Blog

Best Hikes Near Port Alberni

Easy, Moderate, and Advanced Trails for All Skill Levels. Port Alberni offers a wide range of hiking options, but early spring conditions can vary significantly depending on elevation and weather. March is a good time for trip planning and lower-elevation outings, while higher alpine routes often remain snow-covered. This guide focuses on publicly accessible trails […]

The Great Port Alberni Fish & Chips Debate

Favourite restaurants that came up again and again when locals were asked where to get fish and chips in Port Alberni. Fish and chips is one of the most recognizable Vancouver Island seafood meals, and it’s easy to find in Port Alberni. Recently, a lively local Facebook conversation asked a simple question: Where are the […]

Hiking Mount Arrowsmith

Above the Valley, Beyond the Trail: For as long as people have lived in the Alberni Valley, the jagged peaks of Mount Arrowsmith have drawn the eye upward. The mountain’s dramatic profile dominates the skyline, visible from town, nearby lakes, and the highways that connect the valley to the rest of Vancouver Island. Long before […]

2026 Micro-Grant Fund Now Open

Applications Now Open for Local Event Organizers. The Alberni Valley Tourism Association is now accepting applications for the 2026 Events & Experiences Micro-Grant Fund. This program supports local organizers who are bringing new events and creative experiences to the Alberni Valley Regional District. Whether you’re planning a new festival, cultural event, outdoor experience, or community […]

Family Day in the Alberni Valley

A Day Made for Slowing Down Family Day arrives at a good moment in the calendar. Even though it’s the shortest month, February can feel long. The weather is unpredictable, routines feel too familiar, and energy levels can dip. The holiday offers a simple reset and a chance to slow down, step away from busy […]

Rainy-Day Ideas for Winter on Vancouver Island

Relaxed, weather-friendly ways to enjoy the Alberni Valley and beyond Winter rain is part of life on Vancouver Island, especially from winter through early spring. Rather than putting plans on hold, rainy days often open the door to slower experiences, warm indoor stops, and scenery that feels even more atmospheric in wet weather. If you’re […]

January Events & Winter Happenings in Port Alberni

Community events, Bulldogs hockey, and easy ways to enjoy a quieter winter month. January in the Alberni Valley is a quieter month, but that’s part of its appeal. After the busy holiday season, the pace slows and the focus shifts to community events, relaxed outings, and enjoying winter days at an easy rhythm. Whether you’re […]

How to Spend a Cozy Weekend in Port Alberni

Warm Cafés, Rainforest Walks, and Easy Winter Days in the Alberni Valley. Winter on Vancouver Island brings a special kind of comfort, and Port Alberni is one of the easiest places to enjoy a rainy season weekend getaway. With misty temperate rainforest trails, warm cafés, local breweries, and an active live music scene, a cozy […]