Located on the beautiful North Coast of British Columbia, Prince Rupert (pop.15,000). At the west end of Trans-Canada Highway 16 (the Yellowhead Highway), Prince Rupert is approximately 150 km west of Terrace, and 725 km west of Prince George.
Situated 920km (550 miles) north of Vancouver and 65km (40 miles) south of southeast Alaska the area is one of the oldest continuously occupied regions of the world with a vast First Nations history.
The City was incorporated in March 10, 1910. Born from the vision of Charles Hays, president of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, Prince Rupert was chosen as the western terminus of Canada’s second transcontinental railroad. During WWII the city served both Canada and the United States as a strategic military post. An estimated 150,000 Canadian and US troops passed through the city.
The Tsimshian Nation is the indigenous First Nations in the Prince Rupert area. The people of the Northwest Coast have developed their own unique artistic style, and you will find many fine works on display in area museums, galleries and shops. As you will see when you visit, First Nations have a proud history on the northwest coast and have retained and reclaimed their living culture.
The Port of Prince Rupert's strategic location on international trade corridors makes it an essential link in the global transportation and international trade network. Modern terminals, fast turnaround, on-time delivery capabilities, and vast industrial development properties on tidewater open new opportunities for shippers and producers. Superior road and rail connections provide easy access to the entire North American continent. With the deepest harbour in North America and year-round ice-free facilities, the Port of Prince Rupert offers safe harbour and cost-effective advantages to shippers across the globe.
Port of Prince Rupert Info
- At 54º North the Port of Prince Rupert is North America’s closest port to Asia. Situated 440 miles/thirty (30) hours’ sailing time closer to Asia, the Port’s strategic location puts shippers 1.5 days closer to Asia
- Shortest land-sea route between Asia and the US Midwest is through the Prince Rupert Port Authority
- All rail trackage on Port of Prince Rupert terminals connects directly with CN Rail’s North Line. This international rail line follows the Northwest Transportation Corridor through the lowest rail grade in the Canadian Rockies and on to Edmonton and Winnipeg, and the rest of North America via Chicago.
- The ice-free Prince Rupert Harbour is the deepest natural harbour in North America. The harbour can easily accommodate both the deep draught vessels of today, and the large container and bulk carriers of the future.
- Safest port on the West Coast
- Port of Prince Rupert provides shippers direct access to North Pacific shipping lanes.
- The inner harbour entrance is 457m wide and 35-44m deep.
Statistics
Latitude: 54.18N
Longitude: 130.26W
Elevation
40 meters (131 ft) above sea level.
Population
City: 14, 643
Precipitation
Annual precipitation: 236.9cm (93.3")
Weather
Average: July 20C (70F) January -2.2 C (28F)