Port Alberni is a city and port on Vancouver Island in the province of British Columbia, Canada. It is a deep port city within the Alberni Valley at the head of the Alberni Inlet, which is Vancouver Island's longest inlet. The city has two official city centres and has a unique layout due to its "twin city" status. The former city of Alberni is called "North Port" and is centred at Highway 4 and Gertrude Street. Port Alberni has numerous creeks and ravines that cut across the townsite today.
Port Alberni was named after Captain Don Pedro de Alberni, a Spanish officer commanding Fort San Miguel at Nootka Sound from 1790 to 1792. Port Alberni and the West Coast of Vancouver Island grounds are parts of the traditional territory of the Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth.
The main source of employment in Port Alberni is the forest industry. Ecotourism is also a vital part of the city's economy. Port Alberni is heaven for anglers, especially in the past few years that Sockeye salmon returns have been the largest in history. Actually, Port Alberni is known as the salmon capital of the world.
Port Alberni's climate is Mediterranean with dry, warm summer. During the winter months, the weather is cool and moist because the air flows from the Pacific Ocean. The average minimum and maximum temperature for Port Alberni is -1° (30.2°F) in January and 25°C (77°F) in August.
The best time to visit Port Alberni is from the end of May to the end of September. It is when warm-weather activities are available.
KD Air offers daily scheduled flights between Port Alberni and the South Terminal at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Pacific Seaplanes has once-a-day round trips between Port Alberni and Vancouver.
BC Ferries can take you from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Departure Bay Terminal and Duke Point Terminal. From there you can drive or take a bus to Port Alberni, which takes about an hour to reach.
As Port Alberni is a deep-sea port at the head of the Alberni Inlet, there are several chances for outdoor and indoor activities and visiting attractions. The city with a moderate climate is famous for its breathtaking scenery. The area is surrounded by mountains, freshwater lakes and streams that will carve into your memory. Wonderful and exciting activities are available such as salmon sport-fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, hiking, mountain biking, ATV'ing, golfing, and wildlife viewing.
Port Alberni public transportation includes bus, ferry, and taxi. There is also an airplane service for getting in or out of the city.
Port Alberni offers accommodations various in price and service. Here is a list of hotels, motels and B&B's that are all members of the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce. No matter where you are staying in beautiful Port Alberni, you can be sure to receive good service.
Hotels:
Ocean Marina Hotel
Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel
Self-Catered Accommodation:
Berkie's Bed & Breakfast
Strathcona Street B&B
Stamp Falls B&B
Edelweiss B&B
Cedar Wood Lodge B&B
Ryan's Roost Bed & Breakfast
Hostels:
Esta Villa Motel
Redford Motel and RV
Sunset Motel
Swept Away Inn
Tyee Village Motel
Bluebird Motel
Timberlodge Motel and RV Campground
Somass Motel & RV
Riverside Motel
Hospitality Inn
Guesthouses:
Sproat Lake Landing Inc
Chars Landing & GuesthouseA-1 Alberni Inn
Chim's Guest House
Campground:
Whiskey Creek Campground
China Creek Campground
Arrowvale Campground
Port Alberni has lots of good quality shops. Here is a list of them:
Northport Plaza, Ahtsik Native Art Gallery, Rollin Art Centre, Pacific Rim Shopping Centre, Coombs Country Candy
According to your level of proficiency or your preference, the depths for diving vary from shallow to deep in China Creek. Comprising a wall dive with an incredible view of Port Alberni and amazing marine creatures underneath the water surface multiplies the beauty of this diving experience.
The resemblance of Little Qualicum Falls Campground to paradise is something uncanny. One of the most beautiful parks with a spectacular Vancouver Island environment has a lot to offer campers worldwide. Great campsites enclosed by stunning scenery comprising ample facilities for the visitors. Not to mention that there is saturated with opportunities for adventure that no one can ignore.
Do not save money only to pay the bill. Spend it on the adventure and see how awesome it feels. The warm waters of Sproat Lake absorb many visitors from all around the world, those fans of water activities in particular. Sproat Lake wakeboarding and waterskiing facilities increase the attractiveness of the lake.
At the head of Vancouver Island's longest inlet, you are given a lifetime opportunity to have the pleasure of China Creek kiteboarding. You would better hop on a board to feel the water upon your feet and let excitement flow within your blood. Besides, a magnificent fishing opportunity awaits you in the Salmon Capital of the world. Also, ample amenities are provided for you, which can add up to the comfort of your stay.
Great Central Lake is a popular destination near Port Alberni for hot summer days. As it is nestled beneath low mountains, and secondary-growth forests mostly surround it, there is a reflection on the water, making a scenic view. Photography, boating, hiking, swimming, and camping are suggested while you are in the area. So go on the adventures and pour your heart into them.
Port Alberni is a deep-sea port and a city on Vancouver Island. Port Alberni is known as the salmon capital of the world, heaven for anglers. The city with a moderate climate is famous for its breathtaking scenery. The area is surrounded by mountains, freshwater lakes and streams that will carve into your memory. There are several chances for outdoor and indoor activities.
Sarita Falls is one of the pieces of music repeatedly playing by the earth. This beautiful set of falls is placed along the Sarita River in a rainforest space with fresh air, making a stunning atmosphere. There is a sign for the place, a white tree trunk that has fallen on the river, which can complete the picture. The area is also rich in wildlife, so get the most out of your visit.
Sproat Lake Provincial Park, with lots of mature fir trees and relatively mature cedar trees, is majestic. The park features a beautiful shore of Sproat Lake, one of the large lakes on Central Vancouver Island which overlooks Mount Anderson. The lake with warm and crystal-clear water is suitable for water activities. There are lots of spaces for camping and sunbathing and a trail for hiking and biking.
The Pelham Range is a paradise for mountaineers seeking an isolated area and seclusion. They can spend some days camping in peace on lakes or through the wilderness or paddling and fishing a whole day in the calm waters with a pleasant ambiance. Climbing the mountains would be fascinating, passing through hills covered with beautiful trees.
The Somass River is placed in an area with pristine nature and high ecosystem values. Being near the crystal clear water with white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, gorgeous rustic-chic villas, and enchanting, dazzling sunsets can make your day. Have a great experience watching black bears from spring to late fall. Enjoy the Alpine meadow, mountain top views, rain forests, and waterfalls.
If you're looking for something positive in your day, choose to be beside a waterfall. Start a magical experience toward an unknown or the less known place like No Name Falls. The seven drops of No Name Falls cascade down on large boulders and rocks, creating a spectacular view that lets your soul and spirit fly into the mystery. Enjoy a hike in this quiet and peaceful area.
Above Cameron Lake, at Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, Little Qualicum Falls is situated in the middle of a forest. It cascades into a small canyon, creating a magnificent pool, making another fall and pouring into the Qualicum River. The peaceful atmosphere is memorable, but it doesn't end here. The fantastic landscape and all the things you can do at the park make it a perfect destination for your vacation.
Are you looking for a socially distanced escape? Sproat Lake is a lovely place to relax and do water-based activities. Despite its size and depth, the water is relatively warm, adding to its value as a destination lake to relax in the sun by the warm lake. May and April are good for steelhead, with April to June being incredibly productive for rainbow trout.
Ease your mind and calm your soul with the stream of the waterfall. Vancouver Island is a haven of natural wonders, and Hole in the Wall (Port Alberni) is a crown jewel of all the attractions. The water passes through a hole and descends on what appears to be stairs makes it mysterious, and the scenery with trees around creates this magical beauty of nature, an excellent place for photography.
It's time to meet an extraordinary lake that is not as tranquil as most of the lakes. Cameron Lake is famous for its huge winds, making it a desired place for windsurfers. The lake is an excellent family location suitable for fishing and swimming. It is a stunningly photogenic place with unique picnic areas surrounded by parks and lakes. So get the most out of your visit.
Going to Horne Lake, you would be fascinated by eye-catching spectacles and unbelievably crystal-clear water. New experiences are calling you! Explore the caves, stay at a clean campground and start adventures on your own or through guided tours. It is among the lakes that you can get water-front camping. The lake is calm and refreshing to ride a kayak.