The Seven Wonders of The Alberni Valley
Undiscovered Gems
See and Do Listings
There are so many things to do in the Alberni Valley that you may wonder how we limited our list to just seven. But most of all, we’re sure that you’ll wonder why you waited so long to come and experience them for yourself!
1.Cathedral Grove
As you drive into our Valley, be sure to stop in MacMillan Provincial Park and visit the Cathedral Grove rainforest, where you’ll find ancient Western Red Cedars and towering, 800 year-old Douglas Fir trees. There is no better way to experience the full, haunting beauty of these primeval friends than to wander the quiet, deeply shaded trails at their base. Keep your eyes out for the many kinds of wildlife that live here in the old-growth forest, from woodpeckers, owls, insects, and reptiles, to deer, elk, black bear and cougar.
2.Alberni Pacific Railway and McLean Mill National Historic Site
From the harbourside in Port Alberni, climb aboard our 1929 Baldwin logging locomotive at the beautifully restored Canada Pacific Railway train station, and ride the rails to the McLean Mill, Canada’s only steam-powered sawmill, and a National Historic Site. This trip through town and forest was a daily commute for loggers and millworkers since the early 1900’s: imagine you’re on your way to a hard day’s work amongst the steam donkeys, graders, logging trucks, and lumber carriers, which you’ll see fully restored on site. While you’re there, sit down in the one-room school house, and take a moment to think about the hard life in this camp at the “edge of the world.”
3. Bears from the Boardwalk
Vancouver Island is home to thousands of black bears, and while it’s exciting to take back-country tours to experience wildlife in its natural habitat, it’s not always necessary to work that hard -- especially if you’re in Port Alberni! Our adventurous black bears like to play across the bay from the harbourside boardwalk, which provides a perfect vantage point for human admirers to catch the bears in action. Due to hibernation, bear watching is best from June to October.
4. Della Falls
The Alberni Valley is home to one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. At 440m (1,450 feet), the breathtaking Della Falls cascade from Della Lake to greet hikers emerging from the old growth forest at their base. A 7 hour, 16 kilometer (one way) intermediate hike from the head of Great Central Lake along Drinkwater Creek, this trail was originally built by trapper Joe Drinkwater, who named the falls after his wife Della. Hikers will cross several suspension bridges, traveling past lakes and streams, through first and second growth forest, to reach this very special destination.
5. Mars Water Bombers
These massive forest fighting planes were built by Howard Hughes in the 1940’s. They hold up to 27 tons of water and play an important role during forest fire season, when their thundering engines carry the valuable liquid cargo high above the burning forest. See them when they're not in action, at beautiful Sproat Lake.
6. The Log Train Trail
This 25KM historic trail epitomizes the “work and play” nature of today’s Alberni Valley forests, and is a vibrant example of the cultural, natural and transportation heritage of British Columbia. Running along the base of the Beaufort Range and right into the city of Port Alberni, the trail follows the grade of the old Bainbridge Mill logging train, which enjoyed a heyday in the 1920’s (when John D. Rockefeller held timber rights in the Ash River Valley). The Bainbridge Mill was famous for the quality and size of the lumber it produced, with timbers up to 37 meters long being sent across the country to projects such as the Welland Canal. The logging railroad, including a 286 meter trestle over Rogers Creek, stopped operating in 1953. Today this historic trail is ideal for walking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Follow the footsteps of history through second growth forest, past rural, residential, and farming areas, McLean’s Mill, the site of Bainbridge Mill logging camp, and the Rogers Creek Ravine.
7. The Whaling Sculpture
The Alberni Valley is home to two First Nations tribes, and the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Whaling Canoe sculpture, for years an iconic fixture in Victoria's Royal BC Museum.
Undiscovered Gems
The adventure and history of the Alberni Valley doesn’t stop at our Seven Wonders. Visitors with special interests will treasure these discoveries:
Stamp River Falls
Just 15 minutes outside of Port Alberni you’ll find Stamp River Falls, where 40 million Pacific Salmon climb the ladders every year to reach the spawning beds. This thrilling natural phenomenon starts in late August with Sockeye, and continues into December with Coho and Chinook. At any time of year, the peaceful riverside park offers 2km of gentle walking and hiking trails through lush forests, always by lakes and streams. A viewpoint over the spawning ladders offers fantastic views of the river, and a day-use picnic area or overnight campground are available.
MV Lady Rose
Spend a day of adventure riding the seas on the MV Lady Rose, the first diesel-powered ship to cross the Atlantic on a single propeller. This hard-working heritage vessel embodies the rugged spirit of Canada’s west coast: after traveling 9800 miles to Vancouver from Glasgow, Scotland in 1937, she began serving the coastal citizens of BC as a passenger and cargo vessel. She continues in this important role today, and visitors may ride along with her small crew as the Lady Rose transports cargo, mail and up to 100 passengers on her day trips up the coast. The views from her decks are stunning, and you’ll enjoy participating in this historic maritime tradition. Don’t forget binoculars and cameras.
Petroglyphs
At Sproat Lake, water sports and lazy loafing fill the days with fun and harmony. But there’s a mystery too! Follow the shady trail at the eastern end of the lake, and you’ll discover some of the finest prehistoric petroyglyphs in British Columbia. Not much is known about the K’ak’awin petroglyph, but many believe it depicts ancient mystical monsters that once lived in the lake. What do you think?
And more treasures...
- the biggest cave in Canada called “Blak T” which boasts a 1.5 mile navigable network underground
- the largest collection of Emily Carr art
- the largest collection of First Nations basketwork in Canada
- living history exhibits that tell how the now famous West Coast Trail had its beginnings as a telegraph line and a life saving trail for shipwreck victims
- 17,000 historic photographs
- deep sea diving, underwater wrecks, and much more!
Catch A Big One!
Port Alberni is often referred to as “The Salmon Capital of the World”. All five species of Pacific salmon are found in the area, with Chinook, Coho and Sockeye the favourites with the sport fishers and epicureans. Returning to spawn in surrounding lakes and rivers, Sockeye arrive in June, Chinook in August/September and Coho are fished in August/ September/October. Besides having healthy runs, the advantage of sport fishing in Port Alberni is that you are always in the calm, protected waters of the Alberni Inlet and harbour. This is also a Steelheader’s paradise, with the amazing Stamp River system running right through town. There are plenty of professional guides, outfitters and lodges to set up your fishing trip of a lifetime.
See and Do Listings
Alberni Outpost
5161 River Road
Port Alberni, BC
723-2212
www.albernioutpost.com
Kayak Rentals, sea kayaking lessons
Adventure tours
Alberni Golf Club
6449 Cherry Creek Road
Port Alberni, BC
723-7111
18 Hole Golf Course with licensed dining
room and Pro Shop
www.albernigolf.com/
Alberni Valley Heritage Network
Museum 723-2181
McLean Mill 723-1376
Steam Train 723-1376
Maritime Museum & Light House 723-6164
www.alberniheritage.com
Bamfield Dive Shed
2963-3rd Avenue
Port Alberni, BC
723-3483
http://dive-shed.com
Local adventures, scuba training and
Equipment sales & rentals
Batstar Adventure Tours
4785 Beaver Creek Road
Port Alberni, BC V9Y 7C7
1-877-449-1230
www.batstar.com
Professionally guided sea kayaking,
Bicycling and hiking tours. Kayak and
Bike rentals.
Choo Kwa Ventures
Victoria Quay Port Alberni
723-5000
www.chookwa.com
First Nations Guided cultural canoe tours on the
Somass River or Sproat Lake.
Hollies Executive Golf Course
3133 Alberni Hwy
Port Alberni, BC
www.holliesexecutivegolfcourse.com
6 par 3 holes, licensed club house
Lady Rose Marine Services
Foot of Argyle
Port Alberni, BC
723-8313
www.ladyrosemarine.com
Scenic daytrips down the Alberni
Inlet to Bamfield and Ucluelet
Marine View Family Mini Golf
4795 Beaver Creek Road
Port Alberni, BC
720-8997
18 hole mini course, concession stand
Pacific Euphoria Adventures Ltd.
5304 Argyle Street
Port Alberni, BC
724-4248
www.pacific-euphoria.ca
1 and 2 hour tours, half day, whole day and
Overnight tours of the Alberni Inlet,
on board classic Owens Flag ship.
Rainbird Excursions
4728 Southgate
Port Alberni, BC
723-5436
www.rainbirdexcursions.com
Guided single day eco-tours and birding
Trips of the Alberni Valley.
Rendezvous Dive Adventures
Rainy Bay Barclay Sound
1-877-777-9994
www.rendezvousdiving.com
Scuba Diving Charter Business in the
Barclay Sound departing from the
Alberni Harbour.
Stamp River Tubing
7081 Beaver Creek Road
Port Alberni, BC
724-6003
Guided or unguided river tubing trips
Down the Stamp River. Tube rentals
And transportation
