Things to do in Port Alberni

Top Things to Do in Port Alberni, BC - Port Alberni Attractions

Things to Do in Port Alberni

Top Attractions in Port Alberni

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What travellers are saying

  • Astrobeemer
    Vancouver, Canada616 contributions
    Walking among these giants that have lived for up to 800 years is a privilege. To touch their bark and feel their life force, to breathe the clean air they provide us, to see the ecosystem they create is truly amazing. Walking through Cathedral Grove is like recharging your batteries and wiping away the stresses of the modern world.
    Written March 19, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michelle H
    Harwich, UK340 contributions
    Lovely way marked trails through an impressive landscape. There is a variety of trails to choose from. The trails have information boards along them to explain what is happening around you. It can get very busy and parking is limited.
    Written October 25, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PJWIBBLE
    Horsham, United Kingdom119 contributions
    Visited in September 2022, what an amazing place. Watched the salmon jumping. It was an awesome sight. Managed to see a Bear as well. This is a well kept secret place that was not crowded even though it was a glorious weather day.
    Written September 21, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Patricia
    Red Deer, Canada536 contributions
    Pizza and Gnarly Garlies are the best and so is the beer!
    Great little place with an outside patio and dog friendly! Great staff! Games for the kids!
    Written August 17, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • FellowTraveller1979
    British Columbia25 contributions
    The place is wonderful. The beach is clean and the water clear and warm, but you must wear a suitable footwear as the pebbles and rocks make it harder on the feet.

    HOWEVER, irresponsible owners are having their dogs off leash and some even bring them into the water, despite useless signs advising to the contrary. It appears there are no enforcements of any kind regarding pets.
    These irresponsible people ruins an otherwise pleasant visit.
    Written September 15, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tanya D
    Whistler, Canada53 contributions
    Great place for visitors to get a feel for what's happening in Port Alberni, watch people, boats and birds (including bald eagles)! Locals are super-friendly. Very little litter, clean public loos (sadly vandals are everywhere - toilet in disabled access stall completely off its base!). Free parking for 2-3 hours, but its limited - we're early-birds so we didn't struggle, not sure where you'd park if the quay lot was full. Lots of eateries around, also market stalls were setting up (it was a Friday morning ... we were there until about 9.30am so most places weren't open yet.
    Written August 20, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PMahdis
    Edmonton, Canada1,136 contributions
    We drove in from what might have been a back road. There were some workers blocking a road that looked like it might go to an office or something. Reading the reviews some people said it was not worth the money. I feel bad that I did not pay anything to anyone. It is an old mill that closed commercially in 1965. It reminded me of some old machines I had experience as a kid.
    Written December 15, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • hmiranda
    Victoria, Canada103 contributions
    Interesting side trip if you are going to Sproat Lake. Easy access to the petroglyphs. Wish they had more information about the drawings.
    Written July 2, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • miss_m_travel
    Vancouver Island, Canada98 contributions
    This hidden gem (attached to the library) held the attention of my 5 year old for hours. The museum has a bit of everything - culture, technology, furniture, machinery, textiles and family heritage. The working Morris code machine (available for visitor use) and the extended collection - stored away in pull-able drawers were the favourites for my child. Although, perhaps not the initial intent the drawer systems, are very interactive for young people. There was also a colouring station. Would recommend a visit.

    **despite the conflicting information online, the museum is open in 2022.
    Written April 24, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ianwychan
    Vancouver, Canada58 contributions
    A simple hike - mostly downhill from the trail head - to a cool interesting spot, with natural and man-made features. The trail is gravelly and is steep in some spots so proper footwear is recommended.

    Once you get the destination, you can explore from across the water and up close, noting the interesting rock formations that the “hole” is made out of.

    On the side of the trail, you can also see the remains of the old water piping metal straps still partly buried in the ground

    Only complaint with this hike is that the trail head doesn’t have a lot of safe parking as the only spots are part of a pull-out area on the side of the highway.
    Written September 17, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • kingfisher7311
    Langley, Canada26 contributions
    It is worth stopping in every few months to see what is new in the studio/gallery. There are so many beautiful pieces carved onsite and Gordon is such a welcoming individual and Master carver. He is always willing to talk about wood, his work and he never hesitates to explain his method. Often he will take the time to demonstrate how different gouges work in different directions to make the necessary smooth cuts.

    As well he supports other artists who are still finding their own voice in this field. A very supportive individual who has earned the support of his community
    Written October 1, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • J W
    Port Alberni21 contributions
    A mountain with endless possibilities! Many variations of routes lead to the summit of the region's most prominent mountain massif. Regarded as Cokely and Arrowsmith separately, once a thriving ski destination in decades past, the area offers endless hiking trails and scenery and alpine beauty as seen nowhere else. It's accessibility as a day hike for many make this a convenient attraction, when compared to many in the island's northeast interior Strathcona Park region, where many destinations are multi day excursions. Whether hiking the famous Judge's route... or up the Saddle route, which leads to a cirque and offers choice of continuing on to Arrowsmith summits, or breaking off left to Cokely ridge, you will be rewarded with beautiful sub alpine to alpine transitions and good trail structure with adequate flagging, and beautiful views of surrounding mountains. .in a clear day you can see all the way to the sunshine coast, and all the way through the coastal mountains towards ukee and the Pacific Ocean. Port alberni city and Parksville can also be clearly seen from the summit. At 1860 meters elevation at the main summit, it is the highest peak in the central island range. But the trail conditions make it quite accessible for most with an average fitness level. Be sure to check online info about certain trails that are only possible during winter months and plan your trip according to safety and bring adequate supply of water and any other wears typical for any alpine destination. Weather and temperature can change quickly at elevation. So while a very good and accessible alpine destination, utilize caution and respect nature at all times. It is also advisable to check on Island Timberlands website to see if any gate closures are in effect on your days of travel. While the mountain is in a biosphere..the roads leading to it off the highway do go through what is now private logging property, and is subject to gate closures at times. This is not a spot to miss if you are looking for beautiful hiking and a great accessible alpine experience!
    Written May 3, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AlbertSalichs
    Manresa, Spain10,519 contributions
    Emerald Coast Vineyards are a winery located in the Vancouver Island, near Port Alberni. I come here, because I am a wine-lover and I enjoy a lot to taste some different wines that I have not tasted before. I went here and I can tasted 9 different wines. In fact, the staff was very friendly with me and we can talk about vineyards, wines and diferent stories of the region. It was a very nice conversation!
    The building is very little. In fact you only can enter in the shop, but the experience was great. A very recommendble visit in Vancouver Island, specially if your child is sleeping ;-)
    Written July 21, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • James S
    4 contributions
    My Wife and I went on a chartered fishing trip through an area known as the broken group. The professionality and courtesy of employees was remarkable. The trip itself was well worth the money paid, and the views were amazing. Thanks Guys
    Written August 13, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • vancouvermuffy2016
    Vancouver, Canada108 contributions
    The Rollin Art Centre is worth a visit - a lovely selection of small gifts and local interest books, along with changing exhibitions-very high level of art.

    As this was a winter visit, the adjoining gardens were slumbering, but we can see how stunning this outdoor area would be in the summer months.

    There is some local First Nations art available for purchase in the gallery.

    I encourage you to drop in and support local artists, and in the summer, sample the tea on the terrace.

    Lots of street parking, easy access.
    Written March 13, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Port Alberni Attractions Information

Attractions57
Attraction Reviews2,924
Attraction Photos2,256
Local TimeSaturday 5:03 p.m.