Pike Island (Laxspa'aws)
Laxspa'aws
A small island outside the harbor, preserving remains of a Tsimshian village about 2,000 years old. Visits are led by Indigenous guides by boat.
Pike Island (Tsimshian: Laxspa'aws) lies outside the harbor of Prince Rupert. The island preserves three ancient village sites, shell middens and petroglyphs, evidence of thousands of years of Tsimshian settlement. The half-day tour (about 3–4 hours), led by Metlakatla Indigenous guides, departs by boat from Cow Bay. After landing, you walk forest trails while the guides explain traditional life, plant uses and archaeological findings. Tours run in summer. The fee is about CA$100, and reservations must be made in advance.
Opening hours
May–Sep (group tours only)
Nearby sights
- Kwinitsa Railway Station Museum
- Museum of Northern British Columbia
- Sunken Gardens & Totem Poles
- Mount Hays
- Cow Bay
- Rushbrook Trail
- Butze Rapids Trail
- North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site