Port Alberni

Travel Guide

Port Alberni featuring a marina
Port Alberni featuring a marina
Port Alberni which includes a river or creek
Port Alberni showing a park and a river or creek
Port Alberni

See steam-powered logging, ancient stone carvings and salmon leaping up waterfalls in the fertile forestlands around this port.   

Port Alberni offers access to incredible forest environments and wildlife spotting opportunities. Since 1789, this settlement has fed off its location at the tip of the Alberni Inlet on Vancouver Island, which has allowed its dual industries of fishing and lumber to flourish.

Make your base in downtown Port Alberni, a settlement of over 17,500 inhabitants nestled in the mountainous Alberni Valley. The visitor center here provides useful maps to develop your Port Alberni itinerary.

Learn about the area's history at the Alberni Valley Museum, which features indigenous artifacts in its First Nation exhibit. See exciting earthquake exhibits at the Maritime Discovery Centre and get insight into the Alberni logging industry at the McLean Mill National Historic Site. This site has been restored to operate as it did in 1965. It’s the only commercial steam-operated sawmill in Canada.

Reserve a day for a relaxing tour on the MV Frances Barclay, a cruise ship that has operated since the 1960s. Stop by small coastal towns like Kildonan and Bamfield and spot black bears on the riverbanks. Take a ride on the Alberni Pacific Railway and journey through the valley forestlands.

Drive to Sproat Lake and see the waterfalls at Fossoli Provincial Park. Nearby, swim at the Two Rivers Arm, see ancient stone carvings at the Sproat Lake Petroglyphs and enjoy a seafood meal at the Fish and Duck Pub. Alternatively, tour Nahmint Lake and admire its tranquil vistas. In early summer or fall, take a morning excursion to Stamp Falls and watch hundreds of salmon jumping upstream.

Follow mountain biking circuits through the rugged Alberni Valley terrain. Work on your long game at one of two world-class golf courses near town. Put on some hardy boots and explore the pine tree forests and dripping caves of the Log Train Trail. Experienced hikers can take on the 5-hour round trip of Judges Route to the peak of Mt. Arrowsmith.

The Port Alberni Airport is a 90-minute drive from downtown. Though the port can be navigated on foot, visitors are advised to rent a car to get to surrounding attractions.

Hospitality Inn
Hospitality Inn
3.5 out of 5
3835 Redford Street, Port Alberni, BC
$125 nightly
The price is $144 total per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$144 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Port Alberni. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Lady at front desk is super friendly. We will definitely be coming back. Great beds, room is clean and spacious."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Hospitality Inn
Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel
Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel
3 out of 5
4277 Stamp Ave, Port Alberni, BC
$202 nightly
The price is $233 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$233 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Port Alberni. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (882 reviews)
"Great location, easy to find, and close to the hospital"

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel
Sproat Lake Landing Resort
Sproat Lake Landing Resort
3.5 out of 5
10695 Lakeshore Rd, Port Alberni, BC
$242 nightly
The price is $278 total per night from Jul 4 to Jul 5
$278 total
Jul 4 - Jul 5
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Port Alberni. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and kayaking on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (417 reviews)
"Peaceful and relaxing, great location! We will return!"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

Sproat Lake Landing Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Spot on Sproat Lake
The Spot on Sproat Lake
Port Alberni
Stay at this cabin in Port Alberni. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Sproat Lake Petroglyphs and Stamp River Provincial Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Father and sons fishing trip
"Once a year my adult sons take a Friday and Monday off and we go for a long weekend fishing. This is the first time going to Sproat Lake. The accommodation was terrific overall…very easy to find, very clean, well equipped and had a nice view of the lake. The dock was an added bonus. We could tie ..."

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2025

The Spot on Sproat Lake
Charming Cabin on Sproat  Lake Hottub /Romantic getaway for Couples
Charming Cabin on Sproat Lake Hottub /Romantic getaway for Couples
Port Alberni
Book a stay at this beach cabin in Port Alberni. Enjoy a beach locale, tennis courts, and patios. Popular attractions Sproat Lake Petroglyphs and Stamp River ...
10/10 Exceptional! (95 reviews)
Awesome place stay
"This cozy little cabin was a great place to stay. Had all the amenities and the hot tub on the deck, over looking the lake was perfect. I would highly recommend this place."

Reviewed on May 9, 2025

Charming Cabin on Sproat Lake Hottub /Romantic getaway for Couples
Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
3 out of 5
1175 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Parksville. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (585 reviews)
"Beautiful place"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Port Alberni

4.1
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 22%
4 - Good
6
4 - Good 67%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Port Alberni is a pleasant town with many natural attractions within an easy commute - but be prepared to spend some time visiting each location to truly enjoy each site.

4/5 - Good

Penny

Some great restaurants around the town and everyone welcoming. Good location for exploring Vancouver Island.

Cities near Port Alberni