“If I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own back yard. Because if it isn't there, I never really lost it to begin with.” -  L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Welcome to Port Alberni! Our little slice of heaven, where you will find your heart’s desires in all kinds of activities, sites and shopping. Whether you’re traveling solo or with your family, for business or pleasure, or even if you’ve lived here your whole life, you’re sure to find treasures - for the first time, or all over again.

As you drive up and over the Port Alberni Summit and round those last few curves of Highway 4 into Port Alberni, you may wonder what's hidden just beyond the tree line. If it’s your first time visiting, you may simply not know and if it’s your hundredth time maybe you’ve simply forgotten.

Let me take you far from the main drag on a visual tour through my BIG backyard. A place I’m proud to call home. #ExplorePortAlberni

Let’s start in my favorite place; amongst the moss-covered trees. Working from home, I can easily say “mañana,” tomorrow I’ll get outside. But a daily walk through the Alberni Valley surrounded by one of the most scenic natural landscapes in the world is such a great break. Take advantage of it! Forest bathing is good for the soul.

There are countless trail systems in the Alberni Valley with varying degrees of length and difficulty. Check out Valley of Trails to discover them all. The Alberni Outdoor Club have organized trips if you need some guidance or company.

Take a shoreline hike to the petroglyphs at Sproat Lake Provincial Park, called "K'ak'awin." Create your own version of the history of the mythological figures etched into the rock, then dare yourself to dip into the lake for a refreshing dip. I hope your water monster is a friendly one.

Sproat Lake, also known as Kleecoot (meaning ‘wide open) by locals, boasts 300 kilometers of shoreline and has two great waterfront restaurants; The Fish & Duck Pub, who also has houseboat and motor boat rentals and Drinkwaters Restaurant at Sproat Lake Landing which features lodging and Dellas Café and gift shop.

Our summers can reach some intense temperatures being in a valley so it’s always a great idea to beat the heat spending the whole day in one of the pristine bodies of water.

Another local favorite that has been one of the best kept secrets until recently is the Hole in the Wall on Rogers Creek. It’s a nice little hike and is always a great reminder of just how beautiful nature can be. Keep walking down the trail and you’ll find Sherwood Falls and another great swimming hole.

We have world class Kiteboarding in the Alberni Inlet which is also incredible to watch if you’re not a seasoned pro. Or take lessons and get in the water! GirlOnABoard or South Port Kiteboarding will happily get you started in the right direction.

After all this adventuring, I’m getting a little hungry. Seeing as we’re already at Harbour Quay we have a few options close by.

Let West Coast Edge ATV tours show you all the amazing sites and wildlife in style! Or if your feeling extra adventurous head for the clear blue yonder via the Vancouver Island Soaring Centre in town.

Port Alberni doesn’t lack the finer things in life

Although we may be a smaller community we aren’t lacking any of the big city amenities. We have a brand new state-of-the-art high school, which is one of the newest in BC.

Echo Centre features swimming pools and a gym, conference rooms and the Alberni Valley Museum and Library. Public swim, water aerobics, and the Tsunami Swim Club are all hosted here. Along with everything from Yoga and Tai Chi to Cooking and Painting lessons. All classes are listed the seasonal leisure guide.

The Alberni Valley Multiplex, features two regulation ice surfaces, and is home to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. A British Columbia Hockey League top team where many of local youth have gone on to University scholarships and NHL hockey.

I’m exhausted, are you?
That was a quick tour through my backyard to show you just some of the highlights. The rest you’ll have to see for yourself.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and be sure to tag your photos with….and use #ExplorePortAlberni in your images - showcase the treasures you found while visiting this beautiful city.