Prince Rupert

A seaside, cosmopolitan city with a world-class port and scenic geography that still maintains a charming small town vibe. Rich in history, culture and service offerings, Prince Rupert is easily accessible and experiencing an exciting new wave of development.

 

Get to Know
Prince Rupert

Here are some key facts about Prince Rupert:

1910

Year of Incorporation

55 km²

Area

12,220

Population (2016 census)

303,000

Avg. Housing Price (2020)

Prince Rupert, BC 

Much like other neighbouring Northwest BC communities, Prince Rupert enjoys easy access to amazing outdoor adventures, some of the best saltwater and freshwater fishing in the world and truly magnificent landscapes right in your backyard.

With daily flights through Prince Rupert Airport, Air Canada and other airline services, access to BC Ferries, Alaska Ferries and VIA Rail, Prince Rupert is easily accessible and keeps you connected, wherever your destination may be.

Prince Rupert’s location and ocean access provide a myriad of economic development activities and the city is on the verge of a new wave of industrial growth. An island surrounded by islands on the west coast of British Columbia, Prince Rupert has been at the intersection of trade and commerce for millenia – first and foremost by First Nations.

Prince Rupert is in the territory of the Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams – Tsimshian communities that have inhabited the area since time immemorial. 


Opportunity

Entrepreneurial opportunities abound in Prince Rupert. The city is unexpectedly cosmopolitan and has the potential to be a tourist mecca for its ocean access, nature walks, hiking and amenities.

Prince Rupert has received significant support both at federal and provincial levels through the Asia Pacific Gateway Initiative. In order to foster growth, the city is working to encourage port industries to set up shop within the city and operate locally. The city is also looking to provide support and integration opportunities for trailing spouses who accompany partners for work-related positions.

Financial reports show an expected influx of over 1000 new jobs in the next 10 years, making Prince Rupert the fastest growing port in North America. Prince Rupert is ideal for young, college-educated residents looking to launch their careers in a city on the cusp of major growth.

Learn more
about
Prince Rupert:

Key Industries

  • Port
  • Fishing
  • Tourism

Key Attractions

  • Wildlife viewing
  • Dining
  • Ocean fishing

Indigenous Territory

  • Ts’msyen La̱xyuup (Tsimshian First Nations)

Key Geography

  • Deepest ice-free natural harbour in North America

Lifestyle

Prince Rupert is a well-connected and engaged community that enjoys strong social and community bonds thanks to its many service offerings and thriving arts scene.

Prince Rupert has a lot of amenities and is home to many of the higher-end restaurants and establishments in the region, making it a common gathering place for residents and neighbouring communities. Cow Bay area is a particularly nice, quaint neighbourhood for its local cafes and boardwalks.

The scenic road from Terrace to Prince Rupert has become iconic feature of Northwest BC. Outdoor activities play an important role in the lives of Prince Rupert’s residents.

Amenities

Prince Rupert has a full-service hospital that serves the city and surrounding region, along with a wide range of recreational facilities.

There are numerous successful businesses in the food/service industry including a brewery, sushi restaurant, high-quality hotel and local pub.

The city has built walking spaces into the city plan, meaning residents are able to frequently encounter one another on their strolls.

Learn more about Prince Rupert here.