Blog

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

Program is now closed. 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, […]

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 […]

Craving Comfort? Try These Cozy Spots in Port Alberni

Five Local Restaurants to Warm You Up on a Cold Day. As winter settles into the Alberni Valley, the pace slows and appetites shift toward the familiar and comforting. Cooler temperatures, early sunsets, and misty mornings call for meals that warm from the inside out, whether it’s a hot bowl of chowder, a rich European-style […]

Alberni Valley Holiday Events

So much to do during the holiday season! The 2025 calendar brings a lineup of festive Alberni Valley events, winter markets and holiday concerts. Activities for the whole family — Get in the spirit visiting local shops to find the perfect gift, have your photo taken with Santa, enjoy a Winter Wonderland free skate, and […]