Prince Rupert, BC

Although Prince Rupert is famous as the "Fishing Capital of Canada's Northwest Coast" for its prime location on the Hecate Strait of the Pacific Ocean, one trip to this coastal city will convince all but the most avid anglers that there is much more to Prince Rupert than just fishing. Na Xbiisa Lagigyet, the museum of Northern British Columbia, with its spectacular view of the Prince Rupert Harbour, attracts visitors from all over who come to see artifacts reminiscent of an ancient way of life displayed alongside the contemporary art of local First Nations people. A carving shed down the block, where local artists transform copper, silver, gold, and argillite into works of art, and evening summer performances dramatizing the history of Prince Rupert top off your visit to Na Xbiisa Lagigyet, which means “Treasure Box of the Ancient Ones” in the language of the Tsimshian. For an additional cost, guided tours past totem poles, and boat tours through important archaeological sites are also available from the museum.

Wildlife and nature viewing tours are another great way to see parts of the Prince Rupert area that are not readily accessible by car. Flightseeing tours will give you the bird's eye view of the city and surrounding islands, while chartered boat tours offer spectacular opportunities to view humpback, orca, and grey whales, as well as resident seals, eagles, and porpoises. Special bear watching excursions might also take you to K'tzim-a-Diin, Canada's first grizzly bear sanctuary, established in 1984 to preserve the dwindling number of grizzlies in the park. Although general access to the park is restricted for the safety of the bears, visitors may be admitted with the accompaniment of a certified guide.

Prince Rupert is located on Highway 16, 724 km (453 mi.) west of Prince George. Commercial air, bus, and train access are available, but it should be noted that the airport is on a separate island from the city. Ferry costs from the airport to Prince Rupert are not included in the price of your flight. Ferries also sail directly to Prince Rupert from Port Hardy on Vancouver Island, from Southeast Alaska, and from the Queen Charlotte Islands. Advance reservations for all transportation are recommended, especially in the summer. Population: 16,985 Elevation: 34 m (112 ft.) Average July Temperature: 13ºC (55ºF) Average January Temperature: 1ºC (34ºF) Annual Rainfall: 241 cm (95 in.) Annual Snowfall: 143 cm (56 in.)

5 Day Weather Forecast for Prince Rupert

Date	Weather	High	Low
May 16, 2012	Rain	N/A	5
May 17, 2012	Showers	8	5
May 18, 2012	PM Showers	8	5
May 19, 2012	Mostly Cloudy	11	7
May 20, 2012	Showers	9	7