Plan an Overnight Adventure
With multiple nights to enjoy the area, take this opportunity to plan an overnight getaway. The area around Prince Rupert is home to some of the most amazing remote accommodation options offering incredible adventures. The Khutzeymateen Wilderness Lodge, a floating lodge at the mouth of the inlet, offers luxury eco-accomodation right inside the park – a great way for visitors to take wildlife encounters to the next level. For an overnight experience rich in history, you can also check out the North Pacific Cannery or the Cassiar Cannery, both located in Port Edward, just a short drive from Prince Rupert.
Colourful cabins at the historic Cassiar Cannery. Image by Shayd Johnson.
Book an Overnight Fishing Lodge
If you’re in the Prince Rupert area with the intent of reeling in some halibut or salmon, you can take this experience even further by staying overnight at a remote fishing lodge. There are a number of lodges floating in remote coves around Prince Rupert, accessible by boat or floatplane only. The travel experience itself just getting into the lodge is an adventure with amazing opportunities for sightseeing and wildlife viewing. This is a bucket-list experience for any avid angler.
ha-nee-nah fishing lodge. Image by jeremy koreski.
Try a More Challenging Trail
For the avid backcountry hiker, the Prince Rupert area is home to many more advanced trails that summit nearby peaks to offer incredible views of Kaien Island and the Skeena River. For a hike that starts close to town, take in the view from Mount Hays. From here, you can see the many islands that punctuate the Pacific Ocean. Across the harbour, there’s the tiny community of Dodge Cove on Digby Island. In Venn Passage, the village of Metlakatla hugs the vivid green coastline. Look further north and you can see the southern reaches of the Alaskan Panhandle. On a clear day, to the west, you can make out the Haida Gwaii archipelago on the other side of Hecate Strait. And beyond that, nothing but open ocean for nearly 7,000 kilometres to the coast of Japan. It’s a staggering view, but that’s not the only good thing about being up here. As the ancient Taoist saying goes, the journey itself is the reward. Climbing to the top of Mt. Hays is a hefty hike, whether you walk up the access road or scale the steep Kiwanis Trail. But walking is worth the effort. For a full listing of Prince Rupert’s trails to explore, be sure to pickup a copy of the Outsider’s Guide to Prince Rupert, available at most local shops!
Tall Trees Trail by Shayd Johnson.
Spend Time in Town
You’ll want to spend at least a few days in town, wandering the streets and enjoying our many parks and harbour viewpoints. Wander through the charming waterfront district of Cow Bay, full of unique shops housed in colourful heritage buildings. Learn about the fascinating history of the area’s namesake and grab a coffee or quick snack to keep your energy up. Next, meander past the Northland Cruise Terminal and up the hill past Mariner’s Park, enjoying the sweeping views of the Harbour. Check out our museums and galleries, drive out to the North Pacific Cannery, and be sure to finish each evening with an incredible locally-sourced meal. Nestled into beautiful heritage buildings or perched over the harbour with sweeping views, Prince Rupert’s eclectic array of dining options offer beautiful meals in a picturesque setting. Be sure to finish off your evening with a beer from our own craft brewery just up the hill from the heart of Cow Bay!
