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History
Port Alberni was named for Captain Don Pedro de Alberni, a Spanish officer who commanded the fort at Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island's west coast from 1790 to 1792.
Before Europeans came, Alberni and the West Coast of Vancouver Island was the traditional territory of the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council. The Nuu-chah-nulth were previously called the Nootka. Many place names in Port Alberni have a Nuu-chah-nulth origin, such as Somass (washing), Kitsuksis (log across mouth of creek), Pacheena (foamy), and Nootka (go around). Ancient petroglyph carvings can be found at Sproat Lake.
In 1787, Captain Charles William Barkley of the Imperial Eagle explored the Sound that now bears his name. Barkley traveled with his 17-year-old bride, Frances, the first European woman to visit British Columbia. Frances Barkley is today the name of one of the two vessels that makes trips down the Alberni Inlet from Port Alberni to Bamfield and Ucluelet. The other is the MV Lady Rose.
In 1856, Adam Horne, a Scottish fur trader employed by the Hudson's Bay Company, was directed to locate a land route across Vancouver Island. There were stories that the natives used a trail starting at Qualicum. Adam Horne found this trail leading to the Alberni Valley and it became known as the Horne Lake Trail. Many other settlers used this trail to get to the Alberni Valley.
In 1860, the Anderson company (a sawmilling company) from London, England took the advice of their Victoria agent Captain Edward Stamp and set up a sawmill operation. At the time, the American Civil War prevented the importation of timber from the southern United States. Gilbert Sproat and Edward Stamp transported men and machinery to Alberni. They received land grants from Governor James Douglas and started running the Anderson sawmill at the mouth of the Somass River in August of 1861. The first mill in BC was built to export lumber. The original mill failed, but several others were established in the 1880s. Sproat Lake was named after Gilbert Sproat and Stamp Falls and Stamp River were named after Edward Stamp.
Rogers Creek, which flows through the centre of Port Alberni, was named after A.B. Rogers, the discover of Rogers Pass, when he surveyed in the Alberni Valley for the Canadian Pacific Railroad in the late 1800s.
In 1862, small-scale placer gold mining took place on China Creek; in the 1890s more gold mining took place along the Alberni Inlet at China Creek and Mineral Creek. Several gold veins were found. Exploration for gold continued over the years with peaks in 1930s and 1960s.
In 1912, Port Alberni was incorporated with the arrival of the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway, and planned arrival of the Canadian National Railway, and the Trans-Pacific telegraph cable at Bamfield. Mining took place on the Alberni Inlet and, as with many fish camps and outports, depended on Port Alberni as a base.
The forest industry was the dominant economic force, with western red cedar and Douglas-fir forests surrounding the valley. Large logging operators moved in, namely Bloedel, Stewart and Welch. Sawmills were built at Alberni, Great Central Lake, and the McLean Mill. By the second World War, plywood mills and a nascent pulp industry started. For the next forty years, the forest industry reigned supreme. MacMillan Bloedel Limited became the large lumber player in the valley. Then came industry modernization, business mergers, over-cutting, and nearby logging protests.
Port Alberni was once an industrial resource-dependent town, with logging and mining being the main economic drivers. Today, the town is also a major service centre for local, regional, and provincial governments, and a supply centre and hospital for west coast communities like Bamfield, Tofino, and Ucluelet. Currently, the natural resources of the area are taking centre stage again, but in a different way. Port Alberni is in the process of "re-developing" itself as a tourism destination. The area's amenities, such as the natural beauty of the area, the opportunities for fishing (both marine and freshwater), its convenience as a jumping-off point for new outdoor recreation and ecotourism activities such as hiking, kayaking, and mountain-biking, lend themselves to these activities very well.
In 1967, the neighbouring towns of Alberni (on the north) and Port Alberni (on the south) amalgamated to form the City of Port Alberni.
Location
Located at the head of the Alberni Inlet, Port Alberni lies adjacent to this natural harbour as well as the Somass River. Sproat lake is located 10 km West of the city, and the valley is guarded by the snow covered peaks of Mount Arrowsmith and Mount Klitsa, and surrounded by mountains on all sides. Kuth-kah-chulth, is the Nuu-Chah-Nulth name for Mount Arrowsmith.
The city itself owes its unique layout to its former "twin city" status, due to its two official city centers, as well as the numerous creeks and ravines which bisect the townsite. The former city of Alberni is now dubbed "North Port", and is centered at Highway 4 and Gertrude Street. Visitors continuing onward to the west coast will pass this intersection, marked by the historic Alberni Post Office on the Southeast corner. Much of Port Alberni's recent development has occurred in the North Port area, especially "up the hill", east of the North Port downtown.
The former City of Port Alberni (now referred to as "South Port" or "Uptown") can be found about 3 kilometres South on Gertrude Street/3rd Avenue. This business district has struggled over the past decade as it is quite removed from the highway. However, rejeuvenation efforts are being made to attract people to this historic neighborhood. In 2004, the Capitol Theatre, a local landmark in South Port, underwent extensive renovations and emerged as a stately yet modern relic of past times. This theatre now often hosts live performances. South Port is anchored by the Harbour Quay, a waterfront collection of shops and parks. The Port Alberni Railway station, as well as the Maritime Discovery Center can be found here.
The city's West End is an eclectic mix of new suburban style homes, large acreages, and two First Nations reserves. Much of the residential growth over the past decade has occurred in the city's West End, where the Westporte neighborhood has taken shape.
The creeks and ravines which cut through the city create natural barriers; Kitsuksis Creek, Cherry Creek, Roger Creek and Dry Creek each flow through the city, separating Port Alberni into several distinct areas.
Places to See
- Alberni Valley Museum
Explore Port Alberni's heritage and discover what makes the city tick. Discover collections that tell the story of community history, Nuu Chah Nulth art and culture and the city's industrial roots from logging to fishing and farming - and see the unique folk art. The Alberni Valley Museum presents the cultural heritage of this unique Island community through its collections of artifacts and historic photographs.
It is considered one of the finest community museums in British Columbia. It uses a unique and experimental visible storage system to make almost the entire collection available to the visitor at any time. You can see temporary exhibits about Local and International Art, Ancient Egypt, and many more over the course of the year. The Museum also offers many varied and challenging school programs for a wide range of grades.
- McLean Mill National Historic Site
The McLean Mill is the only steam-operated sawmill in Canada. You can experience the excitement of live steam, as the sawmill cuts wood for demonstration and sale. The "Tin Pants Theatre" troupe will entertain you with stage shows at the Nikkei Theatre and show you around the site as if you were just starting work at the mill. You'll see the old original buildings and lots of restored logging equipment around the site, including a steam donkey, logging trucks, graders, and lumber carriers.
Children of all ages will get a sense of the life that people led in this camp on the edge of the world. They'll hear the stories from the one-room school as well as some of the old-timers that might have been around. They can become Safety Inspectors while looking out for the wildlife that roams the grounds.
After the adventure you can have a bite to eat and visit the gift shop before getting back on board the train into town.
- Maritime Discovery Centre
Experience the rich maritime history of the Alberni Valley, Alberni Inlet, Barkley Sound and Vancouver Island's rugged west coast. Port Alberni's Maritime Discovery Centre is a unique maritime museum, situated on the waterfront adjacent to the city's deep-sea harbour. Constructed from an actual coastal lighthouse, the museum is dedicated to exhibiting and interpreting our fascinating cultural, environmental and industrial maritime history.
This attraction is a must see for all who visit the Alberni Valley. It is both an educational experience and a fun, hands-on experience for all ages. Sense the raw adventure, tales of heroism and moments of mystique, grandeur, and romance that tell the story of the intriguing west coast.
- Rollin Art Centre
Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the Rollin Art Centre features work by local & regional artists. During the summer months, afternoon Tea is served on the summer terrace of this historical home and gardens. Open year-round, visitors will enjoy its ever-changing displays, unique gift shop, and beautiful grounds.
- The Capitol Theatre
If you'd rather watch Broadway than hockey, you'll want to make time for Port Alberni's Capitol Theatre. This vintage movie house has been completely restored and now offers live theatre, produced by Port Alberni's very own Portal Players. The Capitol Theatre also hosts other shows and productions throughout the year.
- Alberni Harbour Quay
The Alberni Harbour Quay features a colourful collection of waterfront shops, galleries, and eateries, the Harbour Quay is also where you'll find the clock tower, which grants panoramic views of the Alberni Inlet. Here you'll also find the boarding area for the MV Lady Rose, a passenger and freight vessel that offers scenic journeys to Bamfield and Ucluelet on the west coast. Take a stroll to view the commercial fishing fleet, large shipping vessels, and pleasure craft marinas. There's also a children's park for families to spend the afternoons.
- Victoria Quay
Victoria Quay sits at the foot of Johnston Road (Highway #4) and runs parallel to the Somass River. It is flanked by two towering Welcome Figures created by local Hupacasath First Nations carvers. The accompanying Welcome Centre features prominent First Nation's artwork and is the the perfect place to learn about the rich history of the First Nation people in this region. During the summer, the Hupacasath also operate a gift shop as well as guided canoe trips.
- Sproat Lake Provincial Park
If you love the water, Sproat Lake is one of BC's finest freshwater lakes for water sports such as waterskiing, tubing, canoing, kayaking, swimming, and windsurfing. Two separate campgrounds and a large day-use area make this park a popular destination for campers and picnickers alike. The lake is also home to the gigantic Martin Mars water bombers.
A variety of short access trails lead visitors around this park, including a trail to the eastern end of Sproat Lake, which is home to one of the finest panels of prehistoric petroglyphs in British Columbia. Sproat Lake is located 15 minutes west of Port Alberni.
- Stamp River Provincial Park
In late summer or early fall, head to the park's Stamp Falls. Watch as thousands of Pacific salmon circle in the pool below the falls before ascending fish ladders on their way to spawning beds. Just 20 minutes from Port Alberni, this provincial park is also a great place for family day trips or summer campouts. Take time to hike through the lush forest and river rapids of this wonderful park.
Things to Do
- Hiking / Mountain Biking
The Alberni Valley is host to an amazing network of trails for those that love to take on the outdoors. The Chamber/Visitor's Info office has detail maps to many of these trails.
- Golf
For those who prefer gently rolling greens, head to the Alberni Valley Golf Club, an 18-hole PGA course, nestled at the foot of the Beaufort Mountains. Bordered by towering trees and following the contours of Cherry Creek, the course is considered by many of its regulars to be a "small paradise".
Short on time or want a shorter course? Try 9-hole Hollies Executive Golf Course, located next to the Alberni Highway. Hollies is also a popular choice among new golfers and retirees.
- Sports Fishing
Port Alberni is known as the Salmon Capital of the World - and for good reason. Anglers come to Port Alberni for salmon and Halibut. There are plenty of guided charters or boat rentals available for fishing expeditions of all durations. Go in June or July for Sockeye, August for Chinook, and anytime in the spring or fall for Halibut.
During the Winter, anglers the world over head to the Stamp River system to experience some of the best Steelhead fishing in Western Canada. Professional guides and outfitters are always available to help locate the fish and keep fishers safe.
- Kayaking
Port Alberni is the gateway for kayaking trips into Barkley Sound via the MV Lady Rose. Scheduled service into the Broken Group Islands runs from June to September. Kayak/Canoe rentals are available on the waterfront along the Somass River and at the Harbour Quay.
For a slightly different water adventure on hot summer days, tube down the Stamp River. But make sure to have a vehicle parked downstream or it'll be a long walk back.
- Diving
The Barkley Sound is world-renown for its incredible diving conditions. In fact, National Geographic Magazine recognized Vancouver Island as one of the best cold-water diving destinations in the world. People travel from around the world to explore famous wrecks in these waters.
- Geocaching
Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing), is an adventure game/treasure hunt for owners of a GPS (Global positioning System) unit. Throughout the Alberni Valley there are hundreds of geocaches which are located in very interesting and scenic locations. Enjoy the fun of the hunt while taking in some of the many attractions and viewscapes the Valley has to offer.
Events
- Salmon Festival
The annual Labour Day weekend is Salmon Festival Weekend at Port Alberni, where anglers from around the world come and compete for tens of thousands of dollars in money and prize in the 4-day Salmon Fishing Derby.
- Thunder in the Alberni Valley
This event features drag racing, a car show along the waterfront, food and beverages, and activities for the kids.
- Alberni District Fall Fair
An annual fair featuring an open and 4-H horse show, an international food fair, a home and business show, and logger sports.
Contact Information
Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce
2533 Port Alberni Hwy
Port Alberni, BC V9Y 8P2
Tel: 250-724-6535
Fax: 250-724-6560
Email: avcoc@alberni.net
Web: www.avcoc.com
City of Port Alberni
E-mail: citypa@city.port-alberni.bc.ca
Website: www.city.port-alberni.bc.ca
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