The natural playground that surrounds Prince Rupert offers immeasurable adventure and excitement!
But this is wild country on an enormous scale, and to some visitors, the choices can be daunting.
Where to begin exploring the vast outlying wilderness?
Best spots for sport-fishing?
Best time for whale watching?
Best (safe!) places for grizzly sightings?
Never fear! Prince Rupert’s thriving tourism industry offers plenty of curated opportunities to explore this awe-inspiring region.
Kayaking
Low-tech exploration is a great way to get a sense of the sheer scale of nature around Prince Rupert. Skeena Kayaking offers guided tours and kayak rentals for experienced and amateur paddlers, alike, including trips designed specifically for kids. Immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility (and occasional white water!) of the region’s waterways.
Sportfishing
Salmon and halibut are plentiful in the waters around Prince Rupert, and sportfishing is a popular attraction. Numerous local outfitters lead chartered excursions geared for any skill level (lessons are available, too!). Haida Fishing offers half-day or full-day fishing trips for small groups. While each tour operator has a favourite spot, the bounty of fish in the area almost always means a good catch.
Flightseeing
Seaplane and helitours offer a wonderful opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of Prince Rupert and the region’s many islands, rivers, lakes and mountains. Inland Air’s Misty Mountain Fjord tour soars over glacial valleys, snow-capped peaks and icefields, highlighting spectacular coastal and mountain vistas. Spot orcas, whales and bears from a unique perspective! The tour lasts an hour, but the memories last a lifetime.
Day Hiking
Readily accessible, day hikes around Prince Rupert appeal to all skill levels. Trails range from easy woodland strolls to strenuous climbs over technical terrain, and local wildlife sightings are common. The popular Tall Trees Trail offers a moderately difficult hike to a spectacular vista, or try the Seal Cove Connector for an easy walk along the water. Outer Coast Outfitters offers more challenging guided tours (including by snowshoe in the winter!), providing a genuine northern coastal rainforest experience.
Bear Watching
Hoping for a close –but safe– encounter with a grizzly? Just north of Prince Rupert lies the famous Khutzeymateen Sanctuary, home to one of the largest grizzly populations in BC. The Sanctuary was developed to protect grizzlies in their natural habitat. Because conservation efforts are the priority, human visits to the park are controlled by permit, and bear viewing is limited to guided tours.
Prince Rupert Adventure Tours offers a thrilling seven-hour boat tour that travels north through the Chatham Sound to the rugged coastal mountains and pristine wilderness of the Khutzeymateen Valley. This memorable trip is filled with wonderous stories of historic native villages, and sightings of porpoises, seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and blue herons.
Whale Watching
Its location on the Inside Passage makes Prince Rupert a world-class spot for whale watching. The deep sea port is a natural feeding ground for Grey whales, Humpbacks and Orcas. Whale migration is at its peak from July through September, and several boat tours operate from the port in those months, showcasing the harbour’s abundant sea life.
Take a leisurely and delightful 4-hour tour through the neighbouring islands and along the Inside Passage with Prince Rupert Adventure Tours. For a more intense wilderness experience, Thunder 1 Adventures offers two-day excursions for small groups. Overnight on a private, catered yacht and enjoy majestic marine life and incredible scenery. Several companies also offer customized tours.
There’s an abundance of adventure to be had in this spectacular corner of BC!
There’s always something to explore. When you’re ready for a break from all of the exhilaration, the Crest is a welcome respite. A well-earned drink and delicious meal await you at Charley’s Lounge, where everyone is eager to hear tell of your “Princely” exploits.
Contact us to book your spot at the Crest.