Salmon Festival

The Port Alberni Salmon Festival, a cherished annual tradition, has been drawing fishing enthusiasts to the Alberni Inlet for decades.

Each Labour Day weekend, around 1,500 participants converge in the Alberni Inlet to compete in the annual Salmon Derby competition. During its peak years the competition saw around 4,000 people taking part. The largest fish ever caught was a massive 60-pound, eight-ounce Chinook in 1982. Last year in 2023 the leading fish was a 23-pound, four-ounce Chinook.

The festival has seen changes over the years, such as moving from Clutesi Haven Marina to Tyee Landing and Harbour Quay/Argyle Pier. The Salmon Festival Society has had to adapt over the years due to the pandemic and significant losses. This year the festival is looking to re-launch, including the popular beer tent, traditional salmon dinner, and a great line up of entertainment and family friendly activities.