Welcome to Prince Rupert!
The untouched and pristine destination of Prince Rupert is home to unique and rich Indigenous culture & traditions, a vibrant art scene, as well as abundant wildlife. From its parks & trails, its remote grizzly bear sanctuary and scenic community views; Prince Rupert is a unique destination on the North Coast of Canada & often referred to as the “City of Rainbows.”
Here is our curated guide to the must-sees and things to do in Prince Rupert.
Bear Watching in The Khutzeymateen Valley
Head northeast of Prince Rupert to the Khutzeymateen/K’tzim-a-deen Grizzly Sanctuary, one of the only places in the world dedicated to protecting grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Chartered boat or floatplane tours take you into the area, where you can watch these majestic animals from a safe distance as they roam and feed along the estuary, making it a true wilderness bucket-list experience.
Hiking at Butze Rapids Trail
Just outside town, the Butze Rapids Interpretive Trail offers a scenic hike through lush rainforest to dramatic tidal rapids, a natural phenomenon where ocean tides create spectacular reversing flow and whitewater. The well-maintained route is rewarding for hikers of all levels with interpretive signs along the way.
Museum of Northern British Columbia
Discover the rich cultural history of the Northwest Coast at this beautifully crafted museum. Its exhibits feature thousands of Indigenous artifacts, traditional art, totem poles, archaeological finds and stories of local First Nations, early settlers, the fur trade, and the development of northern communities.
Whale Watching in Coastal Waters
Prince Rupert sits on nutrient-rich waters that attract whales year-round, especially humpbacks and orca, making it one of Canada’s top whale-watching destinations. Tours depart from Cow Bay and cruise Chatham Sound and the Inside Passage, giving you a chance to see tail slaps, breaches, playful porpoises and other marine life.
Brewery Tour & Tasting in Wheel House Brewing Company
Relax with a local beer and a bite at Wheelhouse, one of Prince Rupert’s most beloved breweries. Located near the water, it’s a great stop to sample creative craft brews, and wood fired pizza, enjoy views of the harbour, and get insights from local beer makers, perfect after a day of exploring.
North Pacific Cannery Museum
Located in Port Edward, this National Historic Site preserves one of the finest salmon canneries in North America. Guided tours take you through workers’ quarters, historic processing facilities, and interpretive exhibits that bring early coastal industry to life.