE SPECIALIZE IN FINE WINES FROM AROUND THE WORLD, MANY NOT AVAILABLE IN OTHER STORES Great selection of cold cottage, import & domestic beer Located at #5 Cow Bay Road • 250-627-7474
Come check out our
Marine Supplies Motors Fishing Bait Boats Weed Trimmers Mowers Maps Books Wire Rope Hydraulics Binoculars and so much more Whether you are a charter / recreational fisherman or simply need to get a yard job done... WE HAVE IT ALL!
• YAMAHA • HONDA • STHIL • HUSQVARNA •
NEW MENU! Enjoy our casual waterfront setting Great food with a view
Located in Cow Bay please call for reservations 250-624-5990
&Clothing Footwear • Clothing Accessories & More BOGS • crocs • Kamik KUHL • Desigual Royal Robbins Helly Hansen For All Your Family ’s West Coast Fashion Needs! 250-624-5337 or clothing 250-624-5335
www.thenorthernview.com
6 • Experience Prince Rupert
A SPORT FISHING DESTINATION Place yourself aboard a fully equipped charter boat on the Pacific Ocean, feeling the salt spray and sea wind as you wait for the first strike on your line. From the beautiful island speckled waters of Chatham Sound to the wide open currents of the Hecate Strait to pristine steep mountainlined fjords, the opportunities to fish in stellar locations are endless.
DISCOVER NATURE
This is the fishing experience that awaits you in Prince Rupert, a sport fishing destination to rival any in the world. The waters around Prince Rupert are rich in the nutrients that support an abundant resident fish population and straddle the migratory salmon routes. All five species of salmon can be found in these waters: chinook, coho, chum, pink, and sockeye. You can also jig for halibut or lingcod and enjoy crab, prawns and shrimp. You can hire the services of one of several experienced and knowledgeable sport fishing guides for day or overnight trips.
The Skeena River is one of British Columbia’s most important salmon producers and is famous for its wild salmon and steelhead. The bar fishing is phenomenal.
Those who prefer freshwater angling will reap dramatic rewards.
The wilderness around Prince Rupert is also sprinkled with lakes and
TRAYLING’S
TACKLE SHOP
streams that feature great cutthroat and rainbow trout fishing as well. Whether on the sea, the river or the lake, the North Coast offers more fish and fewer crowds, so escape the crowd in the last frontier of sport fishing.
ENTIRE AUTOMOTIVE
Your Y our s satisfaction atisfaction iis s tthe he e entire ntire s solution. olution
"Your One Stop Tackle Shop"
For all your fishing & tackle needs Phone/Fax (250) 624-9874 635 - 2nd Avenue West, Prince Rupert
Automotive and Light Truck Tire Sales & Service • Tune Ups & Oil Changes • Brakes & Service • Exhaust • Tire Repairs & Balancing • Chargi Ch C Charging har argi a rg giing ng & Starting Sta tart rting Repa rti Rep Re R Repairs epa pair irs irs
250-627-TIRE (8473)
180-3rd Ave. E, Prince Rupert Conveniently located in Cow Bay
GRASSY BAY SERVICE FULL & SELF SERVICE • CONVENIENCE STORE • SANI-DUMP • MARINE & DIESEL FUEL • PROPANE •
STATUS CARDS ACCEPTED
250-624-9450 • 100 GRASSY BAY LANE
www.thenorthernview.com
Experience Prince Rupert • 7
OUTDOOR FUN FOR ALL SEASONS The ability to get out in the great outdoors is easy in Prince Rupert. There are a number of paths and trails in Prince Rupert that allow a leisurely exploration of the harbour and the coastal rainforest. Don’t miss Butze Rapids, a groomed trail located five kilometres from Prince Rupert on Hwy. 16, offering an interpretive walk through second and old growth forest, and featuring reversing tidal rapids. The Metlakatla Wilderness Trail weaves the Tsimshian Peninsula, crossing inlets, streams, and marshes with boardwalks, suspension bridges, and a forest canopy viewing tower. The trail begins a short ferry ride from Prince Rupert in the First Nations community of Metlakatla. See Page 17 for details on the various trails in the region. For golf enthusiasts, it is uncommon to experience a round of golf at Prince Rupert Centennial Golf Course without a wildlife sighting. Always lush and vibrant, this wonderfully scenic North Coast course is admired for its natural beauty, high level of conditioning and strategic challenge. Some of the amenities include a putting green, pro-shop, golf lessons and a bar.
DISCOVER NATURE Kayaking is easy to master and is the perfect way to explore the coastal environment, allowing you to quietly study the wild coastline. For winter enthusiasts, skiing is a popular activity in Northern British Columbia. Shames Mountain, located between Terrace and Prince Rupert, offers not only deep powder but amazing panoramic vistas amidst the majestic Coast Mountain Range.
The best Cantonese Food in the Northwest! • Specializing in Cantonese Dishes • Famous for Authentic Chinese Food • We also serve Canadian Food Sunday Dim Sum 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
844-3rd Ave West • 250-624-3122
Everyone
Great Gift Ideas for On your list
Canadian Made Souvenirs Hand Carved Silver Jewellery Funky Kitchen Ware Canadian Made Bedding & Bath Products Open 7 Days A Week • 250-627-1808 www.cowbay.bc.ca • 24 Cow Bay Road
Bob¼s On The Rocks The Best Fish n¼ Chips on the West Coast
BEST FISH & CHIPS IN TOWN Coffee & Lunches Sea Ice • Styro Coolers Bookings for Fishing Charters 5 am - 8 pm Daily • 250-624-BOBS (2627) Rushbrook Floats Prince Rupert
www.thenorthernview.com
8 • Experience Prince Rupert
A UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE Cow Bay The most uniquely Prince Rupert shopping experience can be found in an area named Cow Bay, due to cows being loaded off boats in the area in the early days of the city. Here visitors can shop along the waterfront and enjoy the beautiful scenery offered by the harbour.
DISCOVER THE CITY
As for the shopping, the selection in Cow Bay is as interesting as the place itself. You will find locally owned boutique shops carrying North Coast and Canadian gifts and trinkets located next to funky coffee shops and restaurants selling seafood, sushi and everything in between. Cow Bay is also the place for art lovers with the opening of the Ice House artist’s cooperative. The Atlin Market location features work from local artists in any medium you can imagine - from photography and paintings to knit clothing to glass and shell work to some things that need to be seen to be believed. Cow Bay is also home to the Port Interpretive Centre, which offers a glimpse into the role overseas shipping plays in Prince Rupert and how the operations work. Downtown Prince Rupert Prince
Rupert’s
downtown
core
stretches for eight blocks along Second and Third Avenue West starting on McBride Street — the entry to town. Walking along the sidewalk on Third Avenue you’ll pass thrift shops, electronics stores, restaurants, jewellery shops, coffee shops, clothing stores and banks. You’ll also pass City Hall, the historic Besner Block building, a statue of town founder Charles Hays and a totem pole. Along Second Avenue you can expect to see everything from gaming stores to a pet shop to a news stand to fishing tackle to restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations and everything in between. Many of the stores are locally owned
and operated business you won’t find elsewhere, but you’ll also see some familiar brand name chain stores, highlighting the variety of shopping in Prince Rupert. Rupert Square Mall If you prefer to find everything under one roof, the Rupert Square Mall is the place for you. The mall features brand name chains that carry clothing, hardware, electronics, shoes, cosmetics and much, much more beside restaurants and service businesses like insurance and banks. The Rupert Square Mall is THE one stop shopping location here on the north coast.
www.thenorthernview.com
Experience Prince Rupert • 9
Visit Port Edward
www.portedward.ca
+RPH RI 1RUWK 3DFL¿F &DQQHU\ 1DWLRQDO +LVWRULF 6LWH
3KEENA $RIVE
WWW NORTHPACIkCCANNERY CA
250.628.3538
www.thenorthernview.com
10 • Experience Prince Rupert
COME CELEBRATE ON THE NORTH COAST Throughout the year, “Rupertites” gather to celebrate heritage, sports, culture and northern lifestyle in an ambitious schedule of festivals.
DISCOVER THE CITY
The largest summer celebration is Seafest, held the second weekend of June. The four-day festival includes one of the largest parades in Northern B.C. as the Seafest Parade features dozens and dozens of entries, can last well over an hour and loops itself through seven blocks on 2nd and 3rd Avenue West where people are lined up three deep to see the different floats. Seafest also includes a full day of activities downtown on Saturday and a full day of activities along the waterfront on Sunday. On July 1, the volunteers of the Prince Rupert Special Events Society celebrate Canada’s birthday with a full day of activities in Mariner’s Memorial Park. Along with the traditional singing of O’ Canada and the raising of the flag, volunteers hand out flags, vendors tempt the palate with a variety of food and musicians, dancers and other artists entertain the crowd on the bandstand. For the kids, there is facepainting throughout the day, games like the sack race and the egg race and, if the weather is nice, a bouncy castle to play and expend some of their energy. The following month local actors take center stage, literally, for the annual
Scheduled
Flights To
MASSET
Masset: 250-626-3225
Udder Theatre Festival. Held in midAugust, this will be the 16th annual Udderfest, the only fringe theatre festival in northwestern B.C. While there are some out of town performances, the majority of plays are written, directed and acted out by local theatre buffs who make up the Harbour Theatre Society. Ranging from improv to drama to comedy, the shows cover a broad range of genres and topics.
year thousands of fans join hundreds of players of all ages for competition in four different divisions.
Another iconic event in Prince Rupert is the All Native Basketball Tournament held every February. It is Canada’s largest First Nations basketball competition and the longest running event in Northern B.C. Every
Theatre performances at the Lester Centre of the Arts, bonspiels at the curling club, scrambles, tournaments at the golf course and other gatherings such as Smolt Fest round out the social calendar on the North Coast.
Depending on the timing of your trip, you may also find yourself joining residents in celebrating Winterfest on the first weekend of December, Children’s Festival in early March, Halloween Fest on October 31 or National Aboriginal Day on June 21.
www.thenorthernview.com
Experience Prince Rupert • 11
WELCOME TO PRINCE RUPERT
NAOMI’S GRILL
a c & d
Raven's Piercing Professional
Piercing & Permanent Make-up
archibald clarke & defieux insurance services ltd.
PRINCE RUPERT
Mon - Thurs 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Shoppers 8:00 am - 10:00 pm Daily
Fri 9:30 am - 9:00 pm
Dollarama 9:30 am - 7:00 pm Daily
Sat 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Walmart Mon - Sat 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sun 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
www.rupertsquaremall.com
500 2nd Ave West • 250-624-5163
www.thenorthernview.com
12 • Experience Prince Rupert
HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT IN RUPERT Make your next meeting unique by choosing Prince Rupert, an urban oasis in the coastal wilderness.
DISCOVER THE CITY
From contemporary state-of-theart spaces with spectacular ocean views to unique meeting spaces in a museum setting, Prince Rupert adds atmosphere to your meeting. Excellent facilities and professional support services for your conference and event are just the beginning. Venues within the city range from those designed to host hundreds to those designed to host dozens, but each comes with everything you need to impress delegates. Enhance your event with pre-and-post conference activities. The opportunities are unique and vast. From legendary saltwater fishing, exceptional wildlife viewing, top-notch attractions and extensive outdoor activity options, you’ll be sure to find something to enrich your event. The selection of food and drink establishments in the city also lends itself to extracurricular social gatherings. Prince Rupert is easy to reach and, with air, road, ferry, and rail travel to choose from, the journey is sure to be memorable.
Adventure is waiting for you...
Grizzly Bear Tours • Whale Watching Tours
1-800-201-8377 or 250-627-9166 A t l i n Te r m i n a l i n C o w B a y, P r i n c e R u p e r t m a i l @ a d v e n t u re t o u r s . n e t
www.thenorthernview.com
DISCOVER THE CITY
d e a e l A
Experience Prince Rupert • 13
Motel
Travelers Haven
Kitchenettes WiFi • 32” Flatscreen TV’s Free Internet Access • Ample Free Parking • 2 Blocks From City Centre phone: 250-627-1367 • Fax: 250-624-3132 900 3rd Ave West, Prince Rupert www.aleedamotel.bc.ca • aleed@citytel.net
Outside Room Access
STAY IN COMFORT Visitors to Prince Rupert will find a wide variety of accommodations including campsites, hostels, cabins, bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels and lodges. Most hotels and motels are located in or close to the downtown area while the bed and breakfasts are scattered throughout the city and in some of the outlying villages. Lodges are further away from the city and are usually accessed by boat or seaplane.
Free Internet service Complimentary coffee Fridge in rooms All Flatscreen TV’s Alaska ferry car storage
www.parksideresortmotel.com • 1-888-575-2288
With over 700 rooms in Prince Rupert, you’re sure to find one that meets your needs. Many have restaurants on the premises and some have kitchenettes. Some of our properties overlook the ocean or have harbour views. Our bed and breakfasts are as varied as the people who run them, and whichever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a good night’s sleep and be treated to some local hospitality and a great breakfast in the morning. For the budget conscious visitor there are wonderful hostel facilities available in Prince Rupert. Enjoy your stay in a cozy environment where you can trade stories with other travellers. Many visitors to northern B.C. enjoy camping or have travelled by RV. There are camping and RV facilities in Prince Rupert, but space does usually fill up in the summer months so reservations are encouraged. Visitors to Prince Rupert may book with confidence when making a reservation at one of the properties listed in this guide as they have all received their Tourism BC Approved Accommodation designation.
Stay in the largest rooms in town at affordable rates 42” Flat Screen TV’s Call 250-624-6961 for details
La Gondola Restaurant Serving the People of the Northwest Since 1952
Best Burgers • Best Family Dinner Best Ice Cream • Best Milkshakes Best Pasta & Best Service 250-624-2621 1 Ave & 6th Street Prince Rupert st
www.lagondolacafe.com
Free Wi-Fi Toll-Free: 1-800-663-0822
935 2nd Ave. West, Prince Rupert www.mobydickinn.com
www.thenorthernview.com
14 • Experience Prince Rupert
NORTH PACIFIC CANNERY
DISCOVER HISTORY
CONNECT WITH THE PAST To say that the city has a rich and varied history would be an understatement. Many visitors begin their exploration of the North Coast at the longhousestyle building that houses the Museum of Northern British Columbia. As you explore the museum galleries you will discover the rich diversity of North Coast nations and their unique ceremonial art — as well as Prince Rupert’s history in railway construction and the development of a port city. North
Pacific
Cannery
was
established in 1889 and ran almost continuously for one hundred years until it was named a National Historic Site in 1989. North Pacific is the most complete remaining salmon cannery of the thousand that once dotted the west coast from California to Alaska. A visit to the museum, in its remarkable river setting, will transport you back to the hectic days of cannery life when large communities of diverse ethnic backgrounds gathered to harvest the salmon. A series of other museums explore the wealth of European history in the city. At the Kwinitsa Railway
Museum, visitors can experience the life of early station agents and linemen who worked the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway at the turn of the century. The Firehall Museum features many artifacts demonstrating the history of the fire department since 1908, such as a rebuilt 1925 R.E.O. Speedwagon fire engine. Prince Rupert Archives, located at City Hall, offers a unique glimpse into the history of the community, while the Port Interpretive Centre, in Atlin Terminal, provides an interactive exploration of Prince Rupert’s vibrant seaport.
FRANK’S AUTO REPAIR (1996) YOUR ONE STOP REPAIR SHOP!
•4 Wheel Computer Alignments •Import & Domestic •Full Mechanical Services •Certified Technicians •Brakes •Tune-Ups •Propane Conversions & Service • Designated Inspection Facility 1045 Saskatoon Ave, Prince Rupert 624-4707
Salads Oven Toasted Subs Flatbread Footlongs Breads baked fresh daily.
WE SERVE BREAKFAST, TOO! 7 days a week • 250-627-1561
601 2ND AVENUE WEST, PRINCE RUPERT
DOLLY’S FISH MARKET
COME IN AND TRY OUR DELICIOUS MEALS Open for Lunch and Dinner
WE CAN PROCESS YOUR CATCH
• Full Smoked • Frozen • Canned • • Boxed & Shipped • OPEN TILL 9 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK • LICENSED #7 Cow Bay Rd, Prince Rupert • 250-624-6090 www.dollysfishmarket.com
“In The Heart Of Cow Bay” 201 Cow Bay Road Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1K4
www.eaglebluff.ca Toll free: 1 (800) 833-1550 • Local: (250) 627-4955 Fax: (250) 627-7945 • Email: eaglebed@citytel.net
www.thenorthernview.com
Experience Prince Rupert • 15
CONNECT WITH A RICH CULTURE Prince Rupert lies at the heart of the traditional territory of the Tsimshian First Nation. Tsimshian territory is bordered by the traditional lands of the Gitxsan, Nisga’a, Haida and Heiltsuk people, many of whom today make their home in Prince Rupert as well as in their traditional communities along the coast. For countless generations Tsimshian communities presented the familiar line of post and beam houses along the forest’s edge in sheltered bays, with magnificent canoes drawn up on the beach and tall crest poles telling the story of each house and family. Today these first people bring rich traditions, including unique art and architecture, that are still part of our daily lives. As you explore Prince Rupert you will find many crest poles, or totem poles that bear witness to the ancient traditions of the First Nations. Many of the most famous Northwest Coast artists live and work in Prince Rupert. Throughout the community you will find original sculptures, prints and jewellery, and possibly
even be able to observe artists at work. The Northwest Coast of America came to European attention during the Age of Discovery, when Spain, England and Russia all competed to expand their influence on the Pacific coast, but it was trade that brought Europeans into direct and last contact with the First Nations of the coast. The fur trade led the newcomers to see that the real wealth here was salmon. By the end of the 19th century, dozens of cannery villages were scattered throughout this area to take advantage of the rich salmon runs of the Skeena and Nass rivers. The selection of Kaien Island as the terminus of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, and the arrival of the first surveyors on the future site of Prince Rupert in 1906, was the beginning of Prince Rupert.
DISCOVER HISTORY
Throughout the 20th century the little port city became known for its fishing, logging, and transportation activities.
SUMMER S UMMER H HOURS OURS
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fresh Seafood & Oysters Daily Stiles Place Seafood & Grill 346 Stiles Place Prince Rupert
250-624-6888
Reading... We Got You Covered
Coastal Propane FOR ALL YOUR PROPANE NEEDS
Your Barbeque Headquarters
ReÀlls Auto Propane
• Good Selection • Lowest Prices
250-624-5011170 George Hills Way, Prince Rupert
Closest Hotel to Ferry Terminal & Via Rail
Eddie’s News Open Daily 9 AM - 10 PM 611 2nd Ave W, Prince Rupert 250-624-4134
Cuban Cigars Avilable Here
1600 Park Avenue 1-888-627-8522 Call us for Special Room Rates.
www.thenorthernview.com
16 • Experience Prince Rupert
ARRIVE BY LAND, BY SEA OR BY AIR Prince Rupert is easily accessibly by road, ferry, rail, air, yacht or even cruise ship, and the journey is a big part of your visit.
DISCOVER ADVENTURE
If you want to experience B.C.’s famous Inside Passage, BC Ferries and the Alaska Marine Highway System operate routes to and from Prince Rupert connecting to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands), and Alaska. You can travel as a foot passenger or cruise with your vehicle. Once on board you will find attractive passenger lounges with viewing windows and outdoor observation areas to ensure you don’t miss the spectacular scenery. You will also find food services, cabins and gift shops to make sure your time on the ferry is enjoyable. Rail travel offers a relaxing way for visitors to experience VIA Rail’s Skeena Route, offering service between Prince Rupert and Jasper, Alberta, with an overnight stop at Prince George, B.C. This route allows guests to take in some of British Columbia and Alberta’s most impressive scenery. The train is equipped with comfortable passenger cars with on-board dining options, making rail travel an attractive option for many visitors.
Air travel is easy with daily flight connections from Vancouver. Two airlines provide service to Prince Rupert: Air Canada and Hawkair. Both airlines operate out of the Vancouver International Airport. Driving to Prince Rupert is one of the most scenic ways of getting here. Just outside of Prince Rupert, follow the famous Skeena River and take in the breathtaking views of the Coast Mountains rising straight up along the horizon. The 140 kilometre drive connecting Prince Rupert to Terrace is a must see for visitors driving through Northern B.C. Other highlights include
a labyrinth of secondary and forest roads and two ferry systems await those looking for the ultimate road trip. You will find awe-inspiring scenery and friendly people. Bring your camera, fishing gear, hiking boots and sense of adventure as it truly doesn’t get any better than this. Whether you’re travelling by car, RV, or organized bus tour, travelling north, south, east or west, circle tours allow you to move at your own pace and choose your own path. So set aside some time and join us in Prince Rupert as part of your life-changing adventure.
Ocean Pacific Air Services Ltd. Charter Airline operating out of the Seal Cove Seaplane Base in Prince Rupert.
Owned and operated by Ken Cote, A very experienced pilot flying and maintaining aircraft on the North Coast, Central Coast and Alaska for the past 43 years.
Uniden Marine Radios
For all your Charter, flight seeing and flying adventures needs contact Ken at his office 250 624-5879 or on his cell at 250 624-1375
Grace Ecorox blue tooth speaker, water proof, call receiving, and answering, with bass boost.
Wi Fi • Bluetooth • Laptops Travelling and your gadgets aren’t working?
Stop by Databoy at 210 4th Street, Prince Rupert • databoy@citytel.net
250-627-4042 Toll Free 1-866-627-4042
www.thenorthernview.com
Experience Prince Rupert • 17
EXPERIENCE NATURE ON THE COAST Being on the edge of the wilderness, there are hikes in town and on the outskirts that will appeal to people of all ages and abilities. In town there are a number of trails that can be accessed from the streets around town.
DISCOVER PRINCE RUPERT
McClymont Park, located across the street from the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre, starts out as a nice walk along a flat path that follows Hays Creek. Shortly after though it transitions into a thin trail through one of the city’s many patches of wilderness, going along rolling hills and following Hays Creek until it becomes a tidal pond near George Hills Way on the eastern side of town. Moresby Park, located on the west end of town across the 2nd Avenue bridge, takes visitors to a secluded pond that is looped by a nice gravel trail. With wild birds and other animals frequenting the pond, it’s an enjoyable walk through the wild for the whole family. Near the hospital, starting off Omenica Road, is the newly completed Mount Hays Connector trail. This trail includes a series boardwalks that takes the hiker from the top of the west side to Wantage Road, just at the base of Mount Hays. From there it is a short walk to the Lester Centre parking lot or, for those who really enjoy a challenge, a lengthy hike to the top of Mount Hays along an old access road. Also on Wantage Road, accessible from the parking lot of the Lester Centre of the Arts on the way into town, is Oldfield Creek Hatchery and the trails around the creek. These short trails go through the woods along the golf course and are easy for people of all ages. A new attraction to the North Coast, the Metlakatla Wilderness Trail is approximately 10 kilometres (20 kilometres return) and weaves through the forest along the Tsimshian Peninsula. It crosses inlets, streams, and marshes with boardwalks, suspension bridges, and a two-tiered interconnected forest canopy viewing tower. Access to secluded beaches and picnic spots can also be found along the trail. There is a fee to access the trail. Just down the highway is one of the most popular trails for residents and visitors alike. Built in 1992, Butze Rapids trail is located a short distance out of town, with its own parking lot. The 1.8 kilometre loop trail is well maintained crush that moves from lush forest through a wetland meadow filled with grasses and unique vegetation before winding along the ocean — offering
From top: Diana Lake Provincial Park, the reversing rapids at Butze, the pond at Moresby Park.
a perfect spot to catch some sun or have a picnic. On the way back to the parking lot, be sure to look for the reversing rapids, a phenomenon created by rising and lowering tides making their way through the narrow channel near Grassy Bay. Public transportation is available o the site. Further out, eight kilometres past Port Edward, is Diana Lake Provincial Park. Just past the first picnic area, also accessible from the parking lot, is a short trail that takes you down to where the overflow from the dam cascades into the creek before following the creek itself back to the road. And after a nice walk on a hot day,
there’s nothing better than a quick, refreshing dip in a lake. Fortunately, the North Coast has several lakes that are easily accessible. To soak up some sun, have a campfire and a picnic, the Diana Lake beach provides a great place for families. A sandy beach, covered shelter and plenty of picnic tables make this a choice destination. Across the highway from the Diana Lake entrance is Prudhomme Lake, which also has a few spots to pull out and go for a swim. And on the way to Terrace, near Rainbow Summit, there is a beach and boat launch at Rainbow Lake to use.
www.thenorthernview.com
18 • Experience Prince Rupert
HIDDEN TREASURES OF PRINCE RUPERT
DISCOVER PRINCE RUPERT
The Sunken Garden
is dedicated to those who lost their lives at sea. One of the most touching stories told here is of the fishing vessel Kazu Maru. Kazukio Sakamoto sailed aboard this vessel from Owase, Japan, and was tragically lost at sea. Two years later his boat was found and brought into Prince Rupert for identification. When it was realized that the Kazu Maru came from Owase, Prince Rupert’s sister city, the vessel was lovingly restored and given a position of honour in Mariners’ Park.
The Sunken Garden was originally excavated as the first foundation for the adjacent Provincial Court House, and served as munitions storage during the Second World War. Today the Sunken Garden includes walkways and benches for quiet contemplation amid local and exotic floral gardens, including a Japanese garden and butterfly garden.
a classic Art Deco building but with unique Tsimshian detail instead of the traditional Greco-Roman motifs. Watch for the booklet Heritage Walking Tours in bookstores for more information.
Murals Several businesses in Prince Rupert have been adding murals depicting coastal themes by artisi Jeff King. Watch for them throughout the downtown area and in Cow Bay. City Hall Hints of the Past
Kazu Maru Pacific Mariner’s Memorial Park
Prince Rupert features surprisingly diverse architectural styles. One of the most stunning examples is City Hall. Standing next to the flamboyant Besner Block, with its Spanish Colonial Revival style, City Hall is
At the Visitor Centre in the lobby of the Museum of Northern BC, you’ll find an evocative mask of a shaman surrounded by his healing spirits, by Nisga’a artist Ron Telek.
WELCOME TO PRINCE RUPERT Once you visit here, you’ll be back
www.thenorthernview.com
Experience Prince Rupert • 19
TEN THOUSAND YEARS OF TRADE AND A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY ALL IN ONE PLACE. Prince Rupert’s new Port Interpretive Centre is a place for exploration. Witness the history and operations of Canada’s leading-edge port through interactive multimedia, video, and displays. Meet the hard-working people and mammoth systems responsible for safely guiding ships and moving goods worth billions of dollars to destinations around the globe. This is your place to discover the Port of Prince Rupert: North America’s fastest-growing gateway to the Pacific.
AT THE COW BAY WATERFRONT IN PRINCE RUPERT FREE ADMISSION · CALL 250 624-4559 FOR INFORMATION INDEPENDENT EXPLORERS WELCOME · ENGLISH & FRENCH TOURS AVAILABLE VISIT WWW.RUPERTPORT.COM/CENTRE FOR CURRENT HOURS
20 • Experience Prince Rupert
www.thenorthernview.com
Yes! You deserve it.
Scan QR code with your mobile phone to watch a video tour or visit cresthotel.bc.ca
CREST HOTEL 222 First Ave. W. Prince Rupert, BC 1800-663-8150 cresthotel.bc.ca