Outdoor adventures, local eats and activities for families with older kids. Family trips change as kids get older. Playgrounds might not hold the same appeal, everyone has an opinion about where to eat, and sometimes the best part of the day is having a little freedom to do your own thing. Port Alberni works well […]
Vancouver Island Farms, Farmers’ Markets & Local Food in the Alberni Valley. Fall brings a different pace to the Alberni Valley. Farm stands shift toward the later harvest, Saturday markets continue through the cooler weather, and local growers and producers offer plenty of reasons to bring an extra shopping bag along for the day. Some […]
Community traditions, local favourites and seasonal things to do as summer shifts into fall. September is a month of overlap in the Alberni Valley. There can still be warm afternoons at the lake, even as the Fall Fair arrives, salmon return to local rivers and hockey fans start thinking about the Dawg Pound. Add in […]
Port Alberni Salmon Festival Returns for Labour Day Weekend 2026! Celebrate Labour Day Weekend on the waterfront at the Port Alberni Salmon Festival, returning to Tyee Landing from September 4 to 7, 2026. Held on the traditional territories of the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations, this annual gathering brings together fishing, food, live entertainment, local […]
Best Places, Safety Tips & Responsible Viewing. Wildlife is part of everyday life in the Alberni Valley. Depending on the season, you might see black bears fishing for salmon, bald eagles soaring overhead, seals resting along the Alberni Inlet, or thousands of salmon returning to spawn. These experiences are memorable because they’re happening in the […]
Alberni District Fall Fair Returns September 10–13, 2026 For more than 80 years, the Alberni District Fall Fair has brought the community together to celebrate agriculture, local talent, entertainment, and the changing season. From September 10–13, 2026, the fairgrounds on Hollywood Street will welcome visitors for four days of family-friendly activities, live performances, exhibits, food […]
What This Vancouver Island City Is Known For Planning a trip to Port Alberni? This Vancouver Island community brings together outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, working heritage and locally owned restaurants that make it a great choice for weekend getaways, family vacations and Island road trips. Whether your ideal day includes a quiet paddle, a mountain […]
Swimming, Boating, Camping & Things to Do on Sproat Lake A practical guide to swimming, boating, paddling, fishing, camping, and spending time around one of the Alberni Valley’s best-known freshwater lakes. Sproat Lake is one of the Alberni Valley’s most popular freshwater recreation areas. Located about 15 minutes west of Port Alberni, the lake draws […]
West Coast Waterfall Hikes from Easy to Moderate The beautiful Alberni Valley is home to some of the most wonderful waterfalls on Vancouver Island. If you enjoy hiking or walks in the forest, what better reward for your effort than a picturesque waterfall at the end of the trail! We have gathered some favourite local […]
Experience the rhythms of coastal life aboard the MV Frances Barkley from Port Alberni to Bamfield A day trip to Bamfield aboard the MV Frances Barkley is one of the most memorable ways to experience the west coast of Vancouver Island. Departing from Port Alberni and travelling through the Alberni Inlet into Barkley Sound, this […]
