Discover bustling Port Alberni in British Columbia
Located along a deep-water ocean inlet on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island, Port Alberni is best known for its abundance of outdoor activities. But beyond the hiking, biking, and boating, the city’s bustling downtown core, a smattering of cultural attractions, and a delicious dining scene should make a stay in a Port Alberni vacation rental an appealing option whether traveling with family, friends, or both. Options include plush studios with panoramic views of the mountain or quaint downtown hideaways in the city’s character homes. Wherever you choose to call home, time spent in this waterfront city is guaranteed to be a time to remember.
Get your culture fix in Port Alberni
Step aboard the Alberni Pacific Steam Train and head to the McLean Mill Historic Site, the country’s only commercial steam-operated sawmill and perhaps the only mill to be home to a resident Tin Pants Theatre Troupe. Back in town, the Alberni Valley Museum provides even more family-friendly fun. Devouring copious amounts of warm popcorn at the art-deco Landmark Cinemas can be a lovely way to round things off before heading back to your Port Alberni vacation rental.
Explore Port Alberni on foot or by boat
Life in Port Alberni often comes with a backdrop provided by the great outdoors; the pace at which you enjoy it is up to you. Harbour Quay is a great place to mingle as you explore the area’s shops and galleries but be sure to swing by on Saturday mornings when the Spirit Square Farmers’ Market is in full flow. Finish off with a cruise on the MV Frances Barkley to the nearby fishing village of Bamfield (departure times vary) or by heading to the Old Town of Alberni where self-guided walking tours are a delightful way to explore the area around Elizabeth and Margaret Streets and Victoria Quay.
Port Alberni has year-round appeal
There’s never really a bad time to book a stay in a Port Alberni vacation rental as the different seasons put various entertainment options on the table. In the summer months of July and August, temperatures can push toward 80 although a more comfortable 65 is more common. During spring and fall, the temperatures are lower again, typically hovering around 50, but this hardly matters to the people who flock to the area to enjoy hiking through mountains recently released from their powdery grip or through the dazzling changing foliage that falls from the trees lining the Somass River.
Get to know Port Alberni’s wilder residents
The landscape surrounding Port Alberni is impressive all year round but wildlife enthusiasts will want to time their visit around late summer and early fall. This is when 1000s of Sockeye salmon can be seen circling below the waterfalls at Stamp River Provincial Park. Also taking advantage of the increase in the salmon population are Vancouver Island’s Black Bears and Bald Eagles, so don’t forget your camera. And if you prefer to keep a larger distance between you and Port Alberni’s wilder inhabitants, you will likely be able to spot the bears exploring the Somass Estuary from the viewing point at Victoria Quay.
Traveling to and around Port Alberni
The nearest airport is in Nanaimo, BC (YCD), located 43.9 mi (70.6 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could book a flight to Nanaimo, BC (ZNA-Nanaimo Harbour Water Aerodrome), which is 39.5 mi (63.6 km) away.