Prince Rupert

Introducing Prince Rupert

People are always ‘discovering Prince Rupert.’ Enough already, it’s been found! And what a find it is. This fascinating city with a gorgeous harbor is not just a transportation hub (ferries go south to Vancouver Island, west to the Queen Charlotte Islands and north to Alaska) but a destination in its own right. It has two excellent museums, fine restaurants and a culture that draws much from its aboriginal heritage.

It may rain 220 days a year but that doesn’t stop the drip-dry locals enjoying activities in the misty mountains and waterways. Originally the dream of Charles Hays (who built the railroad here before going to a watery grave on the Titanic), Rupert (as it’s called) always seems one step behind a bright future. But finally its ship may have come in – literally. A new container port will speed cheap tat from China to bargain-desperate Americans and each year more huge cruise ships on the Inside Passage circuit drop off their hordes to ‘discover’ Rupert’s authentic appeal. (And the new casino promises to relieve those day-trippers of additional dollars.)

Last updated: Mar 24, 2009