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Port Alberni
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With over 17,000 residents, the city has a lot of tourism and many different attractions, and it's only 195 km. ( 2 1/2 hours driving time) from Victoria, north on highway #1 to #19 and west (left) at Parksville onto Highway #4 (actually # 4A onto #4!) This route takes you past Cameron Lake and through the MacMillan Provincial Park.
It's right in the centre of the island but connected to the sea on the west coast, by the Port Alberni Inlet.
It is known as one of the two salmon capitals of the world, along with Campbell River. In fact, you can visit the close by Robertson Creek Fish Hatchery that produces a vast amount of salmon and other fish every year.
Surrounded by mountains, this is a great spot for many outdoor recreational activities and when you’re too tired to continue doing that has many other ways to hold your attention.
While Chemainus is known for their outdoor murals, Port Alberni has their own outdoor murals, eighteen in total.
The Alberni Harbour Quay is a waterfront area with a park and many shops and activities. You can board a sight-seeing ferry here and view the large fishing and shipping fleets. The Victoria Quay is known for its two massive carvings and statues known as "Welcome Figures". This native art form is further explored in the accompanying Welcome Centre; as are the roots of the people who lived there thousands of years ago.
Port Alberni is also known for its many parks and trails. There are over 100 separate trails for hiking, biking and mountain biking, ranging in difficult from easy to difficult.
There are several major parks that provide great views and the opportunity to partake in many waterfront activities. Port Alberni is a great spot for sports fishing, as well as canoeing, kayaking and wind surfing.
Watch this three minutes and forty-two seconds of video to get an idea of this rather unique town. Turn up the sound for the narration and enjoy--->
The Martin Mars Water Bombers make their home in Sproat Lake. These massive hybrids are the largest flying boat in the world, with 200 foot wingspans. They are used to fight fires in the region and can carry 27 tons of water at one time, which they take directly from the lake itself. There are only 2 of these unique vehicles left in the world, both of which are based in and operated out of Port Alberni.
The Alberni Valley Heritage Network is a grouping of four separate attractions, cultural activities and historical centers.
The Alberni Valley Museum houses local art and many ancient exhibits. The McLean Mill National Historic Site is unique as it is the only steam operated sawmill in all of Canada. There are many historical and original buildings on site to view, as well as old equipment. The Maritime Discovery Centre is an amazing place to learn and participate in activities. Finally the Alberni Pacific Railway lets you board and ride a restored steam train, with some surprises, activities and stops along the way.
This is a great vacation spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With lots of art, history, museums and culture, you will never be bored during your trip here: and you may see both bear prints and lumberjacks!
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One of the premier events in Port Alberni is the summer visit of the "Tall Ships", an event that only occurs every three years and shows about a dozen full sail, tall ships, including a replica of Columbus's Nina. July 11-12 2008 at the Harbour Quay. Big festival with bands, dancers and musicians and of course a chance to go on board. This Tall Ships Armada is an amazing, one time' event to discover for yourself!
More info at: http://www.portalbernitallships.ca
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