Canadian Railroads > Prince Rupert Information

I am considering taking the Skeena from Jasper to Prince Rupert this coming summer. I'm looking at connections from there to Ketchikan, AK as the 2026 draft Alaska Marine Highway ferry schedule once again leaves out stopping in Prince Rupert. Are there any public air, ferry or boat operations between those two close locations?

BC Ferry to and from Vancouver Island and Air Canada to--I havent checked,,Good luck, its a nice train ride both ways.
RB

The Alaska Marine Highway Ferry system was the only inexpensive and easy connection between these two small coastal cities.

You can charter a floatplane from either location, but the cost is fairly prohibitive, especially for just two people.

The least expensive way to fly from Prince Rupert to Ketchikan is to fly from PR back to Vancouver, catch a connection to Seattle, and the connect on Alaska Airlines to fly up to Ketchikan. That ordeal is $800 less than chartering a direct floatplane flight from Prince Rupert.

Posted from Android

BoostedFridge Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The Alaska Marine Highway Ferry system was the
> only inexpensive and easy connection between these
> two small coastal cities.
>
> You can charter a floatplane from either location,
> but the cost is fairly prohibitive, especially for
> just two people.
>
> The least expensive way to fly from Prince Rupert
> to Ketchikan is to fly from PR back to Vancouver,
> catch a connection to Seattle, and the connect on
> Alaska Airlines to fly up to Ketchikan. That
> ordeal is $800 less than chartering a direct
> floatplane flight from Prince Rupert.
>
> Posted from Android

Thanks for the information. Aside from cost, how would you deal with Canada/US customs issues on a float plane?

I'm now thinking about a BC ferry trip to Vancouver Island, bus/ferry to Vancouver city and Train #2 eastward.

Cumbresfan Wrote:
> Thanks for the information. Aside from cost, how
 >would you deal with Canada/US customs issues on a
 >float plane?

My understanding is that you have to pre arrange with US Customs (and vice versa with the Canadian CBSA for your return if planning so) to get cleared upon arrival.  The aviation company would need to factor this in for their flight plan.  If the purpose of Ketchikan was primarily just to touch down in the state and say you went to Alaska on the trip, it is a fair bit of expense and hassle.  Hopefully Alaska Marine Highways gets their ferry service back up and running in the future.


Cumbresfan Wrote:
> I'm now thinking about a BC ferry trip to
 >Vancouver Island, bus/ferry to Vancouver city and
 >Train #2 eastward.

The ferry from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy is a popular route in the summer months.  Those travelling with a vehicle have to book well in advance to select preferred dates, but walking on should not be an issue.  I would still suggest booking your tickets once you finalize your dates though.  Much of the trip is in darkness/overnight, but it's a way to see some incredible scenery and remote places.  There is a 'bus' (extended sprinter van) service between Port Hardy, and Campbell River, where you can connect to other busses and transport to the ferry terminals in Nanaimo (closest) or Victoria to travel to Vancouver.  If your timeline and schedule allow for it, I do recommend spending a night in Victoria.  The city has great weather, a very walkable downtown area, and is incredibly photogenic.  The inner harbour after dark is lit up and very colourful.  The ferry terminal to Vancouver is about 45 minutes away by public transit from the downtown area.



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