Once you’re finished with Prince Rupert’s land-based attractions, plan on an inexpensive ferry ride, a fishing trip, kayaking, or a grizzly bear–viewing excursion into the Khutzeymateen. Seashore Charters (Atlin Terminal, Cow Bay, 250/624-5645 or 800/667-4393, www.seashorecharters.com) is a longtime booking agent representing local charter operators.

The most interesting of their tours is to Laxspa’aws (Pike Island), where shell middens, petroglyphs, and depressions from prehistoric houses point to human habitation up to 2,000 years ago. Other options available include yacht trips; day-long cruises looking for eagles, waterfowl, seals, otters, porpoises, and killer whales; and fishing trips for salmon, halibut, or cod, with gear and bait supplied. Expect to pay from $100 per person for a fishing trip.

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 call 250/624-3337. The shortest trip is a 15-minute run to Dodge Cove on Digby Island. There’s not much to do on the island, but it’s a nice cruise there and back, and it costs just $12 round-trip.

The calm waters of Prince Rupert Harbour are perfect for kayaking. Even if you have had no experience in a kayak, Skeena Kayaking (Cow Bay, 250/624-8311) will take you on an easy 1.5-hour paddle along the shoreline for $55 per person. A six-hour guided paddle to Tsimshian petroglyphs costs $135, including lunch.