Making the most of Prince Rupert British Columbia
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The cruise from Port Hardy to Prince Rupert is an exciting voyage through BC's Inside Passage. Arrival by ship is breathtaking as the route passes hundreds of islands.
Ships berth near the centre, where new cruise facilities are available. Town is a 10 minute uphill walk away, and the visitor's centre carries a selection of guidebooks and tourist information.
Take a printable map ashore.
Prince Rupert is renowned as the "Fishing Capital of Canada's Northwest Coast" because of its excellent position on the Pacific Ocean's Hecate Strait. Yet one visit to this coastal city will persuade everyone except the keenest anglers that it offers far more than fishing alone.
Na Xbiisa Lagigyet, the museum of Northern British Columbia, overlooks Prince Rupert harbour and draws visitors from far and wide. Artefacts recalling an ancient way of life appear beside contemporary works by local First Nations artists, with admission costing just $6.57usd. Down the street, a carving shed lets visitors watch regional artists turn copper, silver, gold and argillite into works of art. Evening summer performances depicting Prince Rupert's history complete a visit to Na Xbiisa Lagigyet, meaning "Treasure Box of the Ancient Ones" in the Tsimshian language.
Getting around
Most parts of Prince Rupert can be reached on foot. A taxi journey anywhere in town should cost no more than five to ten dollars.
Many boat-based tours depart from Atlin Terminal, immediately beside the cruise berth. Adventure Tour's Excursions operates several boat trips.
Warning: rain falls on 220 days each year.
Food and shopping
Cow Bay, a neighbourhood of delightful shops decorated with black-and-white cow markings, is only a 10-minute walk away.
Money
The currency is the Canadian dollar.
ATMs are found in many supermarkets, shopping centres, airports and other locations, with most connected to international networks such as Cirrus, Plus, Star and Maestro. A major credit card can also be used to withdraw cash from an ATM, although this tends to cost more because interest is charged immediately in addition to a service fee.
Staying connected
Canada's main languages are English 59.3% and French 23.2%, both official, with other languages accounting for 17.5%. Quebec and New Brunswick are the most "French" provinces, while the remainder of the country is English-speaking.
Some cafés provide Internet and WiFi connections.