Hiking the Alberni Valley
Set in between vast forest-covered mountains and the deep waters of the Alberni Inlet, the Port Alberni region is home to some of the best hiking Vancouver Island has to offer. Boasting over 100 hiking trails that range from beginner to advanced, there are trails to match every skill level and interest. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our post on the Best Waterfall Hikes as well as our guide to Easy Short Hikes.
Alberni Valley Hiking Trails
The Log Train Trail
The famed Log Train Trail is 25 kilometres of beauty and history stretching along the foot of the Beaufort Mountain Range on an old rail grade.
Lookout
The Lookout Trail, accessed behind Coombs Country Candy at the east entrance to the Alberni Valley, offers some of the best single-track mountain biking; a steep, challenging walking trail; and the reward of a stunning view overlooking the Valley.
Rebecca Bollwit, Zenseekers
Fossli Trail
Fossli Park Trail is located on the backside of Sproat Lake, accessed off a logging road past Stirling Arm Drive.
Alberni Inlet Trail
The 12km-long Alberni Inlet Trail is considered a backcountry trail. It is one of the most scenic trails in Port Alberni and takes at least six hours to complete. Phase 1 will take you from Port Alberni to China Creek.
Historic CNPR Trail
The CNPR Trail, named for the historic Canadian Northern Pacific Railway grade, is Phase 2 of the Inlet Trail and runs 3.8 km parallel to Alberni Inlet, from China Creek Marina to Franklin River.
Roger Creek Nature Trail
Roger Creek Nature Trail is located on the Redford Extension, midway between the visitors’ centre and West Coast General Hospital. It’s been called one of the nicest trail networks on Vancouver Island.
Trail View, Stamp Long River Trail | Source: Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
Stamp Long River Trail
Also known as Sayachlas t’a saa’nim, Stamp Long River Trail stretches 7.5 km through Stamp River Provincial Park, mostly alongside the river.
Greenmax Anglers Trail
Greenmax Anglers’ Trail, at the end of Coleman Road by the Alberni Valley Regional Airport, takes hikers on a relatively easy trail to a popular fishing spot known as Eagle Rock.
Teodoro Trails
This moderate trail system is approximately 5.5 km through second-growth forests, with views overlooking Sproat Lake. Access is from a logging road just past Great Central Lake Road, west of Port Alberni along Highway 4.
Download your trail maps from portalberni.ca or pick up a hardcopy at the visitor information centre.