Port Alberni

About Port Alberni

Port Alberni, a vibrant city in Vancouver Island’s Central Island, nestles at the head of the Alberni Inlet, 40 km from Parksville. Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” it offers a stunning waterfront with views of the surrounding mountains and a bustling harbor filled with fishing boats. The city’s rich forestry heritage shines through its historic sawmills, while the nearby Sproat Lake, with its sandy beaches, invites relaxation. A gateway to adventure, Port Alberni provides access to rugged wilderness and serene waters. Whether you’re exploring the harbor or soaking in the natural beauty, Port Alberni delivers a perfect blend of history, culture, and outdoor fun, making it an ideal stop in Vancouver Island’s heart.

Port Alberni, incorporated in 1912, was established as a logging and fishing hub in the traditional territories of the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations, who have lived in the area for millennia, harvesting salmon from the Somass River. Today, it’s a recreational and cultural center, with the McLean Mill National Historic Site offering tours of a 1920s steam-powered sawmill. The Alberni Valley Museum showcases Indigenous artifacts and logging history, while the annual Salmon Festival celebrates the city’s fishing legacy with the largest salmon derby in BC. Sproat Lake Provincial Park, 10 km away, offers kayaking, fishing for trout, and petroglyphs at K’ak’awin, depicting sea creatures. The Della Falls Trail, a 32-km round-trip hike starting from the lake, leads to Canada’s highest waterfall, providing a challenging backcountry adventure.

About Port Alberni

Photo Gallery

Location

Nearby Locations

Comox

Campbell River

Strathcona Provincial Park