Prince Rupert: Don’t Just Pass Through – Ride, Explore, & Stay Awhile
First word of advice: don’t just pass through Prince Rupert. This salty little fishing town is packed with character, incredible food, and world-class nature—without the crowds. Whether you’re rolling in for the epic rides, gritty backcountry hikes, or a quiet moment by the water, Prince Rupert delivers. Here’s a rundown of the best trails, scenic routes, and outdoor spots worth stopping for.
First word of advice: don’t pass through Prince Rupert. It offers some of the best natural surroundings on the planet. BC’s North Coast rivals Alaska, and Prince Rupert is the only town located in the majes-tic Great Bear Rain Forest. Nature here is simply world-class. It’s not crowded like other places, though, so the hype is missing (phew!). Embrace the rain if you need to, and don’t miss the beauty and clean air that comes with it.
By the time you get to Prince Rupert you will hopefully have experienced several small BC towns, mostly founded on the logging and mining industries. Cool. But Prince Rupert is a salty little fishing town that boasts more character, colour and great restaurants than any other West of New Brunswick. Even if you love all the other small towns, you will appreciate this change-up! And, as with every stop along Highway 16, it’s less touristy (read more genuine) than anywhere you will experience south in the Province.
Here are some quick and dirty notes on my favourite outdoor activities in the area. I recommend stop-ping by Tourism Prince Rupert, buying a copy of The Outsiders Guide to Prince Rupert by Matt Sim-mons or checking All Trails/your favourite hiking app for directions, better descriptions of these, and other hikes in the area. They are generally less developed (muddy, bushy, bad-ass) than hikes in other communities, so pull up your socks before you get out there.
Walking Trails & Hikes
Rushbrook Trail – 1.2 km waterfront trail from near downtown to Seal Cove seaplane base. Meandering trail through the rainforest with a high chance of eagle and seal sightings. Good coffee shops on both ends, public docks with cool boats to look at, and a great fish n chips shop.
Butze Rapids Trail – 5.5 km trail that takes you through the rainforest and boardwalks through muskeg, down to the coast-line where a powerful tidal rapid forms at mid-tides every day. Trailhead is a few km’s from town (2 minutes on a motorcycle).
Tall Trees Trail 5km trail through large trees in the rainforest for 2kms, then gets steep for the next 2kms. A grind with a view at the top.
Cloudberry Trail This is our newest trail in town, which is only 1km long now, following the highway from the Civic Centre. It’s surprisingly nice to walk, given its proximity to the road, and will eventually extend through the rainforest connecting to Butze and Tall Trees Trails, Oliver Lake and beyond to Port Ed-ward. It’s a big work in progress, but it’s still worth checking out in the early stages.
Mt. McLean – This is my favourite hike. 3 hours up. The first hour is through the old growth of Hemlock forest. The second hour is through an inclined muskeg with stunning views of the Skeena River. The 3rd hour is scrambling over a boulder field. The summit is solid granite with heather growing on the sides. I’ve lit-erally run in bare feet along the ridgeline for a kilometre. So fun! Views that will rock your world. You won’t want to come back down.
It’s not just the hiking that’s good around Prince Rupert. Here are a few more things to do outside, rain or shine, while you are here:
Kayaking
Kloiya Bay – A quick ride out of town takes you to calm, protected waters—ideal for an afternoon paddle. Watch for eagles, seals, and the occasional porpoise as you cruise past the forested shoreline.
Cow Bay – Right in town, this is an easy launch spot with great access to the harbor. Paddle past colorful buildings, float by the docks, or head further out for open water views.
Fishing
Polymar Bar – If you’re looking to cast a line, this is one of the go-to spots for locals. Salmon runs bring the action, and the rugged scenery keeps it interesting even if the fish aren’t biting.
Prudhomme Lake Bridge – Another solid fishing stop just outside town. A little more low-key but worth the detour.
Swimming
Taylor Lake Dam – A quiet, tucked-away spot with cool, clear water.
Prudhomme Lake Dock – Easy access, scenic surroundings, and a good place to take a dip.
Rainbow Lake – A bit further out, but a great swimming hole surrounded by BC wilderness.
Dianna Lake – One of the more well-known local spots. If the sun’s out, this is where you’ll find people cooling off.
Windy Roads with Destinations
Mt. Hays – A winding road leads you up to one of the best viewpoints around. Take in panoramic views of the city, ocean, and surrounding islands before making your way back down.
North Pacific Cannery – A ride worth taking. This historic cannery, now a national historic site, offers a glimpse into BC’s fish-ing and canning history, with well-preserved buildings and exhibits that transport you back in time.
Work Channel – A remote, scenic dirt road ride leading to an inlet surrounded by towering mountains and untouched wilderness. Worth it if you’re craving a quiet spot away from everything.
Lava Beds/Gingolx– A long but rewarding ride leading to a surreal volcanic landscape. The Nisga’a Memorial Lava Bed Park is unlike anything else in BC—rugged lava fields, striking rock formations, and a powerful re-minder of the region’s geological history. End your ride in Gingolx, a tiny coastal village known for its seafood and incredible views.
Article and photos by Steve Milum
Steve is a small business owner/operator and outdoors enthusiast who moved to Prince Rupert 20 years ago because of it’s raw and inspiring natural surroundings and charming character. He is a sea kayak guide and kayak rental/tours operator by summer and a renovations contractor by winter. He aspires to be creative and genuine in all of his work and play. Steve’s motorcycle journey began as a kid with a dirt bike and miles of logging roads and range land to explore from his backyard, to riding a street bike in his teens and 20’s when he also owned a skateboard/snowboard shop in Vernon, BC with a couple friends. While living in Vancouver in his 30’s he rode a retro-classic motorcycle, which quickly became known as his “Freedom Machine” and eventually led him to discover Prince Rupert and the North Coast on a road trip. He now rides an enduro bike, allowing for a fun commute to his favourite kayak launch-es, fishing holes, and hiking trails.
To explore the waters with Steve, check out his business: Skeena Kayaking
