This is a great afternoon hike alone or with family. The trail takes you through a beautiful old growth forest with great views of the ocean.
The parking lot for the trail is just outside of Prince Rupert and right off of Highway 16W.
This hike is an easy hike, with some hills, through a beautiful coastal rainforest. The viewing platform for Butze Rapids is 1.8km from the parking lot and then you can either choose to turn around and go back, or continue on the loop.
Depending on the season you go you will see different kinds of flora and fauna. I went in December and there was a few inches of snow in the forest, which I think made it look magical, but we weren't able to see the swamps.
The Butze Rapids are a natural feature due to the tide around Kaien Island, which causes Fern Passage to reverse on each tide. For the full effect of the Butze Rapids, the best time to see them would be at extreme low and high tides. I went recently and the rapids weren't at their craziest, but the area is still just as stunningly beautiful.
*Disclaimer: This area is frequented by wolves, but they usually stick to themselves. Keep dogs on leash and be aware of your surroundings.