Vanislander / Festivals and Events / Port Alberni Toy Run

Port Alberni Toy Run 2025

Will You Hear the Cannon Echo First — or the Cheers?

The first boom of a cannon shatters the quiet, and a surge of gleaming motorcycles rolls through Vancouver Island’s lush landscapes, each carrying a gift destined to brighten a child’s holiday. That thunderous roar signals the start of the Port Alberni Toy Run. This isn’t just any charity ride—it’s a two-day celebration of generosity, community, and adrenaline, proudly rooted in BC and celebrated across the island.

Event Overview

When: Saturday–Sunday, September 13–14, 2025
Where: Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park to Glenwood Centre, Port Alberni, BC
What: Western Canada’s largest motorcycle toy convoy, mixing roaring engines with heartfelt giving, party vibes, and family fun
Who: Riders from across Vancouver Island and beyond, volunteers (Toy Run Society), local businesses & First Nations

What to Expect at the Port Alberni Toy Run

Saturday, September 13 – Kick-off with a Roar

10:00 AM — Rider registration opens at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park. Registration is free, but each rider is asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy or a cash donation.
Enjoy complimentary refreshments like donuts, muffins, coffee, and hot chocolate. You can also purchase dance tickets, t-shirts, pins, and other souvenirs (cash only at Falls; credit accepted later at Glenwood).
12:00 PM noon (sharp!) — The cannon fires: the 1,500-strong motorcycle convoy roars west along Highway 4 toward Port Alberni.
1:00 PM onward at the Glenwood Centre (Fall Fair Grounds):

Show ’n’ Shine, kids’ zone, vendors, pig roast, beer garden, and family activities immerse you in festive buzz.
2:00 PM — Adult bike games (registration on-site).

7:00 PM – 1:00 AM — Riders’ BBQ and 19+ public dance under the stars (ID & bag checks enforced). Tickets ($25) were first offered to riders at the Falls; remaining sold onsite at Glenwood.

Sunday, September 14 – End on a High Note

8:00 AM – 11:00 AM — Pancake breakfast at the Glenwood Centre, included with dance ticket or by donation.
9:30 AM — Poker Run card sales begin; 10:00 AM sharp, the fun (and friendly competition) kicks off. All vehicles welcome—solo or in groups, and costume prizes are on the line!
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM — Live auction, raffles, gift bag giveaways, and final social in the beer garden—fundraising with flair. All proceeds go to local children’s charities.

Why It Matters & Who Keeps It Going

Since its modest start in 1984 with just eight friends and a handful of toys, the Toy Run has grown into Western Canada’s largest community-run toy convoy, having raised more than $2 million plus significant toy donations over the years—all staying within the Alberni Valley.
Run by volunteers, united with support from First Nations, City of Port Alberni, local businesses, and community members, it's a true testament to generosity in action.
Spectators can expect crowd-favourite viewing spots like Little Qualicum Falls gate, Beaver Creek turn-off, and the Harbour Quay fountain loop—prime for photos and spirit.

Event Essentials — At a Glance

Costs

Registration is free, but toy or cash donation expected per bike. Dance ticket optional ($25), breakfast via donation.

Parking & Access

Spectator parking at Glenwood overflow (Roger St.), bike parking inside main gates. Rolling traffic control will be in effect.

Facilities

Port-a-potties, vendors, kids’ zone, entertainment for all ages, and accessible routes.

What to Bring

Your camera, a generous spirit, maybe a donation, and perhaps your dancing shoes if you're staying the weekend.

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