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Gearing up for your West Coast Adventure

Outdoor Gear, Rentals & Trip Essentials in Port Alberni.

Whether you’re planning to surf near Tofino, paddle on Sproat Lake, fish the Alberni Inlet, or camp along Vancouver Island’s west coast, Port Alberni is a convenient place to prepare before you head out.

Rather than packing every piece of equipment from home, you’ll find local businesses offering surfboard rentals, camping equipment, bike rentals, fishing supplies, boat rentals, and RV services. Whether you’re staying in the Alberni Valley or continuing on to Tofino and Ucluelet, Bamfield, or beyond, here’s where to find the gear and services to help you make the most of your Vancouver Island adventure.

Surf & Paddle

Totally Board Surf Company

Exterior of Totally Board Surf Company surf shop in downtown Port Alberni

Totally Board Surf Company offers surfboards, paddleboards, wetsuits, and accessories for adventures on Vancouver Island’s west coast.

Whether you’re catching your first wave or returning for another west coast surf trip, Totally Board Surf Company is Port Alberni’s go-to shop for surf and paddle gear. Conveniently located in downtown Port Alberni, it’s an easy stop before continuing to the coast or spending a day on Sproat Lake.

Gear Rentals Include:

  • Surfboards (beginner to advanced)
  • Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP)
  • Boogie Boards
  • Wetsuits
  • Hoodies
  • Booties
  • Gloves
  • Roof Racks

Location: 4895 Johnston Rd, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 6K3 (Map)
Contact: (778) 421-3335 |
Email | Facebook

Camping Equipment

Alberni Adventure Gear

Camping tent set up beside a river using rental camping equipment from Alberni Adventure Gear

Rent camping, backpacking, and outdoor gear from Alberni Adventure Gear before heading out to explore the Alberni Valley or Vancouver Island’s west coast. Source: Alberni Adventure Gear

Travelling light? Alberni Adventure Gear makes it easy to rent quality camping and outdoor equipment before heading out on your next adventure. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip, a beach getaway, or a longer backcountry excursion, you’ll find gear for individuals, families, and groups.

Rental options include:

  • Camping equipment
  • Backpacking gear
  • Beach gear
  • Family camping packages

Ideal for visitors heading to Bamfield, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, or planning a camping trip anywhere on Vancouver Island.

Contact: (250) 720-7901
Website | Instagram

Bike Rentals & Cycling

Jumping Slug

Rental mountain bikes and e-bikes inside Jumping Slug bike shop in Port Alberni

Jumping Slug offers mountain bike, e-bike, and gravel bike rentals, plus demos and accessories for exploring the Alberni Valley. Source: Jumping Slug

Whether you’re looking to explore local roads, ride Alberni Valley trails, or try out a new bike before making a purchase, Jumping Slug offers a variety of rental options to suit your adventure.

Choose from mountain bikes, e-bikes, and adventure/gravel bikes for a few hours, a full day, or even a week. Helmets, knee pads, and bike bags are also available to rent, making it easy to get out and ride.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a new bike, rental and demo fees can be applied toward the purchase of a new bike within 30 days.

Rental Options Include:

  • Mountain Bikes (MTB)
  • E-Bikes
  • Adventure & Gravel Bikes
  • Bike Demos
  • Helmets, Knee Pads & Bike Bags

Location: 4691 Dundalk Ave South, Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 8P2
Contact:  (250) 724-6556
Email | Website

Multi-Day Sea Kayaking Adventures

Batstar Sea Kayak Outfitters

Sea kayakers paddling along the coastline during a multi-day expedition with Batstar Sea Kayak Outfitters

Batstar Sea Kayak Outfitters specializes in fully outfitted, self-guided expeditions to the Broken Group Islands and Vancouver Island’s west coast. Source: Batstar Sea Kayak Outfitters

Dreaming of paddling the Broken Group Islands or Vancouver Island’s spectacular west coast? Batstar Sea Kayak Outfitters has been helping groups experience these waters for decades through fully outfitted, self-guided expeditions.

Rather than simply renting kayaks, Batstar provides a complete trip system that takes care of the logistics, so you can focus on the adventure.

Trip packages include:

  • Seaward sea kayaks and all required Coast Guard safety equipment
  • Camping gear, including tents and group tarps
  • Professional kitchen equipment, stoves and fuel
  • Fresh food and customized menu planning
  • Trip planning, route recommendations and logistics
  • Accommodation before and after your paddling trip

Please note: Batstar outfits complete self-guided expeditions for groups and does not offer individual kayak or gear rentals.

Location: 6360 Springfield Rd, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 8L8 (Map)
Contact: (250) 724-2050
Website

Boating, Fishing & Marine Services

Boats moored at a marina in Port Alberni

Rent a boat, arrange marine services, or start your next fishing adventure from Port Alberni.

Whether you’re planning a day on Sproat Lake, bringing your own boat, or booking a guided fishing adventure, the Alberni Valley offers a variety of businesses to help you get out on the water.

Boat Rentals

Fish & Duck Resort offers boat rentals for visitors looking to spend a day exploring beautiful Sproat Lake.

Location: 8571 Bothwell Road, Port Alberni, BC (Map)
Contact: (226) 227-9384
Email | Website

Marine Sales & Service

Port Boat House Ltd. has been serving Vancouver Island boaters for decades, offering new and used boat sales, Yamaha-certified service, parts, and marine expertise for those travelling with their own boats.

Location: 5410 Argyle St, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1T7 (Map)
Contact: (250) 724-5754 |
Email | Website

Fishing Charters & Marine Services

The Alberni Valley is one of Vancouver Island’s premier fishing destinations, with opportunities on local lakes, rivers, the Alberni Inlet, and offshore waters. Rather than listing every charter operator here, we’ve created a dedicated directory to help you find local guides, fishing charters, marinas, and marine service businesses.

Browse the Fishing Charters & Marine Services Directory

Looking for fishing tips, seasonal opportunities, and trip inspiration? Visit our Fishing in the Alberni Valley page to help plan your next adventure.

RV Services

Arbutus RV & Marine Sales Ltd.

Camper van driving through a forest on Vancouver Island

Whether you’re travelling by camper van or RV, Port Alberni offers convenient service and supplies before you continue your journey.

Travelling by RV? Whether you need service, repairs, or supplies before continuing your road trip, Arbutus RV & Marine has you covered.

  • New and used RV sales
  • RV service and repairs
  • Parts and accessories

Location: 5540 Beaver Creek Rd, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 8X6 (Map)
Contact: Sales: (778) 784-2451 | Service: (250) 724-5544 |
Website

Before You Head Out

Port Alberni is also a convenient place to stock up before continuing your journey. Whether you’re heading west to the coast or staying in the Alberni Valley, you’ll find grocery stores, restaurants, fuel stations, pharmacies, accommodations, and other everyday essentials close by.

Browse our Business Directory to find local businesses, services, and trip-planning resources.

Make the Most of Your Time in the Alberni Valley

Many visitors pass through Port Alberni on their way to the west coast, but it’s worth taking a little extra time to experience what the Alberni Valley has to offer. Spend a day on Sproat Lake, hike local trails, enjoy waterfront dining, or visit nearby attractions before continuing your Vancouver Island adventure.

Looking for more ideas? Browse our guides to hiking, camping, fishing, family activities, and seasonal experiences to help plan your stay.