Beyond the Waterfront: More Ways to Discover Prince Rupert
Slow cruising is about more than spending additional hours in port. It is about giving guests the freedom to experience a destination more fully and connect with a community more deeply. Prince Rupert Cruise Port has worked steadily to create more opportunities for visitors to do exactly that.
Today, guests can choose from a diverse programme of 24 tours capable of accommodating up to 1,849 visitors. This growing portfolio includes cultural and Indigenous experiences, wildlife encounters, culinary offerings and outdoor adventures designed for different interests, activity levels and lengths of stay.
This breadth allows guests to shape their time ashore rather than follow a single, conventional sightseeing route. Longer port calls are particularly valuable in Prince Rupert, where some of the destination’s most memorable experiences extend beyond the immediate waterfront and give visitors time to appreciate the landscapes, stories and communities of northern British Columbia.
The continued expansion of the excursion programme also creates opportunities for a wider network of local tour operators, guides, transportation providers, restaurants and community partners to participate in the growth of cruise tourism.
Sir Richard Branson’s recent visit during Virgin Voyages’ inaugural call offered a compelling example of what a full day ashore in Prince Rupert can include. His itinerary combined outdoor exploration and adventure, including a flightseeing experience introduced this year, with opportunities to discover the region’s striking natural surroundings from different perspectives.
The day concluded at Fukasaku, a small waterfront restaurant known for locally and sustainably sourced seafood. Following an omakase lunch showcasing ingredients from Prince Rupert and the wider region, Branson described it as the best meal of his life. His experience captured the range of authentic moments available in the destination—from adventure and scenery to local flavours and personal hospitality.
Prince Rupert’s evolution illustrates an important part of slow cruising: longer stays are most valuable when destinations are ready and equipped to help guests make meaningful use of the time. Through a broad and continually evolving excursion programme, Prince Rupert Cruise Port is giving more visitors the opportunity to slow down, explore farther and form a deeper connection with this remarkable part of the world.
