A trip to Skeena-Queen Charlotte can be planned around coastal trails, wildlife viewing or history. The trails around Prince Rupert, the industrial past of Port Edward and Port Clements, and the protected areas near Masset offer different focal points. Choose your accommodation based on the places that interest you most.
Hiking trails around Prince Rupert
The five-kilometre Butze Rapids Trail is just outside Prince Rupert. The loop trail crosses a marshland and offers views of tidal rapids, as well as several beach access points. The shorter 1.7-kilometre Rushbrook Trail runs from Rushbrook Harbour behind Bob’s on the Rocks to the seaplane base at Seal Cove, where it connects with another loop around the salt marsh. Bridges and safety measures protect the trail and its users.
For a longer hike, consider the Tall Trees Trail: the 7.7-kilometre return trail is generally considered more challenging. The average time is listed as three hours and 15 minutes; the actual time depends on the hiker and conditions. Parking is available below the trail. The access point is outside Prince Rupert on Highway 16, opposite the entrance to the Butze Rapids Trail. As parking arrangements may change, check them before setting out.
Harbour and industrial history
In Prince Rupert, the Port Interpretive Centre brings the harbour to life with interactive exhibits, videos and activities for children. The Kwinitsa Railway Station Museum presents the history of northern Canada’s railway and the city’s early development. The Prince Rupert City and Regional Archives was established in 1980. It collects and preserves records relating to the history and culture of Prince Rupert, Port Edward, Port Essington, Port Simpson, Anyox and the surrounding region. The Museum of Northern British Columbia is dedicated to protecting, researching and interpreting the natural and cultural heritage of the Northwest Coast.
In Port Edward, the North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site tells the story of a long period of fish processing: salmon was produced and fish processed there continuously for almost 90 years; operations ended in the late 1970s. A scenic 24-kilometre drive leads from Prince Rupert to the site. This offers a way to contrast the coast’s industrial history with another focus: the region’s hiking trails and natural areas.
Port Clements: trails and pioneer history
The Port Clements Museum showcases local pioneer history indoors and outdoors, especially the logging industry on Haida Gwaii. In the centre of Port Clements, a trail network begins at the museum and connects Community Park and Sunset Park. Exploring on foot provides access to recreational areas and shortcuts through town. The Golden Spruce Trail winds through old-growth forest to the site where Kiidk’yass, the Golden Spruce, once stood; along the way, there are views of the forest and the Yakoun River. Another two-kilometre trail runs west of Port Clements along a berry-rich shoreline.
Sunset Park in Port Clements has RV sites and campsites. If you include this option in your accommodation plans, check that it is operating before your trip. This keeps your accommodation plans separate from your excursions: the town offers both pioneer history and trails, while a camping option is listed right at the park.
Nature and museums near Masset
The Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary in Masset is on the Pacific Flyway and is permanently protected through land agreements and land-title registrations. Up to 140 bird species are recorded in the sanctuary at different times of year. A 5.6-kilometre trail circles the marshland, with birdwatching towers and interpretive signs along the route. At the Delkatla Nature Centre on Trumpeter Drive, visitors can see exhibits and learn about the history of the restored sanctuary. The Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum is housed in a restored historic building and offers insights into early settlement and the maritime history of the Greater Massett area.
At nearby Diana Lake Park, spawning salmon can be observed in Diana Creek in August and September. Viewing is seasonal; check conditions before driving there. Further afield, the Tow Hill/Blow Hole Boardwalk in Naikoon Park follows an accessible route with interpretive signs to the Blow Hole and on to two viewpoints. The loop is about 2.5 kilometres long. Naikoon Park is also within the traditional territory of the Haida Nation and includes places of cultural and spiritual significance, historic village sites and important food-gathering sites.
More regional experiences
Gwaii Haanas offers a unique way to experience the islands’ landscape and culture: lush rainforest with moss-covered cedars and Sitka spruce provides habitat for bald eagles, bears, whales, porpoises and sea lions. At five archaeological village sites, knowledgeable Haida Gwaii Watchmen interpret weathered carved poles, longhouse ruins and traditional Haida culture. Kayaking in Gwaii Haanas offers immersive experiences of the sea, its wildlife, the wilderness and the culture of the island archipelago.
Daajing Giids also combines a variety of activities: from Daajing Giids Harbour | Kyahjuu GawGa, visitors can hire charters to explore the islands, bays, rivers and narrow waterways; kayaking and motorboat trips are also possible. Availability of operators may vary. Spirit Square has live music on Friday evenings, and the Community Hall hosts a weekly farmers’ market. Check current dates before your visit. For more information, visit the Sandspit Visitor Centre at the airport: it is fully staffed and open daily from June 1 to August 31. It offers nautical charts, a three-dimensional relief model of the islands, books, and travel and local information. Check current opening hours before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Prince Rupert, Port Edward, Tlell, Skeena-Queen Charlotte E, Comox-Strathcona, Alberni-Clayoquot, Kitimat-Stikine, Fraser-Fort George.
For the main travel overview: British Columbia.
