NORTHERN BRITISH COLUMBIA - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 605

MM North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site
South of Prince Rupert in Port Edward, the North Pacific Cannery (1889 Skeena Dr., Port
Edward, 250/628-3538, 9:30am-5pm daily May-Sept., adult $12, senior $10, child $8) is
the oldest remaining cannery village from over 1,000 similar facilities that were once oper-
ating along the West Coast of North America. Dating to 1889 and now classified as a na-
tional historic site, this living museum is one of the highlights of a visit to Prince Rupert.
You can find out everything you've ever wanted to know about fish, the fishing industry,
canning—even which fish tastes the best (locals say it's red snapper every time). You're
free to stroll at your own pace along the boardwalk through the riverside settlement with its
many original buildings, including a church, schoolroom, general store, and living quarters.
When you're done with the sightseeing, take lunch at the Mess House (10:30am-3:30pm
daily July-Aug., $7-10), ordering seafood such as salmon chowder, of course. To get to the
village, head out of Prince Rupert on the Yellowhead Highway and take the first road to the
right after leaving Kaien Island.
RECREATION
Hiking
Walking trails lead from town to Cow Bay, Hays Creek, Morse Creek, the ferry terminals,
and the low summit of Mount Oldfield. Pick up a map and descriptions for all the local
trails at the visitor center. On one of my first visits to Prince Rupert, I blindly led a group
of three others to the summit of 732-meter (2,400-foot) Mount Hays via an old gondola
cut line. Halfway up we got tangled in head-high undergrowth, and then knee-deep snow.
Therefore, I heartily recommend you take the more conventional route, a gravel road that
leads off where Wantage Road ends. Once at the top, the views of Prince Rupert, the sound,
southeastern Alaska, and bald eagles soaring through updrafts are second to none.
Boat Tours
Once you're done with Prince Rupert's land-based attractions, plan on taking at least one
water-based tour. There are no tour boats as such; instead, choose from scenic ferry rides,
fishing charters, kayaking, or a grizzly bear viewing excursion into the Khutzeymateen.
Jump aboard the small ferries that run around the harbor to communities with no road
connections for an inexpensive harbor cruise. Head down to the small docks at the bottom
of McBride Street for route and schedule information, or contact Prince Rupert Adven-
ture Tours (250/627-9166, www.adventuretours.net ) .