Active Pursuits in Prince Rupert

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 a weeklong trip, and range in facilities from rough-and-ready boats to luxury cruisers. Expect a guided trip to cost from C$500 per person 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 Hwy. 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) offers kayak trips along the Skeena River and to the Kutzmateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary. A 4-hour kayak rental is C$45.