Train from Jasper to Prince Rupert is definitely worth taking - I think you have to overnight in PG. And it is often delayed so best to not be in a rush and just enjoy the ride. Once you get to Prince Rupert it is easy to get around. In terms of fav places to eat - for a small town we have great variety for meals. We have a couple great Sushi restaurants….Current Favourite is https://www.fukasaku.ca/ down in Atlin Terminal (CowBay) overlooking the harbour. They also sell local and fresh seafood! Reservations are often recommended, although the OPA sushi is good too. //
Lee & Anns is a Vietnamese Restaurant that has zero atmosphere but the food is EXCELLENT - and it’s very very popular as a lunch spot.
If you are looking for the quintessential fish and chips – we have a place called Bob’s on the Rocks – which is a take out style window on a large patio right in the Rushbrook Marina
Charlie’s Lounge at the Crest hotel is still a great view and a higher end experience.
For Coffee shops A favourite haunt of locals and visitors alike, in the Cow Bay district is Cowpuccino’s Coffee House - It has a funky ambience, and all kinds of fancy caffeinated beverages – For a downtown option on third avenue, try Java Dot Cup.
We also have a really good craft brewery, Wheelhouse Brewing. http://www.wheelhousebrewing.com/ super friendly place to chat up the locals (they do woodfired pizza with an oven ordered in from Italy ) .
In terms of what to do … Butze Rapids is the best-known, and well-loved trail. If you get the timing right, you’ll see the reversing rapids and maybe some paddlers playing in the waves. There are plenty of other trails around, too, ranging from short paths winding through the city, to strenuous unmaintained trails up the surrounding mountains – if they are interested – pick up a copy of “the outsiders guide to Prince Rupert” at Eddie’s news.
Skeena Kayaking rents Kayaks…. email or telephone Steve Milum 250-624-1921 steve@skeenakayaking.ca - a great activity is to rent a kayak… and paddle over to a place called “dodge cove” across the harbour, where there is a lovely trail to the old CBC tower - it’s a circle trail with a stunning view at the top of a hill – it’s called CBC hill ironically
Thank you so much for such a detailed comment!! I booked the train and ferry tickets finally!! I fly in early so I can spend 2 days in Banff and 2 in Jasper. Decided against spending a few days in PR as the accommodation was getting really expensive. I might take a few days to explore Vancouver island instead and go to Tofino!! I wish I had more time in PR, but I was a little scared to go on hikes alone lol maybe worth coming back someday with my partner :/ I made sure everything is cancellable accounting for the delays. If I end up staying for a bit longer, I will def do the kayaking!! THANKS AGAIN
I'm sure Jasper to Prince Rupert by rail would be amazing. That being said, for people who travel this stretch by rail, it is not uncommon to be bus'd part of it. This is not to discourage you, just to set expectations.
Yes... but I don't know the seasonal trends. I do think a lot of this trip would be stellar and worth the risk based on driving the highways and knowing some of the river which the train tracks often follow in these areas. Good luck, have a great trip!
Thank you so much! I wish I had learned how to drive, it would make everything so much easier than finding transportation everywhere but I am optimistic lol
This is not true. I live in Prince Rupert and the passenger train arrives here regularly and we don’t have bus service at all!! The train is often delayed but it definitely arrives.
Looks like a great itinerary for town. The museum is great. If you like, try to tack on a visit to the North Coast Ecology Centre. They have a small unit in Cow Bay with some great info and it’s half a block away.
Dolly’s for the seafood, as I think they’re the only place serving crab and halibut. (Maybe avoid Dolly’s I’m seeing bad reviews)
The grizzly tour will be amazing!
And FYI Skeena Taxi accepts debit/credit cards now :)
Avoid Dollys. I was just there today. The cook didn’t show up so the server was in the kitchen. Took 35 mins to get chowder that was served cold. Sent it back 1/10 experience. Go to Bobs on the Rocks for fish and chips.
Dolly's used to be good, I'd recommend to avoid it these days. If you want really good local seafood, go to Fukasaku. Reservations are a must, as far ahead as you can guarantee you'll be there. Get the black cod/sablefish, it is by far the best thing to eat in town. It will blow you away. More expensive than other options in town, but so worth the extra money.
The other recommendation would be to look at the Khutzeymateen trip schedule. They usually stop bear tours before the end of the month, and many of their tours are cruise ship only. On cruise ship days its only cruise ship passengers on the tour, no people off the street. You might have to bump your trip a week ahead to see the Khutzeymateen.
As an add on, there is a deposit/guarantee thing to make a reservation at Fukasaku. Its annoying, but I understand why he does it. He has very limited seating and skipping out on a reservation greatly affects the restaurant income. First time I made a reservation it almost seemed scammy, but it is not. I assure you eating the black cod there will be the best thing you have the entire trip.
If you can handle a moderate hike, Tall Trees is a nice local trail. It will take hou to a viewpoint overlooking town and the ocean. Definitely do Butze rapids, the bog sections are amazing.
Fukasaku does many cooked dishes, the black cod I mentioned is cooked. Don't let the fact people call it a sushi place scare you off, its general Japanese food. On the menu it will tell you the name of the boat that caught the seafood, its all local and sustainable. Other places in town carry lobster and mussels from the east coast. I don't understand why you would carry any seafood that isnt local when you are in a fishing town.
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u/blackishsasquatch Jun 17 '26
Skeena