With more than 100 inches of rainfall annually, Prince Rupert can never really be called dry. But July through September are the most reliably sunny months, with temperatures hovering in the mid-60s.
Note: A passport or a notarized birth certificate is required for travel between Canada and the United States.
Information
Prince Rupert Visitor Info- Centre. 9-8 daily. 215 Cow Bay Rd., Ste. 100; www.tourismprincerupert.com or 800/667-1994.
Super, Natural British Columbia. Contact for travel accommodations and reservations. www.northernbctravel.com/guide, www.hellobc.com, or 800/435-5622.
Getting there
Alaska Marine Highway System. www.ferryalaska.com or 800/642-0066.
BC Ferries. www.bcferries.com or 250/386-3431.
Celebrity Cruises. www.celebrity.com or 800/ 437-3111.
Norwegian Cruise Line. www.ncl.com or 800/327-7030.
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises. www.rssc.com or 800/285- 1835.
Via Rail Canada. www.viarail.ca or 888/842-7245.
Attractions
Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. Thirty miles northeast of Prince Rupert, at the head of Khutzeymateen Inlet, the sanctuary is reachable only by water and is best seen on guided tours (visit the website for information). www.bcparks.ca
Kwinitsa Railway Station Museum. The 1911 station is now a museum focused on railroad and Prince Rupert history. Free. On Bill Murray Way near First Ave.; www.museumofnorthernbc.com or 250/624-3207.
Museum of Northern British Columbia. Excellent exhibits of First Nations art. The museum's Carving Shed (free) is located on Market Place across from the Prince Rupert Courthouse; it's open whenever carvers are at work. $4. 100 First Ave. W.; www.museumofnorthernbc.com or 250/624-3207.
North Pacific Historic Fishing Village. $10. 1889 Skeena Dr., near Port Edward; www.cannery.ca or 250/628-3538.
Prince Rupert Adventure Tours. Full-day ($116)wildlife tours into whale waters and grizzly country (tours not licensed to enter Khutzeymateen sanctuary). The two-hour Circle Island Tour ($32) goes around Kaien Island, where the city of Prince Rupert is located. 207 Third Ave. E.; www.westcoastlaunch.com or 800/201- 8377.
Seashore Charters. Half-day tours to Pike Island; wilderness trips to see indigenous wildlife; charter fishing; and canoe and kayak tours. $45. 215 Cow Bay Rd.; www.seashorecharters.com or 250/624-5645.
SunChaser Charters Eco- Tours. One of two outfitters licensed to give tours in the Khutzeymateen sanctuary. All-inclusive multiday trips from about $1,300. www.citytel.net/sunchaser or 250/624- 5472.
Dining
Cow Bay Café. $$; lunch Tue-Sat, dinner Wed-Sat, brunch Sun, reservations recommended. 205 Cow Bay Rd.; 250/627-1212.
Crest Waterfront Restaurant.Great local seafood; good wine list. $$$; breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. 222 First; 800/663-8150.
Lodging
The Coast Prince Rupert Hotel. Convenient downtown location. 91 rooms from $100. 118 Sixth St.; www.coasthotels.com or 250/624- 6711.
The Crest Hotel. Luxury hotel; all rooms have excellent views of the city, the harbor, or the mountains. 102 rooms from $118. 222 First; www.cresthotel.bc.ca or 800/663-8150.
Inn on the Harbour. Recently renovated hotel on waterfront. 50 rooms from $64. 720 First; www.innontheharbour.com or 800/663- 8155.
