General Information

Port Alberni (population: 17,743) and the pastoral Alberni Valley serve as the gateway to BC’s west coast. Just a 193-km (120-mi) drive northwest from the provincial capital, Victoria, Port Alberni boasts a magnificent, deep-sea port that opens to Alberni Inlet, Barkley Sound and the Pacific Ocean. Port Alberni has a moderate climate and is well-known for it's breathtaking scenery.

There is plenty to experience in Port Alberni and its surrounding valley. Surrounded by freshwater lakes and streams, the area is wildly popular for its salmon sports fishing. Fishing charters operate year-round and the rewards include steelhead, halibut, cod, and of course, salmon!

Other popular outdoors activities include scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing, hiking, golfing and wildlife viewing. Some visitors choose to explore the area via helicopter and floatplane tours, while others discover the region’s rich history through the Heritage Network.

How to Get Here

From Victoria: To reach Port Alberni from Victoria, take the #1& #19 Island Highway heading north. You can bypass Nanaimo and Coombs by staying on #19, then take the highway #4 West turnoff to Port Alberni. Highway #4 will take you into Port Alberni via Johnston Road.

From Vancouver: If you are coming from Vancouver, take the ninety-five minute BC Ferries sailing from Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) to Nanaimo's Departure Bay Terminal. Stay on the #19 Island Highway heading north, then take the #4 West.

Alternatively, you can also take the 2-hour BC Ferries sailing from Tsawwassen (Vancouver) to Nanaimo's Duke Point Terminal. Again, Stay on the #19 Island Highway heading north, then take the #4 West.