Prince Ruper t
And the traditional lands of the Tsimshian First Nation
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2 • Experience Prince Rupert
THE MUSEUM OF NORTHERN BC
museumofnorthernbc.com 100 1st W. 624 3207 ext 27
PRINCE RUPERT’S PREMIER ATTRACTION
Table of contents
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Experience Prince Rupert • 3
Welcome to the North Coast ............4 Adventure awaits .............................5 Three ways to shop ...........................6 Connect with history ........................7 Stay and play .....................................8 Recreation for all ..............................10 Gateway to adventure .......................14
Hike in the rainforest ........................ 15 Celebrate Seafest ...............................16 A summer of fun ..............................17 Visit the Khutzeymateen ..................18 World-class fishing ...........................19 Natural beauty ...................................21 Frequently asked questions ...............22
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Welcome to the North Coast
4 • Experience Prince Rupert
This summer, experience Prince Rupert Where wilderness meets urban life Nestled on Kaien Island and right on the Pacific Ocean, the city of Prince Rupert offers visitors a unique experience that simply can’t be replicated. It’s a community where wilderness meets the urban experience and where recreation, the arts and culture are all abundant. For those who are more adventurous, activities such as fishing, whale watching and kayaking will provide a full day of memories for people of all ages. For those who prefer to get their recreation on firmer ground, Prince Rupert is home to a number of trails through the coastal rainforest, an 18hole 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 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. 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 BC, the Kwinitsa Rail Museum, the Port Interpretive Centre and North Pacific Cannery Museum in neighbouring Port Edward.
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 multi-day Seafest celebration every June, the spirit of Rupertites is always on display. As well as Prince Rupert itself, the city is a gateway to even greater
adventures through connections with BC Ferries, the Alaska Marine Highway system, Via Rail and the seaplane operators in town. Through this guide we hope to introduce you to everything Prince Rupert has to offer. Whether visiting for a day, a weekend, a week or more, a trip to Prince Rupert is sure to be a memorable one.
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Experience Prince Rupert • 5
Adventure awaits you
Hit the ocean for an unforgettable experience Experience North Coast nature Unquestionably Prince Rupert’s greatest attribute is the natural and marine environment surrounding the city. The Pacific Ocean offers unparalleled opportunities to see things you simply can’t see elsewhere in Northwest B.C. and Prince Rupert’s tourism sector is more than ready to offer visitors an experience they will remember for years to come. For those who want to try their luck at landing the big one, there are a number of skilled and knowledgeable fishing charter operators to help make your dream a reality. From the massive halibut, which can easily weigh hundreds of pounds, to some of the biggest salmon you’ll ever see, the chance to fish in the Hecate Strait or along the coast draws people from across Canada and around the world to the North Coast. With charter operators, all you need to bring is yourself and an adventurous spirit to get the most out of your time on the water. Fishing with your feet on the ground is always an option too. The Skeena River is a short drive down the highway and features world class salmon fishing and the promise of a fun-filled family day. 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. Peak viewing starts in mid-July and tour operators in the area 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 bubblefeeding. Bubble-feeding 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. 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 Grizzlies in their natural habitat. And who knows, on the way to see the bears you may just see some of whales, seals or Orcas. Independent adventurers can also take to the sea. Kayak rentals are available to let people explore the Prince Rupert harbour or Kloiya Bay either on their own or with an experienced guide. Lessons are available for first-timers.
WELCOME TO PRINCE RUPERT Once you visit here, you’ll be back
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Three ways to shop Rupert
6 • Experience Prince Rupert
Shopping an experience unto itself Discover something for everyone When it comes to shopping in Prince Rupert, there really are three different areas that each offer their own experience.
Cow Bay The most uniquely Prince Rupert shopping experience can be found in an area named Cow Bay, a name that refers to cows being unloaded from boats in the area in the earlier days of the city. Here visitors can shop along the waterfront and enjoy the beautiful scenery offered by the harbour. As for the shopping itself, the selection in Cow Bay is as interesting as the place itself. Here you will find locally owned boutique shops carrying North Coast and Canadian gifts 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 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 are beyond description. 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 various port-related facilities operate.
operated shops that you won’t find elsewhere, but you’ll also see familiar brand name stores, that highlight the variety of business in town.
Downtown 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 tackle shops to restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations and everything in between. Many of the stores are locally owned and
Rupert Square 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. The Rupert Square also includes restaurants and service businesses like insurance agencies and banks. The Rupert Square Mall is THE one stop shopping location here on the North Coast.
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Connect with the history of Prince Rupert
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Experience Prince Rupert • 7
A rich history is yours to explore From pre-contact to global port Prince Rupert celebrated its 100th birthday in 2010 and to say that the city has a rich and varied history would be an understatement. Long before contact with Europeans, the area around Prince Rupert was inhabited by the Tsimshian First Nation. The city has embraced its First Nations history, with totem poles found throughout town including at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre, beside City Hall and at Totem Park near the hospital. In the early 1900s Charles Melville Hays saw Prince Rupert as a great national port city that would ship Canadian goods to Asian markets. As such, he chose Prince Rupert to be terminus for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad and had plans for the city that included a hotel to rival the Grand Pacific Hotel in Victoria. Unfortunately Hays went down with the ill-fated Titanic in 1912, and the plans for the community went with him. When war broke out, Prince Rupert’s strategic location brought soldiers from the U.S. and Canada to defend the coast. With the soldiers came a number of bunkers and forts that can still be found around the island today. But even before Prince Rupert was incorporated, fishing was the backbone of the Prince Rupert economy. A number of canneries were established along the coast and a massive fleet headed out to sea every year. North Pacific Cannery in Port Edward, a Parks Canada National Historic Site, offers a unique glimpse into what cannery life would be like for the men and women who worked there. The cannery was established in 1889, making it the oldest remaining
cannery on the west coast of North America, and the structures that made up the facility remain largely intact. Throughout the summer the cannery offers interpretive tours that explain the cannery’s history, operation and impact on the region. Along with North Pacific Cannery, Prince Rupert is fortunate to have the massive Museum of Northern BC. This world-class museum includes exhibits outlining the First Nations history of the region — including some exceptional carvings and a carving shed — and artifacts that outline the complete story of how the City of Prince Rupert has evolved throughout the years and different periods in city history. Other museums include the Kwinitsa Railway Museum, which is located at Rotary Waterfront Park and examines the role of the railroad in shaping Prince Rupert, and the Prince Rupert Fire Museum, complete with a 1925 REO Speedwagon. In fact, Prince Rupert so values its heritage that the first home ever built in
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Years later the widow of Kazukio Sakamoto agreed to allow the boat to be put on display in Prince Rupert. For those interested in where Prince Rupert has come since the opening of Fairview Container Terminal in 2007, the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s Port Interpretive Centre in the Atlin Terminal allows visitors to learn about port operations and the many advantages offered to customers shipping through Prince Rupert.
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the city — the Pillsbury House — is not only still standing and occupied, but has been restored to give it new life. Another interesting piece of Prince Rupert history is the Kazu Maru, which is on display at Mariners Memorial Park. The 27-foot Japanese fishing boat belonged to a fisherman who set sail from Prince Rupert’s sister city Owase, Japan. It was found overturned and was taken to Prince Rupert for identification.
Kitchen Hours
Sun - Thurs 10 am - 9 pm Fri & Sat 10 am - 10 pm
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Make plans to stay and play
8 • Experience Prince Rupert
Accommodations to meet every need From luxurious to budget-conscious, choose the room that is right for you One thing there is no shortage of in Prince Rupert is quality places to stay and eat. Whether you want a night in a hotel overlooking the water, one in the downtown core or one close to ferry and rail connections, the selection of hotels in Prince Rupert ensures you can find a room that meets your needs and your budget. If meeting fellow travellers from around the world is something that interests you, then one of Prince Rupert’s hostels or backpacker’s lodges is the place to book your stay. These accommodations are within walking distance to all shopping and recreation experiences and can cater to those wanting a private room or the budget-conscious traveller who wants to meet new people through shared accommodations and facilities, including full kitchens and leisure rooms. If you want something a little more private and cozy, there are plenty of bed and breakfasts located throughout town that cater to the individual and offer a different kind of escape for visitors. For those who prefer to rough it, there are three campsites in and around Prince Rupert, each offering its own style. There is one in Prince Rupert on the way to the ferry terminal, one out
in Port Edward, and Prudhomme Lake Provincial campsite along Highway 16. Along with accommodations, Prince Rupert has restaurants of all types to cater to visitors. Whether you are looking for fast food, fine dining, Chinese food, Vietnamese food, Greek food, seafood, steaks, pub food, pizza or just a place to sit down and have a coffee, you are sure to find what you’re looking for in the downtown core or Cow Bay. For entertainment, Prince Rupert also has a gaming centre, a performing arts centre and a three-screen movie theatre showing all the new releases. And to celebrate your trip, there is a government liquor store downtown and several beer and wine stores to choose from.
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Experience Prince Rupert • 9
Visit Port Edward
www.portedward.ca
Home of North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site
1889 Skeena Drive
www.northpacificcannery.ca
250.628.3538
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Recreation at your fingertips
10 • Experience Prince Rupert
Bring your gear and get ready to play Whether on land or in the water, there is no shortage of recreation opportunities offered by the City of Prince Rupert for visitors and residents alike.
Hit the links Visitors to the Centennial Golf Course are surprised to learn that set amongst the trees and lush foliage is an 18-hole golf course. Always vibrant, this wonderfully scenic North Coast course is admired for its natural beauty, high level of maintenance and strategic challenge. Mother Nature was very kind to the golfers of the Northwest, bestowing on them her beauty as evident on the course and the surrounding area. It would be uncommon to experience a round of golf in Prince Rupert without a wildlife sighting. Deer are common companions around the course, while marmots and squirrels peek out from their burrows and trees. Situated at the base of Mount Hays, which is home to hundreds of Bald Eagles, Prince Rupert’s course is spectacular and challenging. The fine conditioning of it just enhances this natural experience. The challenge is abundant in a variety of ways. Though the course
Scheduled
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is not long by modern standards, the original 1967 design has stood the test of time. Each hole enjoys a terrain of its own, separated from the rest of the course by trees and bush. The smaller greens are heavily contoured and slick in nature. They demand strategic placement of approach shots. These well manicured greens have gained the reputation for being the best in the Northwest. The tree and creek lined fairways require similar respect from the tee box. Creeks crossing fairways and fronting greens on six holes require decisions regarding strategic lay up vs. heroic carry-overs of these natural hazards. Being situated in the North, Prince Rupert enjoy long hours of daylight in the summer months which enables golfers to book tee times late into the day. Visitors are always welcome and made to feel at home by the course’s staff who have loads of experience. You will find at the Centennial Golf Course the same friendly people that Prince Rupert is famous for.
Hit the pool Prince Rupert’s swim scene has come a long way from the early days
of people taking to the salt lakes across the harbour. Today the Earl Mah Aquatic Centre, named after lifelong volunteer and the first ChineseCanadian born in Prince Rupert, features a children’s pool, a hot tub, a sauna, a deep area with a diving board, a rope swing and a full length pool. As well as the pool itself, the upstairs portion of the centre was renovated to feature a state-of-theart gym, complete with weights, treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, rowing machines and much more. Prince Rupert also has an outdoor gym for those sunny days. With all-
weather equipment and machines for legs, arms and cardio, the outdoor gym lets you enjoy your workout and time in the sun all at once. For more information on the centre, including hours and fees, visit www.princerupert.ca.
Racquet time For those who never travel without a racquet in tow, Prince Rupert is home to three outdoor tennis courts and a racquet centre where people can always find a friendly game of squash or racquetball.
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Experience Prince Rupert • 11
Welcome to Prince Rupert Square Mall
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12 • Experience Prince Rupert
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Experience Prince Rupert • 13
Stardust Restaurant
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Your coastal connection
14 • Experience Prince Rupert
Your gateway to even more adventure Arrive by boat or rail, travel in all directions While Prince Rupert is certainly a destination unto itself, it may also be the launching point for a larger vacation experience with BC Ferries, Alaska Ferries and VIA Rail all calling on Prince Rupert.
BC Ferries BC Ferries runs two routes out of the Prince Rupert terminal and both draw people from around the world for their beauty and the overall experience. Prince Rupert is the only point from which one can take a vehicle to the majestic islands of Haida Gwaii. A seven hour trip through the Hecate Strait aboard either the Northern Adventure or Northern Expedition will land you in Skidegate on Graham Island. From Skidegate you can either travel north to Tlell, Port Clements, Masset or Old Massett. The northern route includes the Haida Heritage Centre — which includes an actively used carving shed, the Haida Museum and a performance area focusing on the rich history of the Haida people — or escape from it all on North Beach, where waves crash onto a sandy shore and Agate Beach and Tow Hill are just a short drive away. Along the way be sure to check out the balance rock, Naikoon Provincial Park and the only remaining branches from the Golden Spruce of Port Clements. If you go south you can either visit Queen Charlotte or take a ferry to Moresby Island to visit Sandspit and plan for a trip to Gwaii Haanas National Park,
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an untouched national site that covers the entirety of southern Moresby Island that is rich with the history of the Haida Nation. The other trip offered by BC Ferries is the Inside Passage aboard the beautiful Northern Expedition. This day-long trip takes you from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy on the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Along the way the ship winds its way through the mountainous Inside Passage, the same route taken by cruise ships on their way up to Alaska. From Port Hardy, you can do a circle tour down the island, through Vancouver and back to your home town. For more information, visit www.bcferries.ca
Alaska Marine Highway Prince Rupert is the only Canadian port of call for the Alaska Marine Highway system, and a trip aboard one of the ships will take you on an unforgettable voyage through southeast Alaska. From Prince Rupert it’s a six hour trip to Ketchikan, Alaska. From there you can sail through lush forests and past glaciers to communities like Skagway,
Alaska and even to the state capital of Juneau. You’ll have the chance to stop and explore many of the same communities that make up the Alaska Cruise experience, but at your own pace. For more information visit http://dot.alaska.gov/ amhs.
VIA Rail Though you will have undoubtedly seen much of northern B.C. in your travels, a trip aboard VIA Rail lets you see a side of the region you won’t see from the highway. The Prince Rupert to Jasper train, in particular, is a two-day journey that will take you from the Pacific Ocean right through to the Rocky Mountains traveling the back country of the province. Note that there is an overnight layover in Prince George during the trip. From Jasper, you can connect to Vancouver or continue your travels to eastern Canada, the choice is all yours. To book your trip aboard VIA Rial, visit www.viarail.ca
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Experience Prince Rupert • 15
Experience the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest
Take a hike to become one with nature 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 Prince Rupert there are a number of trails that can be accessed from the streets around town. 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 sections of wilderness along rolling hills. It follows 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 Second 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 recently 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. 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 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 through the narrow channel near Grassy Bay. Further out, eight kilometres past Port Edward, is Diana Lake Provincial Park. Accessible from the parking lot is a short trail that takes you down to where the overflow from the dam cascades into the creek. You can also follow the creek itself back to the road and a picnic site
just off the road. For the more adventurous, the Metlakatla Wilderness Trail makes its way along the coast and through stand of hemlock and cedar. Complete with suspension bridges and boardwalks, this trail requires you to book in advance as it is only accessible via water taxi to the nearby community of Metlakatla. 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 swimming. And on the way to Terrace, near Rainbow Summit, there is a beach and boat launch at Rainbow Lake.
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Celebrate Seafest 2015
16 • Experience Prince Rupert
Three days of fun planned for early June Seafest marks 37 years of fun in town and on the waterfront Prince Rupert’s largest community celebration, Seafest, takes place every June and draws people from across the northwest for three days of fun and games. This year’s Seafest is scheduled to take place from June 12-14. Seafest started in 1978 and has only grown since then. Every year features a different theme, and this year the festivities will be “Prince Rupert Marine Rescue: Saving Lives on the Water” as Station 64 of Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue celebrates its 40th year. On Friday there is a Seniors’ Tea scheduled and the Jim Ciccone Memorial 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament gets underway, with the finals scheduled for Sunday. But Seafest really ramps up on the weekend, with one day dedicated to activities in the downtown core and one day for activities on the waterfront. Saturday morning the Masonic Hall hosts a pancake breakfast, and at 11 a.m. one of the largest parades in the Northwest takes to the streets of downtown. The Seafest Parade features dozens of entries and can last well over an hour as it loops itself through seven blocks on Second and Third Avenue West. Spectators are often lined up three deep to see the different floats. While Second Avenue re-opens, Third
Avenue West remains closed throughout the remainder of the day for activities that range from bouncy castles to marine touch tanks and dunk tanks to live music. Dozens of vendors also line the sidewalks to make sure people are well-fed. Sunday’s Seafest is focused entirely on the water that makes Prince Rupert’s quality of life unique. There is a children’s bullhead derby at the docks in Cow Bay, where kids can try their luck at landing “the big one”, while the remainder of the events take place at Rotary Waterfront Park.
Throughout the day there is a race of homemade boats built the day before in The Quick and the Daring, a Swim for Survival, a sailpast and flypast of the park, kayaking for kids and parents and live entertainment on the Kwinitsa bandstand. Seafest concludes with the Sunset Service to honour those who perished at sea. The event is entirely run and organized by the volunteers of the Prince Rupert Special Events Society. For more on all the activities of Seafest, visit www.prspecialevents.com.
A summer of celebration
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Experience Prince Rupert • 17
Community puts pride, talent on display Summer is a busy time for Prince Rupert, with three major celebrations and festivals taking place in addition to Seafest.
National Aboriginal Day First Nations make up a large portion of the North Coast’s population and their culture and history are intertwined with that of Prince Rupert. In Prince Rupert the largest First Nations groups include the Tsimshian, on whose traditional territory Prince Rupert is located, the Nisga’a Nation of the Nass Valley, the Haida Nation of Haida Gwaii and the Gitga’at Nation of Hartley Bay. Prince Rupert is also the gateway to Haida Gwaii and the service centre for the villages of Metlakatla, Lax Kw’alaams, Kitkatla and Hartley Bay. It is with this in mind that First Nations and non-First Nations gather every June 21 to celebrate the contributions and culture of Aboriginal Canadians as part of National Aboriginal Day. Unlike other communities, where National Aboriginal Day is celebrated the weekend before or the weekend after,
in Prince Rupert festivities are held on June 21. To celebrate there is a full day of Aboriginal singing and dancing, as well as a featured performer from elsewhere in Canada either at the Rotary Waterfront Park or in the arena at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre. Along with the dancing and regalia, there are often opportunities to partake in some traditional First Nations food and see some spectacular carving or art from local artists.
Canada Day 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, MLA Jennifer Rice and Mayor Lee Brain serve up cake while volunteers hand out flags and local musicians, dancers and artists entertain the crowd on the bandstand. For the kids, there is face painting throughout the day, games such as the sack race and the egg race and, if the weather is nice, a bouncy castle where they can play and expend some of their energy.
For more information on Canada Day visit www.prspecialevents.com.
Udderfest The following month local actors take center stage, literally, for the annual Udder Theatre Festival. Held in early August Udderfest is 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. As well as the long-time actors, every year there is a kids camp held where local youth take to the stage for a show that they have been rehearsing for part of the summer. Shows take place at the Tom Rooney Playhouse, and will move to other venues in the community as needed. A schedule of shows and more details on Udderfest will be available at harbourtheatre.com as the date of the festival draws closer.
Metlakatla Wilderness Trail Reopens May 1st, 2015 Contact Contact Metlakatla Metlakatla Trail Trail Staff Staff and and book book your your adventure today! Call 250-624-1822 or email email trail@metlakatla.ca. trail@metlakatla.ca. Please note— The trail is is located on on Reserve Reserve lands. lands. Pre-booking Pre-booking is is required required for for hiking hiking and and camping camping on on the the trail. trail.
www.metlakatlatrail.ca
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Face-to-face with a Grizzly
18 • Experience Prince Rupert
Spend a day in the Khutzeymateen Prince Rupert the launching point to renowned sanctuary As the boat pulls out of the dock at Atlin Terminal at 8 a.m., there is certainly a sense of anticipation amongst the many and varied passengers. A quick listen to the chatter around the cabin tells of the international flavour of today’s voyage: There’s a gentleman from Luxembourg getting coffee for his wife while another man from London talks about the difference between B.C. and England, the tour guide switches to French for the tourist who speak that language primarily and there is a group of Italian tourists also out hoping to capture a glimpse of the province’s mighty Grizzly bear in its natural habitat. After sailing for just over an hour while simultaneously learning about the history of the North Coast, including the pre- and post-settlement history of Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams and slowing down to view a gathering of seals on a rock island, the captain slows the ship to a crawl to signify entry into the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Reserve. And at that point, regardless of conversations that were taking place or activities being done, the cabin empties as people take their binoculars and cameras onto the deck to seek out the bears. Quickly fingers point to a beach off in
the distance and a quick glance through the binoculars confirms the sighting of the first bear of the day. But distance isn’t an issue in the valley on this misty day as the boat goes as close to the shore as the depth allows. The bear seems to neither notice nor care about the dozens of people snapping photos and following its every move through binoculars. It briefly grazes on grass before moving to the mud and, as if to give a real show, begins pawing and digging for clams along the shore. After a significant amount of time watching
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this creature without it seeming to care, the boat backs out and just around the corner, unexpectedly, is another grizzly — a monster of a bear compared to the previous one. Again the bear goes about its business, seemingly oblivious to the amazed looks on the faces of people just feet away or the countless and repeated shutter clicks as people from all walks of life capture these moments and memories. If the passengers wanted to stay in this beautiful coastal setting and watch the bear all day, the animal would seemingly be happy to oblige.
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
• Good Selection • Lowest Prices
250-624-5011170 George Hills Way, Prince Rupert
844-3rd Ave West • 250-624-3122
Magazines • Books Cuban Cigars British Chocolates & Candy
Eddie’s News
611 2nd Ave W, Prince Rupert 250-624-4134
Open Daily to 10 PM
Prince Rupert & Terrace Drive Thru 99 11th Ave East Prince Rupert
4740 Lakelse Ave Terrace
Enjoy world-class fishing
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Experience Prince Rupert • 19
Land the big one this summer Whether on the sea or on the river, Prince Rupert is a fishing paradise 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 mountain-lined fjords, the opportunities to fish in stellar locations are endless. 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. Those who prefer freshwater angling will reap dramatic rewards. 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. The wilderness around Prince Rupert is sprinkled with lakes and streams that feature great cutthroat and rainbow trout fishing as well. The North Coast offers more fish and fewer crowds, so escape the crowd in the last frontier of sport fishing and cast your line in Prince Rupert.
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
ON YOUR WAY TO OR FROM PRINCE RUPERT? STOP BY AND STAY WITH US
A NEW HOTEL located in a quiet part of the city, Rest Inn is only 5 minutes drive from the downtown, 10 minutes from the airport and in walking distance to Skeena River. • Complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport, 24 hour reception with friendly and polite staff. • Free Wi-Fi and business centre, room selection with or without kitchenette, with all rooms equipped with a flat screen satellite TV with DVD player, full cable including all sports and movie channels, refrigerator, microwave, coffee machine, toaster, electric kettle and iron. • All new furniture and fittings. • Laundry facilities available. • Excellent restaurant/pub next door.
Rest Inn - 4326 Lakelse Ave, Terrace, BC V8G 4V2
• Located 5 minutes’ from Terrace town centre, this RV park offers RV sites with full hook-up. • A launderette is located on site. • Free WiFi is included. • Each RV site at Rest Inn RV Park features a picnic table and gravel ground cover. • Electricity is offered in 30 and 50 amp. • Guests have access to shared bathroom facilities. • A sanitary dump station is available at RV Park Rest Inn Terrace. • Skeena Valley Golf & Country Club is 10 minutes’ drive from this Terrace RV park. Heritage Park Museum is 3 km away.
RV Park - 4342 Lakelse Ave, Terrace, BC V8G 4V2
Phone: 250-635-7216, 1-800-663-3123 • www.restinnterrace.com
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Enjoy world-class fishing
20 • Experience Prince Rupert
Fishing limits and restrictions for 2015 Salt water Chinook: Mimum size: 45 cm Daily limit: 2 Possession limit: 4 Annual limit: 30 Chum, Coho, Pink: Minimum size: 30 cm Daily limit: 4 Possession limit: 8 Sockeye: Until further notice, the daily limit for Sockeye is 0 Halibut: Maximum length: 133 cm. Daily limit: 1. Possession limit: 2, only 1 of which may be over 90 cm. Annual limit: 6 Other: All halibut retained by the licence holder shall be immediately recorded in ink on the 20152016 Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. The area from which each halibut is caught and its length shall immediately be recorded on licence.
Skeena River Chinook: Daily limit: 4 Restrictions: Only one over 65 centimetres permitted per day. Coho: Daily limit: 4 Restrictions: Only over 50 centimetres. Pink: Daily Limit: 2 Restrictions: begins June 16.
one
Season
Lake/stream Trout/Char: Daily limit: 5 Restrictions: - Only one over 50 cm - maximum of 3 Dolly Varden/bull trout and/or lake trout combined - Trout caught in a stream before June 30 must be released and any trout under 30 cm caught in a stream must be released - Wild steelhead must be released
Welcome to 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
Prince Rupert’s favorite pub since 1986
Come down for the food and drinks, stay for the view Located in Cow Bay please call for reservations 250-624-5990
From Semis to Sub Compacts, we have tires for you! We do mechanical work from tune ups to motor repairs OPEN 8AM-6PM MON-FRI OPEN 8AM-5PM SAT.
624-8550
943 Chamberlain Avenue
TRAYLING’S
TACKLE SHOP "Your One Stop Tackle Shop"
For all your fishing & tackle needs Phone/Fax (250) 624-9874 635 - 2nd Avenue West, Prince Rupert
THE PATTY WAGON Burgers so good... They are CRIMINAL
101 KAIEN ROAD TEXT 778-645-0293 FOR PICK-UP ORDERS OPEN TUE - SAT 11 AM - 6 PM
North Coast sightseeing
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Experience Prince Rupert • 21
Beauty surrounds you in Prince Rupert It is not just nature that draws the eyes of thousands of visitors every year, but some of the sites in the region make a Prince Rupert visit one to remember. With buildings dating back to the early 1900s still present in the downtown core and throughout the community, sometimes a simple walk through town can provide perfect pictures and breathtaking scenes. Clockwise from left: Diana Lake provides an ideal spot for a picnic or a refreshing swim; Prince Rupert City Hall has maintained its vintage look and is covered in First Nations art; the Sunken Gardens located behind the courthouse, which is planted and maintained by volunteers of the Prince Rupert Garden Club.
210 4th Street,
Vintage & Antiques
Unique Gifts Persian Carpets
The T he Argosy Argosy 985 3rd A 985 Aven Av Avenue enue uee West. Wes estt. t. Prince Pri rin ncce Rupert Rupe u ert 250.624.2746 250 62 24 2746 6 www.theargosy.ca th
Prince Rupert • databoy@citytel.net 250-627-4042 Toll Free 1-866-627-4042
Gaming Products
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Waht to know for your visit
22 • Experience Prince Rupert
Frequently asked questions What is the weather like? Summer temperatures climb into the mid teens and low 20s Celsius/low to mid-60s Fahrenheit. Rainfall is approximately 250 cm/100 inches annually.
Should I book ahead? Yes. The arrival and departure of trains and ferries creates an ebb and flow of visitors, which can result in no vacancies on peak travel days. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Where is the airport? The airport is located on Digby Island and is only accessible by ferry. Bus and ferry transportation is provided for all airline travellers. For those arriving by private plane or those meeting a seaplane, ground transport is available from the terminal to the Digby Island dock. Visit www.ypr.ca for more information.
Where can I check on road conditions? Visit www.DriveBC.ca for up to date road conditions, events and highway cameras, or call 1-800-550-4997.
How do I get from the train/ferry to my hotel? Taxis are available for incoming trains and ferries.
Where can I find fishing regulations? For information on B.C. tidal waters and freshwater salmon fishing visit www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish or call (250) 627-3499 for saltwater fishing or (250) 627-3409 for freshwater fishing inquiries.
295-7 1st Ave. East, Prince Rupert /81&+ ‡ ',11(5 ‡ '5,1.6 1st Avenue @ 0F%ULGH ‡ ‡
Customer Reviews
“Awesome food and amazing staÄŤ. Scallop Spring Rolls with Curry Aioli! A-MAZING! Every Ć&#x;me I leave Prince Rupert I always ÄŽnd myself thinking about those Spring Rolls. Don’t even get me started on the Salmon and Burgers.â€? “Amazing staÄŤ, the best service. A great meal, far beyond my expectaĆ&#x;ons. The food is made with love and it shows. I ordered the Jolly Roger Burger, comes with salad and fries. I’m gluten sensiĆ&#x;ve and instead of a bun they oÄŤered a bed of rice, no other place has been so thoughĆžul. I will be recommending this place to everyone. I can’t wait to go back. Thank you so much for a great experience!â€? “The food and the service were absolutely amazing!! My husband had the RuperĆ&#x;te and I had the Gladiator and we both had a cup of their delicious seafood chowder... We will be back!â€?
Marine Supplies Outboard Motors Fishing Bait Boats Weed Trimmers Mowers Maps Books Aluminum Fabrication 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 • Footwear • Clothing Accessories & More BOGS • Crocs • Kamik KUHL • Desigual Joseph Ribkoff Helly Hansen • Picadilly Wooden Ships • Kensie Chlorophylle • Point Zero For All Your Family ’s West Coast Fashion Needs! 250-624-5337 or clothing 250-624-5335
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Experience Prince Rupert • 23
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
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24 • Experience Prince Rupert
Aleeda
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 Free Internet service Complimentary Coffee Fridge In Rooms
All Flatscreen TV’s Alaska Ferry Car Storage Barbecue Available Smoking Rooms Available
www.parksideresortmotel.com • 1-888-575-2288 • 101 - 11 Th Ave East Stay in the largest rooms in town at affordable rates 42” Flat Screen TV’s • HD Channels Free Wi-Fi Book your ¿shing charters here
Toll-Free: 1-800-663-0822
935 2nd Ave. West, Prince Rupert www.mobydickinn.com