About Port Alberni

If you enjoy living then why not choose Port Alberni. Located in the middle of Vancouver Island yet on the West Coast at the same time we are indeed a unique community. Set at the mouth of the Somass River a combination of both the Stamp and Sproat Rivers the city once boasted Canada's highest income per capita. Those days are behind us yet better days are ahead. While still a community that thrives on natural resources such as Fishing and Forestry we are now much more diverse both in what we do, how we do it, and who we are.

Our waterfront was once clogged with Industry yet slowly we are clawing that back for the betterment of all. Folks love to stroll along the Victoria Quay walkway where its not uncommon to see Black Bears on the other side of the Somass River. This is especially evident during the Summer/Fall months as the tides reduce. Further on as one passes by our famous mills you'll find a now empty lot consisting of some 43 acres of land. Land recently purchased by the City of Port Alberni with the intent of redevelopment for housing and small business enterprises. The hard hats will disappear in favour of flip flops, tasty sandwiches, and delicious craft beers. Further yet you'll come across Harbour Quay an area steep in history, some of it painful, as we learn of past injustice to our First Nations People. Today as one enters Harbour Quay they'll see a beautiful mural crafted in conjunction with First Nations People, Arrowsmith Rotary Club and of course the artists who brick by brick brought the area back to life. Through art. Through reconciliation.

Further into Harbour Quay one will find some lovely small restaurants including All Mex'd Up, the larger sit down waterfront restaurant called the Starboard Grill and beside that alongside the 100 meter long Centennial Pier is our famous Swept Away Inn a 100 foot converted Tug boat that is now used as a Bed and Breakfast and local Dinner Club. Oh and you've no doubt heard of our famous Donuts. Yup find them at Harbour Quay - The Donut Shop.

Strolling further down the waterfront you'll trip over the Maritime Discovery Centre, the Lighthouse, and of course you'll find lovely Marinas along the way. If you carry on beyond the next mill site you'll eventually find our local 'Beach' now called Waterfront Park. Situated alongside more industry we're finding that industry and people mix just fine.

And what haven't we mentioned? Our National Historic Site - McLean Mill, our nearby lakes including Sproat Lake, Great Central, Countless hiking trails including the infamous Log-train trail. We're the Salmon Capital of the World with tremendous fishing all year round between our lakes, rivers and the Alberni Inlet thus allowing people to find their favourite catch using any combination of lures. There is much to see in Port Alberni!