What should we do on the North Coast?

WILDLIFE VIEWING

Treat yourself to an unforgettable day of fresh air, stunning scenic beauty and a chance to view some of Canada’s most iconic mammals in their natural environment with Prince Rupert Adventure Tours. From the safety of their 100 passenger catamaran, view grizzly bears within the Khutzymateen Valley, see eagles soar, whales feeding, sea lions and seals. For tour times and schedules, visit their website at www.adventuretours.net Highly recommended!

NORTH PACIFIC CANNERY MUSEUM NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Pop up to our neighbour, North Pacific Cannery Museum for a self-guided or guided tour of an intact cannery town. Same in purpose as the Cassiar Cannery but a totally different feeling. Great exhibits highlight and illustrate life in a salmon cannery, a pillar of BC’s early economy. Open May through September. www.northpacificcannery.ca Closed Mondays in May and September. Highly recommended!

METLAKATLA WILDERNESS TRAIL

Now this is a great day! If you can catch it one a sunny day, prepare to be blown away by the beauty of the North Coast as you hike this 20km (10km out and back) trail in Metlakatla. Start by catching a short ferry from Prince Rupert to Metlakatla, stroll through a beautiful town and hit the trail. The first 5km is maintained with boardwalk and two fun suspension bridges. One of the highlights is the observation tower looking out over the ocean. The last 5km is rough and ends up in a campsite. At low tide, you can walk back along the beach. Truly stunning scenery and a day to remember. Highly recommended! www.metlakatlatrail.ca

SPORT FISHING

The North Coast is quite possibly the best sport fishing destination in the province. The cool water of the Pacific Ocean are home to five varieties of salmon, including some enormous spring salmon (ultimate bragging rights with your friends), monster halibut, rock fish and all the prawns and crab you can eat. Day charters run about $1200 for a full day for four and, most of the time, our guests exceed the cost of the charter in the value of the fish they catch. Fish processing available in Prince Rupert. Interested? Contact us for recommendations.

BUTZE RAPIDS

A beautiful, easy, 5km loop through some fantastic micro-climates. Starting through forest, the wide gravel path heads towards the ocean traveling through a stunted muskeg forest and then along the shoreline. Butze Rapids itself is impressive. The large tidal cycles on the North Coast push a lot of water through a narrow passage resulting in huge water movements culminating in the dramatic reversal of the water flow during high and low tides. There is a viewing platform above the rapids for easy viewing. Rich in oxygen and natural beauty, this is a great walk. The trail head is off Highway 16 between Port Edward and Prince Rupert.

WHEELHOUSE BREWING

Prince Rupert’s latest micro-brewery, is a favourite of locals and visitors alike. Grab a growler and bring it back for a little porching time at your Guest House! www.wheelhousebrewing.com

EXPLORE PRINCE RUPERT

Visit the Cow Bay area with its early coastal vibe, take a trip through the Ice House Gallery for some fabulous arts and crafts by local artisans (get your visa card ready!), marvel at the beautiful First Nations art at the Museum of Northern BC, taking a walking tour to see the totem poles and murals dotting Prince Rupert and top it off for a meal in one of Prince Rupert’s great restaurants or on picture perfect patios at The Crest, Cargo, Breakers Pub (no minors) and the Cow Bay Cafe.