Port Alberni Travel Guide to 21 Great Adventures

Our Port Alberni Travel Guide helps you discover great local adventures. This beautiful West Coast area is a must-visit Vancouver Island destination. On our last trip, we stopped to explore and were blown away by what we found.

Is Port Alberni worth a visit?

Absolutely! You won’t believe how many awesome things there are to do in this charming town. Situated in the middle of Vancouver Island between Nanaimo and Tofino, most people drive by the town on their way to Pacific Rim National Park. I know we did that for as long as I can remember—until last year. We found that we had missed this gem for far too long.

Port Alberni is surrounded by old-growth forests and sits on the deepwater Alberni Inlet. With its lush nature trails and abundant outdoor activities, this charming town has something for everyone.

Consider using Port Alberni as a base for exploring other nearby areas. Accommodation will be more reasonable.

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Port Alberni Travel Guide

Whether looking for outdoor experiences, visiting historic sites, learning about culture, or tasting local craft beer, we’ve compiled a guide to the top things to do to make the most of your visit.

21 Best things to do in Port Alberni, BC

This area is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered.

Here are some top things to do in Port Alberni and the Alberni Valley on Vancouver Island to take advantage of the breathtaking scenery. Be sure to check the bear safety tips at the end of the article to be prepared for your adventures in this natural wonderland.

Check for up-to-date road and wildfire conditions. Here are the current emergencies in B.C. and emergency resources available.

1. Swim in one of the many beautiful lakes in the area

There are several clear-water lakes in Port Alberni Valley where you can have fun. The two largest lakes are Cameron Lake and Sproat Lake. For the more adventurous, seek out some of the many dipping pools found along rivers and creeks or near the waterfalls listed below.

Cameron Lake

This is my daughter’s favourite lake. Take a swim or have a picnic at this magnificent freshwater lake. Cameron Lake is popular for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. The B.C. Scientific Cryptozoology Club claims a creature is looming in the clear waters of Cameron Lake.

Cameron Lake is 15 km east of the town on Highway #4.

Cameron Lake on Vancouver Island is a great swimming lake. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr@

Sproat Lake

Sproat Lake is a popular spot for locals to swim, dive, windsurf, water ski, fish, canoe or kayak. If you are lucky, you will see one of the last remaining famous Martin Mars waterbombers on the lake, once used to help fight forest fires.

Camping is available at the park, and reservations are accepted. Download a park map.

Sproat Lake Provincial Park is located off Highway #4, 13 km north of the town, on the road to Pacific Rim National Park.

Sproat Lake on Vancouver Island is a great swimming lake. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

2. Hit the trails at McLean Mill National Historic Site

Take a self-guided walking tour or book an e-bike tour through the McLean Mill National Historic Site. Learn about the history of the logging operation and see the restored sawmill and heritage buildings.

The scenic railway is not operating at this time.

McLean Mill National Historic Site is a great place to learn about the history of logging. Photo Courtesy McLean Mill

3. Discover Ancient Petroglyphs at Sproat Lake Provincial Park

Port Alberni is home to some of the most stunning provincial parks in British Columbia. Sproat Lake Provincial Park is a must-visit, especially if you’re interested in history.

This park is known for its ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks near the lake. Created by First Nations people, these panels of prehistoric rock carvings are some of the finest in British Columbia. Find out more.

Walk along the trail to view the ancient petroglyphs on Sproat Lake is one of the best things to do in Port Alberni. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

4. Visit Cathedral Grove Old Growth Rainforest

Experience towering old-growth rainforests as you walk among giant Douglas Fir trees that have stood for at least 800 years at Cathedral Grove, MacMillan Provincial Park. In 1997, a huge windstorm swept through the park, toppling hundreds of giant trees.

Look around as you follow the trails and boardwalks through the park, and you will see evidence of nature’s powerful blow. The downed trees have become nurse trees. As these trees begin to rot, they provide a nurturing environment for new life and regrowth in the forest.

This is a very busy place, and it may be challenging to find parking. Be very cautious when crossing the busy highway or pulling out of the parking spot.

Cathedral Grove is one of the top things to do on Vancouver Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

5. Find Hole in the Wall

Don’t miss this popular man-made wonder. Hole in the Wall trail is located across the highway from the Coombs Country Candy parking lot. CAUTION: Please note it is extremely dangerous to cross the busy highway. Your best bet is to approach this trail from the southwest or hike to it from the town.

Hole in the Wall is a hidden gem just of the highway to Tofino on Vancouver Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

6. Step inside a lighthouse at the Port Alberni Marine Heritage site

The Port Alberni Maritime Discovery Centre is housed inside a lighthouse. The museum is a great place to learn about the history of the maritime industry.

Be sure to visit the Hutcheson Gallery to discover more about what happened to the area on March 27th, 1964, when a tsunami travelled up the Alberni Inlet after a 9.2 magnitude earthquake hit Anchorage, Alaska.

The succession of six waves caused substantial damage. Sixty-five homes were completely washed away, and another 375 were damaged.  

The museum is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday and is located at 2900 Harbour Rd.

The Maritime Heritage Museum is housed inside a Lighthouse. Photo: mh2315fl

7. Mountain Biking

Port Alberni is a mountain biker’s paradise with plenty of trails to choose from. There are more than 60 bike trails in three areas: Port Alberni City Trails, Coombs Candy, and Sproat Lake. These great biking trails add to Port Alberni’s outdoor activities.

The town itself has 18 km of developed trails. Find out more information about these routes.

8. Experience some of the best fishing in Canada

If you’re looking for something more relaxing, This town boasts some of the best salmon and trout fishing in Canada. The Alberni Inlet is renowned for its salmon fishing and attracts fishers from around the world. Plenty of charter boats and guides are available to take you out on the water. Some will take you into the Barkley Sound on the West Coast. The best time to fish is from June through September.

The Alberni Valley provides great fishing all year. Fish for rainbow trout in Sproat, Cameron, or Great Central Lake. Anglers also like the Stamp and Somass rivers for catching salmon and trout. Check the Anglers Atlas for more details.

Fishing is one of the is abundant. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

9. Spend the afternoon on the Port Alberni waterfront

There are two waterfront areas to visit. The city of Port Alberni is connecting these two neighbourhoods, Alberni Harbour Quay and Victoria Quay, with a 4 km multi-use pathway.

Alberni Harbour Quay

Harbour Quay on the Port Alberni waterfront is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. The quay boasts a variety of shops, galleries and places to eat. It is home to the Spirit Square Farmers’ Market on Saturdays and a children’s park.

Enjoy views of the inlet and boats in the marina. Catch a scenic cruise on MV Frances Barclay, a passenger freighter to Bamfield and Ucluelet from the quay.

Be sure to stop at the Donut Shop, known for the best donuts on Vancouver Island. And they are pretty delicious!

Harbour Quay on the waterfront. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Catch a scenic cruise on MV Frances Barclay passenger freighter. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

The best donuts on Vancouver Island are at the Donut Shop on the Harbour Quay. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Victoria Quay

Visit the Victoria Quay located along the Somass River to see the Nuu-chah-nulth Whaling Canoe Sculpture and a chance to view wildlife.

Stunning Victoria Quay waterfront. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Stroll along the beautiful waterfront and enjoy the harbour view. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

10. Check out the public art, murals and galleries

Port Alberni is home to several beautiful public art installations and murals celebrating the area’s rich history and Indigenous culture of the Nuu-chah-nulth, Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations.

There are more than 24 murals throughout the town and several art galleries worth a visit.

Nuu-chah-nulth Whaling Canoe

The Nuu-chah-nulth Whaling Canoe sculpture represents the cultural importance of whale hunting along the west coast of Vancouver Island for the Nuu-chah-nulth. Once exhibited at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, it is now at Victoria Quay.

A traditional dugout canoe is carved from red cedar and is built to navigate the wild waves of the Pacific Ocean. This mode of transportation has been used for thousands of years.

Nuu-Chah-Nulth Whaling Canoe sculpture. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Traditional Pacific Northwest Art

Visit the Ahtsik Gallery, Gordon Dick Studio and an outdoor carving shelter, located next to Port Alberni, on the traditional Tseshaht First Nation lands.

See the work of master carver and Tseshaht/Nuu-chah-nulth artist Gordon Dick along with the traditional works of coastal artists of the Pacific Northwest.

11. Learn about Salmon

Visiting a fish hatchery is a great place to see salmon up close. This hatchery offers self-guided tours, as well as educational programs for school groups. It’s a fun and informative way to learn about the local ecology and fishing industry.

Robertson Fish Hatchery

Take a self-guided tour of the Robertson Fish Hatchery. The hatchery, a coho and Chinook salmon enhancement facility was once North America’s largest pink salmon spawning channel.

The Chinook salmon is the largest species of salmon in the Pacific. Adult Chinook and coho salmon can be seen from September to November. Large steelhead salmon can be found in February, and Small steelhead and coho salmon can be spotted year-round.

Fish Ladders

Stamp Falls Provincial Park fish ladders are the perfect place to view salmon by the thousands returning to their spawning grounds. Starting in August and running through December, sockeye, coho, and Chinook salmon swarm the pool of water below Stamp Falls. Black bears are often seen along the river during this time, trying to make an easy catch.

12. Wildlife Viewing

There are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife in the Port Alberni Valley. Look for black bears, deer, elk, eagles, whales, seals, mink, otters, and sea birds.

Look for bears along the Port Alberni Boardwalk

If you’re lucky, you may see bears from the Port Alberni Boardwalk at the Victoria Quay during the late summer and early September. These black bears try to catch salmon along the banks of the Somass River.

This spot is also great for birding. There are almost 160 different varieties of birds here. The boardwalk offers excellent views of the harbour and surrounding mountains.

Look for black bears trying to catch salmon along the banks of the Somass River. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

13. Take a tour down the Alberni Inlet

Take a wildlife tour down the deep ocean waters of the stunning Alberni Inlet for a chance to see sea lions, seals and migrating whales. You may also see bears, otters, minks, soaring eagles, and other sea birds along the coast.

Lady Rose Marine Services offer tours. You can even purchase a round trip ticket on a working freighter to voyage down the inlet from Port Alberni to Bamfield, on the west coast and back.

14. Zipline through Kennedy River Canyon

Take an epic zipline adventure through the steep, narrow Kennedy River Canyon and old-growth rainforest. Learn about the history and culture of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation traditional territory as you are guided through six platforms. Allow at least two hours for this experience. Find out more at Wild West Coast Zipline.

15. Chase Waterfalls

There are seven waterfalls accessible from Port Alberni. The trails to the waterfalls vary in length and range from easy to difficult. Trails can be slippery during wet weather. If it is a windy day, don’t go. Trees can be unstable and fall across the path.

Stop at the Alberni Valley Visitors Centre to check the latest weather and water conditions, current road conditions and more detailed directions for locating trailheads before heading out. Always be prepared to meet wildlife on the trails. Learn more below about what to do if you see a bear.

Stamp Falls

This is the most accessible waterfall of the seven waterfalls in the area. Stamp Falls is an easy, short hike from the parking lot near the Stamp Falls Provincial Park entrance. Beginning in August, a parade of nearly half a million sockeye, coho and chinook salmon pass through the fish ladder on the way to their spawning beds.

Fossli Falls

Journey to the southside of Sproat Lake, west of Port Alberni, on Stirling Arm to view the Fossli waterfall along Saint Andrews Creek. The easy walking trail through the undeveloped parkland is 2.5 km in length. The route crosses over a small suspension bridge. The trail also provides access to a pebble beach on Sproat Lake. Find out more.

Hike to Della Falls, the tallest waterfall in Canada

If you’re looking for a challenging hike, consider hiking to Della Falls. This waterfall is the tallest in Canada and offers beautiful views of the surrounding wilderness. The falls drop nearly 1,445 vertical feet (440 m).

Access to Della Falls is a little tricky. The trailhead can only be accessed from the west end of Great Central Lake. The Della Falls Water Taxi service operates from the Great Central Lake RV Resort and Marina. The hike to the falls from the trailhead is about 16.6 km. Water Taxi reservations for the 2022 season open on March 1.

Della Falls is the tallest waterfall in Canada and one of the top 10 highest in the world. Photo Credit: Clayoquot, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

China Creek Falls

The moderate hike to China Creek Falls is a little steep. The round-trip journey is 4.6 km. On a hot summer day, there are swimming pools to cool off.

China Creek Falls near Port Alberni – Credit Cayden Wilton Instagram

Weiner Falls

This 40-minute hike to Weiner Falls is for the more experienced hiker who uses ropes in some areas to access the falls. The view of the waterfall is worth the trip. In the summer, if you dare, dip in the cold plunge pool. Find out more

Weiner Falls is worth the hike. Photo Credit: Chris Istace @ Mindful Explorer

Kitsuksis Falls and Railway Trestle

This easy trail is located in the middle of the town. The trip to Kitsuksis waterfall will take about one hour round trip on the mostly paved loop. Follow along the Kitsuksis Dyke along the Kitsuksis Creek. The waterfall can be seen near the railway trestle.

Cold Creek Waterfall

Beautiful Cold Creek Waterfall tumbles 60 feet (18 m.) Depending on your time, there are three different routes to get to the falls. There is a short 1 km trail, a 5 km medium walk or a 9 km round trip outing. The difficulty rating is easy to moderate.

In the warmer weather, sunbathe on the rocks near the icy swimming area.

16. Alberni Valley Museum

The Alberni Valley Museum is another excellent option for those looking to learn more about history.

It is considered one of the best community museums and contains a large collection of historic artifacts. This small museum tells the story of the region’s settlers and First Nations people, and it’s a great place to learn about Port Alberni’s unique culture. Take a virtual tour of the musuem.

17. Take a historic walking tour

There are three historic walking tours to take in Port Alberni. The Southport pioneer community, Northport, the old town, and the Southport business and industrial areas. Check at the visitor centre for more information.

18. Taste local craft beer

If you’re a beer lover, Port Alberni has a thriving craft beer scene and several local breweries worth checking out. Port Alberni Brewing Company, Dog Mountain Brewing and Twin City Brewing are on the BC Ale Trail on Vancouver Island.

Grab a bite to eat while you are there. Each one offers plenty of delicious food options! Before visiting, be sure to check the opening hours.

Dog Mountain Brewing

This cozy brewery offers a great atmosphere and a large rooftop patio with amazing views of the Alberni Inlet. There is an excellent selection of 12 brews on tap, including IPAs, lagers, sours, stouts, porters, spiced, and experimental batches. The brewery also serves 16 varieties of hand-crafted ciders from Cowichan Valley’s Valley Cidery.

If you are hungry, there are plenty of food options, many of which are braised or infused with beer from their tap list. Try the pulled pork and crunchy slaw or the Dark Tower Donair. Dog Mountain Brewing claims its Donair is the best Donair west of Halifax.

The brewery is located at 3141 3rd Avenue and is closed on Mondays.

Dog Mountian Brewing in Port Alberni is on the BC Ale Trail. Photo Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Twin City Brewing

This busy, popular brewery has up to 11 beers on tap and a selection of cocktails. Twin City Brewing also offers a good assortment of food choices. Consider ordering one of their hand-stretched pizzas, made from dough fermented in a three-day process, giving it more complex flavours, or the Bulgogi Brisket, which is smoked onsite.

Dine-in or take-out. When we went, we could not get a table. Next time, we will make a reservation.
Twin City is located at 4503 Margaret Street in Port Alberni, BC and is closed on Mondays.

Alberni Brewing Company

The Alberni Brewing Company offers up to 16 hand-crafted beers on tap, including rotating guest brews, wine cider, and non-alcoholic drinks.

The menu includes infused food items, kids’ meals, and a wide selection of appetizers, mains, and desserts.

Centrally located, Alberni Brewing is at 4630 Adelaide Street. The brewery is usually open on Mondays.

Alberni Brewing Company in Port Alberni is on the BC Ale Trail. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

19. Take a ride on a steam train

Train enthusiasts will welcome a ride on the Alberni Pacific Steam Train. When in operation, this historic steam train takes passengers from the train station in Port Alberni to the McLean Mill National Historic Site. Check for the latest updates regarding the train’s operation.

You can also book a tour of the roundhouse and railyard.

20. Explore the Industrial Heritage Centre

If you like historic trucks, machinery and equipment, take a tour of the Industrial Heritage Centre.

21. Be a kid in the Coombs Country Candy store

Port Alberni is a great place to stock up on local goodies, and Coombs Country Candy is one of the best places to find them. This sweet, delightful candy store offers an impressive selection of treats made with fresh local ingredients.

Be sure to try their melt-in-your-mouth Chicago Mix popcorn. You’ll be hooked and craving more.

Coombs Country Candy has the best Chicago Mix popcorn. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Fast Facts about Port Alberni, British Columbia

• The town is at the terminus of Vancouver Island’s longest inlet. The Alberni Inlet extends 25 miles (40 km) inland from the Pacific Ocean at Barkley Sound on the west coast.
• A tsunami caused by the 1964 Alaskan earthquake destroyed parts of Port Alberni.
• Port Alberni lies within the territory of two Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, the Tseshaht and the Hupacasath.

Where to stay in Port Alberni

There are many options for Port Alberni accommodations catering to all budgets, from camping and RVing to hotels and bed and breakfasts.

Ocean Marina Hotel

The Ocean Marina Hotel provides reasonably priced overnight accommodations close to area attractions. The cozy on-site restaurant, Bucksnort’s, offers locally sourced comfort food.

Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel

If you are looking for more premium accommodations, the three-star Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel is the place to be. Located near the waterfront, it offers a full range of quality amenities and is the area’s largest full-service hotel. There is an on-site restaurant, cocktail lounge, pool, hot tub, steam room, exercise room, and more.

Hospitality Inn

During our last visit, we stayed at the Hospitality Inn, a full-service property. The hotel was clean and comfortable, and the staff went above and beyond in their service. The property has a year-round saltwater heated pool, hot tub, and fitness facility. The on-site restaurant is open seasonally, and a private liquor store adds to the convenience.

Port Alberni Real Estate

If you fall in love with the area, real estate in Port Alberni is very reasonable when comparing properties on the east or west coast of Vancouver Island. We have been watching the housing market there for more than four years.

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Camp at nearby Sproat Lake or Little Qualicum Falls.

Find a B.C. Provincial Campsite.

Getting to Port Alberni, BC

Before heading to Port Alberni or any area in B.C., check road and wildfire conditions for major events.

Leaving Vancouver:

Take the ferry to Nanaimo from Vancouver, leaving from either Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay. Then, drive north on the Island Highway towards Parksville, taking the Highway 4 exit west to Port Alberni. The drive from Nanaimo to Port Alberni will take about 2 hours without stops.

The ferry to Nanaimo from Horseshoe Bay takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. The ferry from Tsawwassen to Duke Point takes 2 hours to cross.  Check BC Ferries schedules. Reservations are suggested.

Leaving Victoria:

Driving from Victoria to Nanaimo will take about 1 hour and 40 minutes without stops, taking the Trans-Canada Highway BC1 North. There are some spectacular sights along the way. Find out more here on what to see along the way.

Bear Safety Tips

This is bear country. Be prepared if you go out exploring in the woods of B.C. Chances are you won’t run into a bear, but you should know what to do. If a bear has recently been spotted on the trail, there is usually a sign at the trailhead.

Download a handy guide to tell you how to identify a black bear or a grizzly bear. Be sure to check out the Wild Safe BC website.

• Use bear bells to jingle and make some noise as you journey along the trail.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it. (If you are flying, you can not transport bear spray)
• Stay calm. Do not run or climb a tree.
• Do not turn your back to the bear. Back away slowly and do not make eye contact.
• If you are with a group, act as a group. Pick up and carry small children.
• Stay at least 7 metres away.
• Do not feed the bear.
• Make sure the bear has a clear escape route.
• If you are camping, never store food in your tent. Sleep with a flashlight and make sure your bear spray is within reach.
• Research other safety tips here, especially if you travel in an area known for grizzly bears, cougars, wolves, coyotes, deer, moose, and elk.

Bear Safety tips for traveling in B.C. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Looking for more incredible adventures of a lifetime in BC? Be sure to check out these articles to help start planning your trip:
– Road Trip – Top things to do driving from Victoria to Pacific Rim National Park
– Discover some of the best prehistoric rock carvings found in BC
– Explore the Sea-to-Sky Highway, one of the most scenic drives in North America
– BC Travel Guide: 21-day road trip Part 1 – Vancouver, Jasper, Banff and Okanagan wine country
– BC Travel Guide: 21-day road trip Part 2 – Vancouver, Jasper, Banff and Okanagan wine country
– Top 10 things to see and do in Victoria, BC – a city guide If you’re seeking an unforgettable journey through picturesque landscapes, consider adding a **road trip to Armstrong Spallumcheen** to your BC travel itinerary. This charming region offers a perfect blend of farmland vistas, local wineries, and rich history waiting to be explored. From here, you can easily venture out to other nearby attractions, making it an ideal stop on your adventures in British Columbia.