National Forest Week in the Alberni Valley
Celebrate BC National Forest Week
September 17–23, 2023
National Forestry Week in the Alberni Valley is celebrated each year during the 3rd week in September. It’s a great way to learn more one of our most important ecosystems, while promoting awareness and honouring the vital role that forests play in our lives. It also provides an excellent opportunity to connect with nature, learn about responsible forest management, and appreciate the beauty and resources these forests provide to both people and the environment.
Greater Awareness towards Canada’s Forests
Starting in the early 1920’s as Forest Fire Prevention Week, the intention was to encourage greater public awareness towards Canada’s forests. In those days, the forestry industry’s main concern was the prevention of forest fires, due mainly to human causes. Since then National Forest Week (renamed in 1967) has evolved to encompass the many and varied human and environmental aspects of Canada’s forest resources – past, present and future. Although special activities are promoted across Canada, NFW remains first and foremost a challenge to individual Canadians to learn more about their forest heritage and support greater recognition of this valuable resource. – Canadian Institute of Forestry
Things to Do in Port Alberni for National Forest Week
Visit One of Our Many Local Forests
As you already know we LOVE our nature walks. The benefits are extensive and what better way to celebrate and experience National Forest Week than to take a walk in the woods? The Alberni Valley has an abundance of options to choose from. We’ve got a few favourites but really, you can almost pick any direction, start walking and you’ll end up in a forest in no time at all.
Fossli Provincial Park Trail
Location: Trail Access on Stirling Arm Rd. (map)
Difficulty: Easy | 1hr | 5km
More Info: Trailpeak
Alberni Valley and Disappearing Lake
Location: Park at the Alberni Inlet Trailhead. (map)
Difficulty: Easy | 1hr 15min | 3.4km
More Info: Alltrails
Stamp Falls Trail
Location: Stamp River Provincial Park (map)
Difficulty: Easy | 26min | 1.3km
More Info: Alltrails
Visit Mclean Mill National Historic Site
The McLean Mill National Historic Site is a former sawmill and logging operation. It was designated a national historic site of Canada in 1989 to commemorate its collection of extant resources related to logging, sawmilling, transportation and labour, and, its close association to significant aspects of the forest industry. Learning about the history of forestry and it’s significant importance to the development of the Alberni Valley, especially in it’s pioneer days, is a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Address: 5633 Smith Rd, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 8Z1 (map)
Contact: (250) 723-1376 | Website
Hours: Dawn-Dusk Self Guided Tours
Looking for More?
The Canadian Institute of Forestry’s website has some more suggestions to get you more involved with your local forests:
- Download our FREE activity sheets
- Take a walk in woods nearby and get to know your forest (see above section)
- Arrange a tree planting: Tree Canada
- Care for a newly planted or neglected tree, and study its species
- Identify all the things at home or school that are made of wood
- Learn about organizations that demonstrate sustainable forest management
- Tour a forest sector industry or processing site
- Learn about the prevention of forest fires
- Visit the NFW-BC Coalition website for information about NFW in the west!
- Lead a National Forest Week event!