Port Alberni - Tourism Vancouver Island

Taste of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast: 2010
Port Alberni
Port Alberni City
http://www.portalberni.ca/
Port Alberni is an affordable waterfront community at the heart of the west coast of
Vancouver Island. We offer access to wilderness so amazing, you will only realize it when
you're here. Port Alberni is a forested seaport rich with
history. Located at the head of the 48 kilometre-long
Alberni Inlet, it’s named after Captain Don Pedro de
Alberni, a Spanish officer who commanded the fort at
Nootka on Vancouver Island's west coast in the late
1700’s. The traditional territory of the Tseshaht and
Hupacasath tribes of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth (Nootka)
Nation, Port Alberni’s modern roots are founded in the
mining and logging industries, which made the town
one of the most affluent in Canada for many years.
Our surroundings are incredible, surging rivers filled
with salmon and trout compete for attention with a rain forest of giant trees towering more
than 61 m (200 ft) into the heavens. We invite you to view our wonderfully restored past and
take the time to witness our proud heritage evident throughout our city. Port Alberni offers a
deep sea port, beautiful waterfront quays, an airport, a new hospital, shopping mall, casino,
and a well-developed array of recreational facilities with a vast supporting infrastructure
often found in much larger cities allowing us host the 2009 World Under-17 Junior Hockey
Tournament with great success.
With the increased popularity of Pacific Rim National Park, Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds,
world class diving, kayaking tours, and the incredible sport-fishing available, more and more
visitors are spending their vacations in Port Alberni allowing multiple day trips to a wide
variety of West Coast locations.
A trip down Port Alberni’s wide 50’s era boulevards offers visitors a unique insight into the
historic transition of a North American town: from rugged wilderness, to bustling industrial
center, to environmentally conscious adventure playground. The story of Port Alberni is the
story of human settlement in the New World, evolving every day with each new challenge,
and each new success.
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Taste of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast: 2010
Port Alberni
Attractions
The Seven Wonders of The Alberni Valley
http://www.albernivalleytourism.com/
There are so many things to do in the Alberni Valley that you may wonder how we limited our list to
just seven Alberni Valley attractions. But most of all, we’re sure that you’ll wonder why you waited so
long to come and experience them for yourself!
1.Cathedral Grove
As you drive into Alberni Valley, be sure to stop in MacMillan Provincial Park and visit the
Cathedral Grove rainforest, where you’ll find ancient Western Red Cedars and towering, 800
year-old Douglas Fir trees. There is no better way to experience the full, haunting beauty of
these primeval friends than to wander the quiet, deeply shaded trails at their base. Keep our
eyes peeled for the many kinds of wildlife that live here in the old-growth forest; from
woodpeckers, owls, insects, and reptiles, to deer, elk, black bear and cougar.
2.Alberni Pacific Railway and McLean Mill National Historic Site
From the harbourside in Port Alberni, climb aboard our
1929 Baldwin logging locomotive at the beautifully
restored Canada Pacific Railway train station, and ride
the rails to the McLean Mill, Canada’s only steampowered sawmill, and a National Historic Site. This trip
through town and forest was a daily commute for loggers
and millworkers since the early 1900’s: imagine you’re on
your way to a hard day’s work amongst the steam
donkeys, graders, logging trucks, and lumber carriers,
which you’ll see fully restored on site. While you’re there,
sit down in the one-room schoolhouse, and take a
moment to think about the hard life in this camp at the “edge of the world.”
http://www.alberniheritage.com/
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Taste of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast: 2010
Port Alberni
3. Bears from the Boardwalk
Vancouver Island is home to thousands of black bears,
and while it’s exciting to take backcountry tours to
experience wildlife in its natural habitat, it’s not always
necessary to work that hard -- especially if you’re in
Port Alberni! Our adventurous black bears like to play
across the bay from the harbour side boardwalk, which
provides a perfect vantage point for human admirers
to catch the bears in action. Due to hibernation, bear
watching is best from June to October.
4. Della Falls
The Alberni Valley is home to one of the tallest waterfalls in North
America. At 440m (1,450 feet), the breathtaking Della Falls cascade
from Della Lake to greet hikers emerging from the old growth forest at
their base. A 7-hour, 16 kilometre (one way) intermediate hike from
the head of Great Central Lake along Drinkwater Creek, this trail was
originally built by trapper Joe Drinkwater, who named the falls after
his wife Della. Hikers will cross several suspension bridges, traveling
past lakes and streams, through first and second growth forest, to
reach this very special destination.
http://www.britishcolumbia.com/trails/?id=13
5. Mars Water Bombers
These massive forest fighting planes were built by
Howard Hughes in the 1940’s. They hold up to 27
tons of water and play an important role during
forest fire season, when their thundering engines
carry the valuable liquid cargo high above the
burning forest. See them when they're not in action,
at beautiful Sproat Lake, Alberni Valley, British
Columbia. http://www.martinmars.com/
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Taste of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast: 2010
Port Alberni
6. The Log Train Trail
This 25 kilometre historic trail epitomizes the “work and play” nature of today’s Alberni Valley
forests, and is a vibrant example of the cultural, natural and transportation heritage of British
Columbia. Running along the base of the Beaufort Range and right into the city of Port
Alberni, the trail follows the grade of the old Bainbridge Mill logging train, which enjoyed a
heyday in the 1920’s (when John D. Rockefeller held timber rights in the Ash River Valley). The
Bainbridge Mill was famous for the quality and size of the lumber it produced, with timbers up
to 37 metres long being sent across the country to projects such as the Welland Canal. The
logging railroad, including a 286 metre trestle over Rogers Creek, stopped operating in 1953.
Today this historic trail is ideal for walking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Follow the
footsteps of history through second growth forest, past rural, residential, and farming areas,
McLean’s Mill, the site of Bainbridge Mill logging camp, and the Rogers Creek Ravine.
http://www.acrd.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=151
7. The Whaling Sculpture
The Alberni Valley is home to two First Nations tribes, and the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Whaling
Canoe sculpture, for years an iconic fixture in Victoria's Royal BC Museum.
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Taste of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast: 2010
Port Alberni
Undiscovered Gems
The adventure and history of the Alberni Valley doesn’t stop at our Seven Wonders. Visitors
with special interests will treasure these Alberni Valley attractions, too:
Stamp River Falls - RECENTLY NAMED THE 8TH WONDER OF THE ALBERNI VALLEY BY
LOCAL RESIDENTS
Just 15 minutes outside of Port Alberni you’ll find Stamp River Falls, where 40 million Pacific
salmon climb the ladders every year to reach the spawning beds. This thrilling natural
phenomenon starts in late August with Sockeye, and continues into December with Coho
and Chinook. At any time of year, the peaceful riverside park offers 2km of gentle walking
and hiking trails through lush forests, always by lakes and streams. A viewpoint over the
spawning ladders offers fantastic views of the river, and a day-use picnic area or overnight
campground are available. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/stamp_rv/
MV Francis Barkley
Spend a day of adventure riding the seas on the MV Francis Barkley. Visitors may ride along
with her small crew as the Francis Barkley transports cargo, mail and up to 100 passengers on
her day trips up the Alberni Inlet. The views from her decks are stunning, and you’ll enjoy
participating in this historic maritime tradition. Don’t forget binoculars and cameras as you
are sure to see grey and orca whales, black bears, eagles, sea otters, sea lions and seals
from her bow. http://www.ladyrosemarine.com/
Petroglyphs
At Sproat Lake, water sports and lazy loafing fill the days with fun and harmony. But there’s a
mystery too! Follow the shady trail at the eastern end of the lake, and you’ll discover some of
the finest prehistoric petroyglyphs in British Columbia. Not much is known about the
K’ak’awin petroglyph, but many believe it depicts ancient mystical monsters that once lived
in the lake. What do you think?
http://www.vancouverisland.com/Regions/towns/?townID=4091
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Taste of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast: 2010
Port Alberni
And more treasures...
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•
•
•
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the biggest cave in Canada called “Blak T” which boasts a 1.5 mile navigable network
underground
the largest collection of Emily Carr art
the largest collection of First Nations basketwork in Canada
living history exhibits that tell how the now famous West Coast Trail had its beginnings
as a telegraph line and a life saving trail for shipwreck victims
17,000 historic photographs
deep sea diving, underwater wrecks, and much more!
Catch A Big One!
Port Alberni, British Columbia is often referred to as “The Salmon Capital of the World”. All five
species of Pacific salmon are found in the area, with Chinook, Coho and Sockeye the
favourites with the sport fishers and epicureans. Returning to spawn in surrounding lakes and
rivers, Sockeye arrive in June, Chinook in August/September and Coho are fished in August/
September/October. Besides having healthy runs, the advantage of sport fishing in Port
Alberni is that you are always in the calm, protected waters of the Alberni Inlet and harbour.
This is also a Steelheader’s paradise, with the amazing Stamp River system running right
through town. There are plenty of professional guides, outfitters and lodges to set up your
fishing trip of a lifetime.
info@albernivalleytourism.com
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T
ake the road less traveled… to Vancouver
Island’s beautiful and exciting Alberni Valley!
Just waiting for you to discover on your way to the
West Coast, and a quick hop from the highway, this
Pacific Northwest gem offers the best of all worlds
- scenery, wildlife, history, culture and recreation. For
The Seven Wonders of the Alberni Valley
Cathedral Grove
Undiscovered Gems
The attractions and adventures of the Alberni Valley
don't stop at the Seven Wonders. Visit Stamp
On your way into the Valley, be sure to
River Falls and marvel
stop in and visit MacMillan Provincial Park for
families looking for fun things to do with the kids,
a quiet, idyllic walk through Cathedral Grove. This
choosing the Alberni Valley will make all the difference
natural wonder of the Alberni Valley will take your
in your travel experience. Its wealth of unique and
breath away with its ancient western red cedars and
authentic attractions offer the whole family daily
towering Douglas firs. As you stroll leisurely along,
adventures that bring to life the proud heritage of
trees as old as 800 years and up to 76 metres tall
Canadian forestry and
spread their sheltering green canopy high above the
First Nations
peaceful hush on the forest floor.
tradition.
Bears from the Boardwalk
at throngs of salmon as
they struggle to reach the
spawning beds. Spend a
day spotting marine life
from the deck of the MV
Lady Rose. Admire the
craftsmanship of First
Nations artifacts at the
A lberni Pacific Railway
and McLean Mill National
Historic Site
community museum,
or the prehistoric petroglyphs at Sproat Lake. Then,
make your own incredible discoveries when you go
deep-sea diving among the underwater wrecks in the
From the harbourside in Port Alberni, you can climb
aboard the steam-driven 1929 Baldwin locomotive at
the beautifully restored Canadian Pacific Railway train
station, then ride the rails Old-West style on your way
to the McLean Mill, Canada’s only steam-powered
sawmill, and a National Historic Site. While there,
walk in the footsteps of the early pioneers, and reflect
on what life might have been like in
this camp at the ‘edge of the world’.
Most people never get to see a black bear outside
the confines of their local zoo, but in Port Alberni,
Graveyard of the Pacific. Shift gears and stay awhile,
in the beautiful Alberni Valley!
especially in late summer and early fall, it can be an
everyday occurrence. Visitors watch with delight as
a mother bear catches a salmon and her cubs play
EDMONTON
on the rocks beside her, directly across from the
harbourside boardwalk. It's the perfect vantage
point for nature admirers to
catch a glimpse of these
magnificent creatures in
their natural habitat.
TOFINO
CALGARY
UCLUELET
For more information, stop by the Alberni Valley
Visitor’s Centre at 2533 Port Alberni Highway,
call 1-866-724-9177, or visit our website:
www.albernivalleytourism.com
4
Della Falls
M
Mars Water Bombers
6
The Log Train Trail
The Whalers’ Canoe
The Alberni Valley is home to two Nuu
These massive planes were originally
built as long-range patrol bombers for WWII, but
chah nulth First Nations, the Hupacasath and the
in recent years, their thrilling fire-fighting missions
Tseshaht, both a vital part of our thriving community
have become world-famous. One of these awe-
and integral leaders in building a sustainable future
inspiring aeronautic giants can drop enough water,
for British Columbians. Be sure not to miss the Nuu
foam, or gel to cover three or four acres at a time,
chah nulth Whalers’ Canoe sculpture at Victoria
and can make a new drop every 15 minutes. Home
Quay, for years an iconic fixture in Victoria’s Royal
base? Sproat Lake, Alberni Valley!
BC Museum.
Discover
the
Seven Wonders
of the
Alberni Valley
The Alberni Valley is home to the tallest waterfall
in North America. At 440 metres, the majestic and
This 25-kilometer historic trail epitomizes the
stunning Della Falls cascade from Della Lake into
‘work and play’ nature of today’s Alberni Valley
the dense, old-growth forest below. A seven-hour,
forests. It follows the grade of the Alberni Pacific
sixteen-kilometer intermediate trek over sand,
Lumber Co. logging train of the 1920s, when John
stone, and heart-pounding suspension bridge
D. Rockefeller held timber rights in the Ash River
SPECIFICATIONS
takes you from rainforest to sub-alpine terrain,
rewarding you with a spectacular view of the falls
at journey’s end.
feet
Wingspan: 200
et
Height: 48 fe
et
fe
0
12
:
Length
inder Wright
yl
-c
18
s:
Engine
cubic inch
Cyclone 3350
bladed Curtis
Props: four 4" tip to tip
electric, 15'2
Valley. Today, this gentle-sloping path gives cyclists
and hikers a scenic fresh-air tour of the valley. Pick
up a Trail Guide Book at the Visitor’s Info Centre in
Port Alberni.
Port Alberni • Vancouver Island • BC
Our Guests:
· Experience Seekers
· Are smart & curious
· Value Time more than Money
· Value the restorative power of nature
· 40-70 years old primarily
· we take ages 5 and up, we’re one of
the few companies that takes kids
· Post Secondary Education
· Middle to High Income
· Families are common July & August
· Busy people who like details taken care of
· 20% Doctors, 10% Academic
· Spend additionanal vacation time in the
Pacific Northwest - Seattle, Vancouver,
Vancouver Island, Victoria, Tofino
50% of our business is repeat and word of
mouth
We are known for our professional guides,
exceptional food, top-of-the-line gear and customer service. We work with the coastal communities that we do business in to maximize
economic possibilities. We’re engaged in our
local community.
We’ve hosted many writers and
photographers over the years and
have experience in facilitating their
needs.
If you’d like to bounce some ideas
around... we’re only a phone call
or email away.
Contact: Blake Johnson
1.877.449-1230 toll free North America
1.250.724-2050
blake@batstar.com
Award Winning
Guided Tours Since 1999
Sea Kayaking
Hiking
Bicycling
3 day Pacific Rim
Bicycle Trips
Queen
Charlotte
Islands
Central Coast
Johnston Strait
Nuchatlitz/Nootka
Clayoquot Sound
Broken Group Islands
The Deer Group
Gulf Islands

Hike Della Falls
444m Canada’s Highest
British
Columbia
Canada
Vancouver
Island
.Port
Alberni
Vancouver
Victoria
Custom Trips
USA
Seattle
To help you with your
Familiarization (FAM) tour,
contact Blake. Batstar has lots
of expeience in helping
writers and photographers
achieve their objectives. Visit
the Batstar page at YouTube.
6360 Springfield Road
Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 8L8
(250) 724-2050
Toll Free 1.877.449-1230
tours@batstar.com
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