5 Must-Do Autumn Activities in the Alberni Valley
From Scenic Drives to Community Harvests, Explore the Rich Offerings of Fall in the Valley
Autumn in the Alberni Valley is a vibrant season of changing colours, crisp air, and a great list of family-friendly activities. Centrally located on Vancouver Island, the Alberni Valley offers a range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and those who simply love the fall season.
Start with the Alberni Fall Fair in early September. Find entertainment for the whole family with midway rides, agriculture shows, logging demonstrations and live music all weekend long. Explore the maze of exhibits, animal displays, and food booths at the Port Alberni Fall Fair.
You will also want to check out the Farmers Markets bountiful harvest displays, open year around at Spirit Square on Harbour Quay, Cherry Creek or Naesgaards. New this year, the first annual Equinox Garlic Festival is happening Saturday September 21.
Fall is also a great time for wildlife watching, you can often catch sight of bears feeding across the water from the Harbour Quay.
With something for everyone, here are a few favourites that will make your Alberni Valley autumn visit memorable. Whether you’re looking to engage with the community, take in the stunning scenery, or enjoy local entertainment.
Join the Port Alberni Toy Run
Riders participating in the Port Alberni Toy Run ride through town pickup toy donations
One of the most heartwarming and exciting events in the Alberni Valley during the fall is the Port Alberni Toy Run. Held every September, this annual motorcycle event brings together hundreds of riders from across Vancouver Island and beyond, all with the goal of collecting toys and donations for local children and families in need. The Toy Run, now in its fourth decade, is one of the largest events of its kind in Canada and a beloved tradition in the community.
As the motorcycles roar through the streets of Port Alberni, spectators line the route to cheer on the riders and donate toys. The event culminates in a family-friendly celebration at Glenwood Centre, where participants and the community can enjoy live music, food, games, and more. Whether you’re a motorcycle enthusiast or simply want to support a great cause, the Port Alberni Toy Run is a must-attend event that embodies the spirit of giving and community.
Port Alberni Toy Run
Location: Glenwood Centre – 480 Vimy St, Port Alberni
Contact: (250) 731-4728 | Email | Contact Form
More Info: Event Schedule
Farm Tour the Arrowvale Pumpkin Patch
Family fun at the Arrowvale Farm Pumpkin Patch
Celebrate the fall harvest season with a visit to the Arrowvale Pumpkin Patch. This scenic farm offers a classic autumn experience where you can wander through the pumpkin fields to find your perfect Jack-O-Lantern or pie pumpkin. For just $2.50*, you can tour the pumpkin patch, and there’s an optional tractor-pulled wagon ride through the farm for an additional $2.50*. The wagon tour offers charming views of cows and horses grazing in the fields. Whether rain or shine, this is a delightful way to spend a crisp autumn day, so don’t forget your boots and umbrellas!
* Fee subject to change.
Arrowvale Farm
Location: 5955 Hector Rd, Port Alberni (map)
Contact: (250) 723-7948 | email hidden; JavaScript is required
More Info: Arrowvale Events Page
See the Autumn Colours on the Pacific Rim Highway
Enjoy spectacular fall colours on the Pacific Rim Highway
For those who love scenic drives, the Pacific Rim Highway (Highway 4) offers one of the most beautiful routes on Vancouver Island, especially during the autumn months. The drive from the Alberni Valley to the west coast is lined with forests ablaze with fall colors and offers stunning views of lakes and mountains. Make stops at spots like Sproat Lake and Kennedy Lake to fully appreciate the seasonal beauty and capture some breathtaking photos. The journey itself is a highlight, with each turn revealing more of the region’s natural splendor.
Directions: Head West on the Pacific Rim Highway (Highway 4) towards Tofino/Ucluelet (map)
Travel Info: The drive Kennedy Lake Reserve is approx. 84km, travel time is approx. 1hr 11m, one-way.
Try Salmon Fishing (or Watching!) on the Stamp River
Autumn is the prime time for salmon fishing in the Alberni Valley, particularly on the Stamp River. The annual salmon run draws anglers from near and far, eager to catch Chinook and Coho salmon as they make their way upstream to spawn. Even if fishing isn’t your forte, witnessing the salmon leap through the river’s rapids is a spectacular sight. The riverbanks also provide excellent opportunities for wildlife watching, with bears and eagles often seen in the area during the salmon run.
Stamp River Provincial Park
Location: Beaver Creek Rd, Port Alberni (map)
Travel Time: 23 minutes from Port Alberni
More Info: bcparks.ca/stamp-river-park
See a Live Show at the Capitol Theatre
Check out a live show at the Capitol Theatre
As the days grow shorter and the evenings cooler, enjoying a live show at the Capitol Theatre becomes the perfect autumn activity. Operated by the Portal Players Dramatic Society, this community-driven theatre offers a variety of performances throughout the fall, from plays and musicals to improv nights and concerts. The Capitol Theatre is a cultural hub in Port Alberni, located within the Rotary Arts District. Attending a show here not only supports local arts but also provides a cozy, entertaining way to spend an autumn evening.
The Capitol Theatre
Location: 4904 Argyle St, Port Alberni (map)
Contact: (250) 723-1195 | email hidden; JavaScript is required
More Info: Season Schedule
The Alberni Valley is a treasure trove of autumn activities that highlight the season’s beauty, community spirit, and cultural offerings. Whether you’re picking fruit, exploring pumpkin patches, driving through scenic landscapes, fishing for salmon, or enjoying a live performance, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of autumn in this stunning region. So grab a warm sweater, head out, and immerse yourself in all that the Alberni Valley has to offer this season.