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
The price is ¥18,158 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
¥18,158
¥20,883 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
includes taxes & 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! (1,002 reviews)
"Great staff, super clean room. This is the place we always stay at when we are in Port Alberni."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Hospitality Inn
Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel
Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel
3 out of 5
4277 Stamp Ave, Port Alberni, BC
The price is ¥31,599 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥31,599
¥36,339 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & 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! (885 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel
Ocean Marina Hotel
Ocean Marina Hotel
3 out of 5
4850 Beaver Creek Rd, Port Alberni, BC
The price is ¥16,348 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
¥16,348
¥18,799 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Port Alberni. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
6.8/10 (106 reviews)
"Bathroom fan not working. Hardly any hot water at night. For the money, bathroom does not look good and old."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Ocean Marina Hotel
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)
"Slava’s place is absolutely beautiful. It has everything you need to stay short term or long term. Would definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 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)
A Cabin with all the Comforts
"My husband and I enjoyed our time at Sproat Lake. The cabin is right on the water with its own private dock. The deck bed on the dock made for relaxing days laying in the sun and being gently rocked by the water. When we were energetic, we went kayaking and paddle boarding with the equipment they ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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! (587 reviews)
"Very nice resort, very friendly staff, I love staying there,"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 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

Things to do

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