PORT ALBERNI HOTELS, WEST COAST VANCOUVER ISLAND

Situated roughly in the central interior of  Vancouver Island and at the end of a long narrow Inlet, Port Alberni is one of a few ports on the West Coast of Vancouver Island which allows shelter and safe haven against some of the powerful Pacific Ocean weather systems. Not only does this allow us to take advantage of our moderate climate, but also allows our area to have some unique and breathtaking scenery. 

Port Alberni is a working port with commercial as well as recreational facilities to suit the needs of all our visitors. Port Alberni is also a forestry community and its long and interesting logging history is best depicted at the McLean Mill Heritage Sawmill, a National Historic Site accessible by car, on foot or bicycle along the Log Train Trail or on board the 1929 steam train from the restored Railway Station at the foot of Argyle Street near Alberni Harbour Quay.

At the Alberni Valley Museum, you'll see fascinating exhibits on pioneer history, folk art, and First Nations culture. The museum also has brochures with maps for walking tours of historic Port Alberni.  The Rollin Art Centre showcases the works of local artists and features tea on the terrace  in the summer.

The Alberni Harbour Quay, a colourful collection of waterfront shops, galleries, and eateries, is also where you'll find the clock tower, which grants panoramic views of the Alberni Inlet. Here you'll also find the boarding area for the MV Lady Rose, a passenger and freight vessel that offers scenic journeys to Bamfield and Ucluelet on the west coast.

Near Port Alberni, Sproat Lake Provincial Park is a heaven for freshwater recreation enthusiasts and anglers.  The lake is also the home base for the Martin Mars Flying Tankers, the world's largest water bomber aircraft used for fighting forest fires.  Other nearby spots to visit include the Robertson Lake Fish Hatchery, the J.V. Clyne Bird Sanctuary, Paper Mill Dam Park, and Rogers Creek Park.  For an unbeatable view, take the ten minute-walk to the old Lookout.

A huge range of activities is available from Port Alberni, everything from guided fishing charters, helicopter and floatplane tours, and hiking trips, to scuba diving, golfing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and wind surfing.

Currently we are not aware of any accommodation in the Port Alberni area that we can refer you to. As Port Alberni is less than 45 minutes from Nanaimo, we would like to suggest that you use The Buccaneer Inn in Nanaimo as your base for exploration of Central Vancouver Island and The West Coast.

Or check the Port Alberni, Vancouver Island hotels section of TripAdvisor.com for unbiased reviews on hotels in the Port Alberni area.