Prince Rupert, BC

One of the most popular shore excursions is a visit to the North Pacific Cannery Village Museum, a National Historic Site located about a 30-minute drive from the port. This well-preserved cannery offers a fascinating look into the history of the West Coast fishing industry.

Located right in town and easily accessible, the Museum of Northern British Columbia showcases the rich art and cultural history of the region's First Nations people in a stunning longhouse-style building.

For wildlife enthusiasts, a boat or floatplane tour to the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary is a must-do. These full-day excursions offer a chance to see grizzly bears in their natural protected habitat.

A short taxi ride from the port, Butze Rapids Park and Trail offers accessible hiking with beautiful views of the forest and the unique reversing tidal rapids.

One of the most significant nearby destinations is the district of Port Edward, located approximately 20 km (12 miles) south of Prince Rupert. This area is home to the North Pacific Cannery Village Museum, a major historical attraction that is about a 25-30 minute drive from the port.

The Tsimshian community of Metlakatla is located on the nearby Tsimpsean Peninsula. Visiting this community offers a chance to experience local First Nations culture and can be reached via a short passenger ferry from Prince Rupert, making for a unique half-day trip.

The Northland Cruise Terminal in Prince Rupert is conveniently located at the edge of the downtown core.

It is an easy and pleasant walk of about 10-15 minutes to the main waterfront tourist area, known as Cow Bay. The city center is very compact and accessible on foot from the pier.

Cruise lines often provide complimentary shuttle buses that run loops through town, with stops at key points like Cow Bay and the Museum of Northern British Columbia.

The port area itself has been developed to be welcoming, and the adjacent Cow Bay district is filled with shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Ships dock directly at the pier, so tendering is not required.

The official currency in Prince Rupert is the Canadian Dollar (CAD).

While some tourist-oriented businesses may accept US Dollars, it is not guaranteed, and the exchange rate offered will likely be less favorable than at a bank. It is highly recommended to use Canadian Dollars for transactions.

ATMs are readily available in the downtown area for withdrawing local currency. Major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and for tour bookings.

Prince Rupert is generally a very safe destination for cruise passengers to explore.

The main tourist areas, including the downtown core and the Cow Bay waterfront, are safe for independent walking tours during the day. Standard safety precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and securing your valuables, should be followed as in any travel destination.

There are no specific areas that tourists need to avoid. For excursions into more remote wilderness areas, such as bear watching tours, it is essential to go with a licensed and reputable guide.

Be aware of urban wildlife. It is not uncommon to see black bears on the outskirts of town, so maintain a safe distance and never feed wild animals.

Prince Rupert is located in a temperate rainforest and is known for its high amount of rainfall throughout the year. Visitors should always be prepared for rain, even during the summer months.

During the cruise season from May to September, the weather is typically mild and cool. Average daytime high temperatures range from 12°C to 18°C (55°F to 65°F).

It is essential to pack in layers. A waterproof jacket is a must, along with sweaters or fleece pullovers. Comfortable, water-resistant walking shoes are highly recommended for exploring the town and trails. A hat and gloves can also be useful, especially for boat tours on the water where it can be windy and colder.

Prince Rupert's main tourist areas are quite walkable from the cruise terminal, but other transportation options are available.

Taxis are typically waiting at the cruise terminal when a ship is in port. A local bus service is operated by BC Transit, which can be useful for reaching destinations slightly outside the city center.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are generally not available or are extremely limited in the area.

For attractions like the North Pacific Cannery, a pre-booked shore excursion, tour bus, or taxi is necessary due to the distance from the port.

The best shopping for visitors is concentrated in the Cow Bay district, a colorful and historic waterfront area just a short walk from the cruise ship dock.

This area is filled with locally-owned boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops housed in charming buildings, some of which are built on pilings over the water.

Look for authentic First Nations art, including silver jewelry, carvings, masks, and prints. Another local specialty is delicious smoked salmon, which is often packaged for travel. You can also find high-quality hand-knitted goods, perfect for the coastal weather.

Prices are typically fixed, and haggling is not a common practice in retail stores.