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Port Alberni and the pastoral Alberni Valley serve as the gateway to BC’s west coast. Majestically located on a deepwater ocean inlet in the south-central heart of Vancouver Island, Port Alberni is a friendly and affordable lumber and fishing town with a bright future as an incredible outdoor adventure location. Hiking, recreational fishing, mountain biking, and various water activities are all found here.
In a matter of minutes, visitors can travel from city shopping plazas into the thick of the Alberni Valley wilderness. The region stretches from the peak of Mount Arrowsmith to the river systems, lakes, forested expanses, farmlands and ocean fjords that roll west to the open Pacific.
Port Alberni's future has arrived for all-season adventurers keen on salmon fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and numerous water activities (swimming, boating, tubing, kayaking and canoeing). Natural gems in the region include Cathedral Grove's old-growth hemlocks, the mighty Della Falls (the tallest waterfall in North America), Stamp River Falls Provincial Park, the historic Log Train Trail hiking/biking route, and the watersports hubs of Sproat and Great Central lakes.
Take a walking tour downtown or explore the Alberni Valley on driving/hiking tours. The city and region as a whole offer the following highlights – many of which can be enjoyed in a single day or over a leisurely long weekend:
Step back in time on a vintage passenger train that chugs through the valley to Canada's only working steam sawmill, the 1920-era McLean Mill National Historic Site. Expect sell-outs on special trips designed for fans of Harry Potter and Christmas lights.
Head out to sea with fishing guides on route to famously scenic Barkley Sound and the town of Bamfield's wilderness lodges.
Snap pictures of black bears foraging for berries and salmon on the west bank of the Somass River – safely visible by onlookers from Victoria Quay, a favorite downtown gathering place.
Check out the Labour Day Port Alberni Salmon Festival, the Thunder in the Valley drag racing competition, top-rate junior hockey tournaments, various art galleries and home studios, and a half-dozen other special events held annually.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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