Active Pursuits

Fishing

Prince Rupert is famed for its excellent sportfishing. There are dozens of charter operators based in town. The Visitor Info Centre, in Cow Bay (tel. 800/667-1994 in Canada, or 250/624-5637; www.tourismprincerupert.com), or Seashore Charters (tel. 800/667-4393 or 250/624-5645) can steer you to the one that best serves your needs.

Fishing charters can range in length from a half-day to weeklong trip, and range in facilities from rough-and-ready boats to luxury cruisers. Expect a guided trip to cost from C$450 (US$450/£225) per day. Long-established companies include Frohlich's Fish Guiding (tel. 250/627-8443) and Predator Fishing Charters (tel. 250/627-1993; www.citytel.net/~predator), which also provides charters for diving.

Hiking

Far West Sports, 212 Third Ave. W. (tel. 250/624-2568), is one of the best sources of information about hiking and mountain-biking trails. The area experiences annual as well as seasonal changes in trail conditions, and some hiking and backcountry ski areas are too challenging for beginners.

There are a number of good hiking options right in Prince Rupert. One trail follows Hays Creek from McBride Street down to the harbor. Just 6.4km (4 miles) east on Highway 16 is a trail head for three more wilderness hikes. The 4km (2.5-mile) loop Butze Rapids Trail winds through wetlands to Grassy Bay and to Butze Rapids, a series of tidal cataracts. The sometimes-steep trail to the Tall Trees grove of old-growth cedars and to the viewpoint on Mount Oldfield requires more stamina. Check with the visitor center or the North Coast Forest District Office, 125 Market Place (tel. 250/624-7460; www.for.gov.bc.ca/dnc), for more information.

Kayaking & Canoeing

The waters surrounding Prince Rupert are tricky, and rough tidal swells and strong currents are common. Skeena Kayaking (tel. 250/624-5246; www.skeenakayaking.ca) offers kayak trips along the Skeena River and to the Kutzmateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. A 4-hour kayak rental is C$40 (US$40/£20).