PORTS OF CALL - Alaska
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Located on Kaien Island in British Columbia's far north, Prince Rupert is both a commercial center and a traditional fishing village. In fact, many of the city's restaurants, shops and galleries are housed in the pioneer buildings of its early days. Beyond the city limits, rugged coasts, sandy beaches, rain forests and mountains collide to form some of the most dynamic landscapes in the Northwest.
Don't Miss
Just a short ride north of Prince Rupert is Khutzeymateen - Canada's only grizzly bear sanctuary. Khutzeymateen means "confined space of salmon and bears" and it's no city zoo. The park's 122,000 acres are home to grizzlies, wolves, owls, moose and geese, along with harlequin ducks, kingfishers, harbor seals, and orca and humpback whales along the coast.
Fun Things to Do
- Check out the totems of Prince Rupert's local aboriginal tribes - the Haida and Tsimshian Indians - scattered throughout the city's beautiful parks and downtown.
- The bustling Cow Bay district on the north waterfront features a captivating visitor center in the new Atlin Terminal building, plus a variety of shops, galleries and restaurants.
- If eco-tourism is your thing (and it will be after a trip here), sportfishing off the coast can't be beat.
Sporting Adventures
Prince Rupert's mild summer climate means perfect weather for working up a sweat. So grab your gear and try kayaking, exploring a rainforest, walking, canoeing or golfing.
Local Flavours
While salmon is always plentiful in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, so much halibut has been shipped through Prince Rupert it has often been called the "Halibut Capital of the World."
Currency
In Canada, the Canadian dollar (CAD) is the official currency. Credit cards are widely accepted and often offer a good exchange rate. In all of Canada, a 5% Goods & Services Tax (GST) must be paid on all transportation, accommodation, restaurant meals, and just about anything else you purchase, right down to a pack of gum.