This coastal city on British Columbia's northwest coast handles major shipping traffic and has North America's deepest ice-free natural harbor, amid fjords and rainforests.
On Kaien Island in British Columbia, Prince Rupert welcomes visitors with its misty coastline and rich marine life. You can watch grizzly bears fish for salmon in Khutzeymateen sanctuary, photograph humpback whales breaching along the Inside Passage, or examine 10,000-year-old First Nations tools at the Museum of Northern British Columbia. From its deep natural harbor, ferries and cruise ships connect the British Columbia coast to Alaska.
Weather and Climate in Prince Rupert
Rain falls in Prince Rupert on 240 days each year, with annual precipitation reaching 2,620 mm. When sun breaks through the clouds, rainbows often appear across the sky, which led to the nickname "The City of Rainbows." The ocean moderates temperatures year-round, but clouds limit sunshine to 1,230 hours annually, making Prince Rupert one of Canada's cloudiest cities.
Wildlife Viewing Around Prince Rupert
At Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear sanctuary, you can observe one of North America's largest populations of grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Float planes and boat tours depart daily from Prince Rupert during peak season. The coastal waters attract humpback whales, porpoises, and bald eagles. Local tour operators run wildlife viewing trips from May through September, when wildlife activity peaks.
Transportation Links
North America's deepest natural harbor makes Prince Rupert a major shipping center. BC Ferries runs regular service to Haida Gwaii and Port Hardy on Vancouver Island, while Alaska Marine Highway ferries travel to multiple Alaskan ports. You can fly into Prince Rupert through the airport on Digby Island, or drive in via the Yellowhead Trans-Canada Highway, which ends here.
Exploring Cow Bay District
In Cow Bay, wooden boardwalks extend over the water, connecting renovated waterfront buildings that now contain independent shops, cafes, and marine supply stores. You can watch fishing boats unload their catch while browsing local art galleries or stopping for fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants.
Museums and Cultural Sites
Inside a traditional Northwest Coast longhouse, the Museum of Northern British Columbia displays artifacts from the end of the last ice age, including stone tools, ceremonial masks, and trading items. At the Kwinitsa Railway Station Museum, housed in an original 1911 Grand Trunk Pacific Railway station, you'll find exhibits about the railway's role in developing northern British Columbia. Throughout the city, cedar totem poles carved by local First Nations artists tell stories of significant cultural events.
