How to Experience Prince Rupert’s Nature, Culture, and History in 8 Activities

3 minutes read

A visit to the City of Rainbows is all about rain or shine. Embark on an easy walking tour to experience Prince Rupert within a day!

A pinch of history

The region was inhabited by the Coast Ts’msyen
Prince Rupert has the deepest natural harbor in North America
Considered the “Halibut Capital of the world,” the city had the longest-running cannery on the coast (90 years).
The city was named after Prince Rupert of the Rhine, governor of British Columbia in 1858.

1 – Find History at the Museum of Northern British Columbia

Designed after a traditional longhouse, step inside the beautiful museum to explore 5,000 years of human history. From the first pre-historic village sites around 5,000 years ago to the present, the museum offers a large variety of artifacts, especially from the First Nations. Learn more about the different tribes, their cultures, their economy, and trade alliances.

In addition, see the city’s evolution with European settlers, the emergence of the salmon canneries, and the development of commerce.

Settlers in Prince Rupert – Credit Museum of British Columbia

Location: 100 1st Ave W, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1A8, Canada

2 – Nature viewing at Rushbrook Trail

Rushbrook Trail is an easy 1.8-mile out-and-back trail. The path starts at the end of the marina parking lot and follows the waterfront until Seal Cove. There are a few suspension metallic bridges to cross and a few benches to rest. This walk along the coastline is beautiful, quiet, and relaxing.

Location: Rushbrook Floats, Prince Rupert, BC, Canada

3 – A Green escape at Sunken Garden Park

Ammunition bunker during World War II, this hollow cavity has been transformed into a community garden. Since 2003, volunteers have met weekly to enhance it with various plants and flowers. See this colorful small garden, play at chess tables, and relax on benches.

Location: Market Place, Prince Rupert, BC

4 – Historic Cow Bay

Vessels tied up at Cow Bay – Credit Museum of British Columbia

Did you know? Cow Bay was renamed after Swiss man John Nehring debarked his cows ashore.

Visit this historic district witnessed Prince Rupert’s economic development, especially with the expansion of the fishing industry. This neighborhood housed the first hospital, and the oldest running Yacht club in Canada. Today, it’s a dynamic area with restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Location: Cow Bay Rd, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1A2, Canada

5 – Prince Rupert Fire and BC Police Museum

Throwback to a century of local history. Led by volunteers, this one-room museum displays many artifacts, including a restored 1958 American LaFrance pumper truck.

Location: 200 1st Avenue West Prince Rupert, BC

6 – A walking tour of the Totem pole collection

As part of its heritage, there are numerous totem pole replicas from different tribes around the city. Stop by to learn more about the pole origins, the carver master, and the figures replicated.

Location: City Hall and more

7 – Pay a tribute at Pacific Mariners Memorial Park

Pacific Mariners Memorial Park is dedicated to people who lost their lives at sea. Pointing the sea, a life-size mariner statue stands with this message: ” We are out there. We know you care and pray to God. We are out there in the care of God.”

The park also includes the “Kazy Maru” memorial. In 1985, Japanese fisherman Kazukio Sakamoto left Owase in Japan onboard his ship, the “Kazu Maru.” A year and a half later, this ship was discovered next to the Queen Charlotte Islands. Prince Rupert, Owase’s sister city, restored it and dedicated this memorial to the Sakamoto family and those who lost their lives in the Pacific Ocean.

Location: 101 1 Ave E, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 3X4, Canada

8 – Kwinitsa Station Railway Museum

Built in 1911, the restored Kwinitsa Station houses today a railway museum. Step inside to discover Prince Rupert’s railway history. Navigate through the office and living quarters to view many objects and pictures from this time.