Year at Glance
Whatever the season, the Alberni Valley offers many unique and fun things to do and see. So whether you’re looking for a quiet weekend away or a rollicking good time for the whole family, let us show you what we’ve got.
Below are just a few suggestions to get you started planning your next visit to the Alberni Valley.
Winter
Winter Wonderland annual family skating event, held at the Alberni Valley multiplex for several weeks each December. Lots of fun for families, with over 10,000 lights and holiday decorations. http://www.city.port-alberni.bc.ca/ParksRec/Multiplex/index.htm
Mistletoe Market: Rollin Art Centre, on the corner of 8th & Argyle St. turns into a Christmas Market. Local artists & crafters will have gift items for your Christmas shopping. Free admission! Rollin Art Centre is open Tues. to Sat., 11 am - 4 pm. http://www.alberni.net/communityarts/
Cathedral Grove/MacMillan Provincial Park in the Winter: Visitors tend to consider the rainforest a Summer and Fall destination, but it’s a spectacular and dramatic site in the winter too. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/macmillan.html
Spring
Find out what the Mount Klitsa Garden club is up to this Spring, with guided tours and special events celebrating the unique plants and tress in the Alberni Valley. http://members.shaw.ca/kellytsi/gardenclub/
Hike or ride the Log Train Trail during the spring, and see nature coming back into bloom. http://www.portaec.net/library/ecotourism/logtrain.html
In late Spring (around June) the bears will start to reappear, waking up from their winter hibernation and returning to their favourite stomping ground across the bay from Port Alberni’s harbourside boardwalk. Bring your camera!
Summer
Spend a lazy summer day tubing down one of the many beautiful rivers and streams in the Alberni Valley.
Sproat Lake is the perfect backdrop for an old-fashioned “summer by the lake” experience. Whether you prefer to rent a vacation home, pitch a tent, or drop in for an afternoon picnic, you’ll enjoy the clear waters, sandy beaches, and beautiful forested banks of this family-friendly lake. www.martinmars.com
Ride or Hike the 25 km Log Train trail, a spectacular outdoor experience perfect for beginners and hardcore athletes alike.
Watch the black bears in action from your vantage point on the Victoria Quay boardwalk.
Shift gears and enjoy some manmade excitement at the annual Alberni Valley Drag Race, which takes place at the airport the second week in August. This is the premier racing event on Vancouver Island and tons of fun.
Don’t miss Forest Fest in July, where you can indulge your love of poetry and stories, art and music, logging sports, bread baking and… blacksmithing! Events, activities and performances for all tastes. This is an annual event at McLean Mill National Historic site, that just keeps getting better every year.
Port Alberni is the Salmon Capitol of the World. The world-renowned salmon fishing begins in mid-June with the large schools of returning Sockeye, and as the summer unfolds the sockeye are joined by Chinook and Coho.
Every Labour Day, fishermen (and women!) from all over the world come to Port Alberni to sportsfish for the biggest salmon as part of the Annual Fishing Derby. Over the three day derby $40,000 in prize money goes to the intrepid heroes who catch the biggest salmon.
Some sample summer itineraries to help you plan
Ride the Alberni Pacific Railway Steam Train to the McLean Mill Historic Site, spend a leisurely afternoon, and return on the train for dinner and theatre in town.
Ride the Steam Train to the Chase & Warren Estate Winery, where you can disembark for a lovely wine tasting and then return on the train to town. http://www.chaseandwarren.ca/
Blacksmith for a Day (McLean Mill) – hands-on history experience with a professional blacksmith at the McLean Mill Historic Site.
The Steam Train is also a great way to access hiking trails, including the spectacular log train trail.
Fall
Visit Stamp River Falls to witness the thrilling natural spectacle of 40 million spawning salmon. The Robertson Creek Fish Hatchery holds an open house in October when the Chinook are running. http://www-heb.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/facilities/robertson/background_e.htm
This is your last chance to view the local bears in action from the Victoria Quay boardwalk – soon they’ll be off to hibernate for the winter.
The second week of September brings the annual Fall Fair, which comes complete with Logger Sports, Tractor Pulls, crafts, rides, food, and fun for the whole family.
The Alberni Valley Oktoberfest is put on by the local Europa Club and claims to be the biggest and best on the island.
Alberni Valley Dog Show
http://www.dogbiz.com/dog-shows-can/bc/shows-bc-10.htm
In the days following Hallowe’en, multitudes of jack-o-lanterns start to appear along the road between Cathedral Grove and town. It’s a wonderful sight!
Anytime
Browse through our wonderful bookstores for new & used best sellers and special finds, on Argyle Street.
Visit Coombs Candy store (where you can also watch fudge being made); also makes a great photo opp.
Take a walking tour of our heritage buildings.
It’s never the wrong time of year to indulge in the best donuts on Vancouver Island, at the Harbour Quay.
Port Alberni is not just about deep sea fishing -- the area is home to fantastic river fishing in the fall, winter, and, summer. Sockeye, Chinook, Coho, and summer and winter Steelhead fill the waters of the Stamp and Somass Rivers, giving anglers a perfect opportunity to fish year-round.
