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 between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert offers a exciting journey along BC's Inside Passage. Arriving into port by ship is breathtaking, as you pass hundreds of islands
The ship will dock near the center; there are new cruise facilities. 10 minute uphill walk to town. The visitor's center has an array of guidebooks and tourist information.
Printable map to take along.
Although Prince Rupert is famous as the "Fishing Capital of Canada's Northwest Coast" for its prime location on the Hecate Strait of the Pacific Ocean, one trip to this coastal city will convince all but the most avid anglers that there is much more to Prince Rupert than just fishing.
Na Xbiisa Lagigyet, the museum of Northern British Columbia, with its spectacular view of the Prince Rupert harbor, attracts visitors from all over who come to see artifacts reminiscent of an ancient way of life displayed alongside the contemporary art of local First Nations people. It only costs $6.57usd for admission. A carving shed down the block, where local artists transform copper, silver, gold, and argillite into works of art, and evening summer performances dramatizing the history of Prince Rupert top off your visit to Na Xbiisa Lagigyet, which means "Treasure Box of the Ancient Ones" in the language of the Tsimshian.
Getting around
Most of Prince Rupert is accessible on foot. A taxi ride anywhere is town will be no more than five to ten dollars.
Many of the tours that require boats leave from the Atlin Terminal just adjacent to the cruise ship dock. Adventure Tour's Excursions runs several boat tours.
Warning: it rains 220 days a year.
Food and shopping
Cow Bay, an area of cute shops painted in black and white cow spots, is just a 10-minute walk away.
Money
Canadian dollar
You will find ATMs in many grocery stores, malls, airports and so on, and most are linked to the international networks, the most common being Cirrus, Plus, Star and Maestro. You can also grab cash from an ATM if you use a major credit card although this method tends to be more expensive because, in addition to a service fee, you'll be charged interest immediately.
Staying connected
In Canada the main languages are English 59.3%, French 23.2% (both official); other 17.5%. Quebec and New Brunswick being the most "French" The rest of the country is English speaking.
There are cafes which offer Internet and WiFi connections.