PORT ALBERNI

Port Alberni, British Columbia

Vancouver Island’s Best Kept Secret

Experience a premier island lifestyle in our harbour city!

Port Alberni and its encompassing Alberni Valley are surrounded by mountains, a deep-sea inlet, old growth forests and trails, and freshwater lakes and streams. This harbour city, located in the ancestorial lands of the Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations, is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and home to the quintessential island lifestyle. With its’ enviable moderate climate, and water and mountain access, outdoor activities can be enjoyed in every season – from boating, world-class fishing, kayaking, kite surfing, hiking and golfing to skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, camping and wildlife viewing.

Being centrally situated to so many wonderful destinations, like Tofino and Qualicum Beach, often Port Alberni itself is overlooked. Long a forestry town, evidence of the glory days of the forest industry are everywhere in this blue-collar city. Community infrastructures far exceeds most communities of this size thanks to the well-paying jobs and tax base of the lumber industry.

Times are changing however, and a new youth movement is finding this best kept secret on Vancouver Island. Housing is affordable compared to other communities. Much of the housing is single family homes and new developments like Park Ridge at Anderson Hill are growing the housing market.

Throughout the town and you’ll find an array of shops, restaurants, quaint cafes and breweries with that island charm. With the youth movement come new businesses like the Alberni Brewing Company and the All Mex’d Up Tacos. The Arts community is well served with the Portal Players Dramatic Society Capital Theatre, the Rollin Arts Center and Alberni Valley Museum. Local grown and produced food is available at the Spirit Square and Cherry Creek Farmer’s Market.

For those who want to catch their own dinner, Port Alberni offers excellent fresh and saltwater sportfishing. Try your luck in Alberni Inlet or take a scenic tour to the Barclay Sound for world-class sportfishing and unspoiled nature.

Sproat Lake is the undisputed champion of Vancouver Island lakes, with a broad range of accommodations from camping to cabins, to luxury homes. Rent a houseboat from the Fish & Duck resort. Once you’ve tried Sproat Lake, you will want to buy a home, so check in with Re/Max agent Darren DeLuca for the latest listings.

If hiking and biking are your preference, Port Alberni offers gobs of trails networking in and around the community that meet all experience levels. Visit Cathedral Grove, or Hole-in-the-Wall, a historic rock tunnel built to supply water to Port Alberni. Try an e-Bike at McLean Mill, a turn back in time to Alberni’s logging history. Stamp Falls Provincial Park is a camper’s paradise and a must-see during salmon spawning season. Want to enjoy a coffee while doing some relaxing bear watching? Check out the Victoria Quay on the Somass River in August and September.

Of course, sports are a Big Deal in Port Alberni. Hosts of many provincial and international tournaments, the Alberni Valley boasts excellent recreational facilities like the Alberni Valley Multi-Plex, home of the Jr, ‘A’ Alberni Valley Bulldogs and brand-new Jr. ‘B’ Port Alberni Bombers. Golfers can enjoy the 18-hole Cherry Creek Golf Course and Driving Range. Port Alberni offers everything from lawn bowling to soccer pitches and the Bob Dailey Stadium.

For this and more, check the links below for more to see and do! No matter what time of year there are always things to do, people to meet and places to go in the city and throughout the valley. Or you can simply sit back and enjoy the relaxed island life!

