Prince Rupert

Experience the wild north coast. The picturesque coastal city of Prince Rupert, located on the traditional territory of the Tsimshian First Nations, nestles narrowly on a small, mountainous island at the mouth of the Skeena River. A few dozen kilometres west, the swells of the open Pacific Ocean make landfall. The deep-water harbour that flanks Kaien Island has been an asset to the Coast Tsimshian People who have lived in this area for thousands of years, far longer than Prince Rupert’s current incarnation, and continues to be integral to its future.

The journey between Prince Rupert and Terrace along Route 16 has long been touted as one of the most beautiful scenic drives anywhere in the world. The 142-km-long stretch runs along the Skeena River, one of the last and longest undammed rivers on the planet. Along the way, mountains, stunning cliff faces, and glaciers rise up on every side. There are several rest stops along the way where travellers can pull over, stretch their legs, and admire the views safely. Wildlife are also frequently spotted along the drive. Keep an eye out for eagles and seabirds flying overhead, mountain goats in the high hills, sea lions in the Skeena River, and sometimes even wolves, moose, and bears along the roadside.

Prince Rupert offers fantastic, fresh local cuisine, art, history, culture, rare wildlife, and unparalleled outdoor adventure. Take in the views from the mountains or the water, set out to one of the nearby islands, and take advantage of the north coast’s giant natural supermarket: sea asparagus and seaweed, clams, mussels, scallops, crabs and prawns, the mighty salmon—including spring (aka Chinook or king), sockeye, coho, chum, and pink—there’s halibut, snapper, cod (yes, including black cod), tuna, eulachon, herring, octopus are all at your fingertips…and that’s just scratching the surface.