The beautiful Alberni Valley is home for some of Vancouver Island's premier heritage and adventure tourism attractions. Maritime heritage, First Nations culture and art, steam trains and steam sawmill are all found only 30 minutes from Parksville and Qualicum Beach - Vancouver Island's Oceanside Region.
And, whether you're visiting Victoria or Tofino, Port Alberni is a must destination for your vacation plans. Come see these educational and family fun, attractions which give heritage tourism an all new meaning and tell the story of British Columbia's rich past.
- McLean Mill National Historic Site - Listed as a GEM attraction by the American Automobile Association, the McLean Mill is a must see on your Vancouver Island vacation ! Step back in time and experience Canada's only steam-operated sawmill. Discover the inventive machinery, simple dwellings and unique characters that created this lumber camp in the midst of the forest.
- Alberni Pacific Railway - Voted the #1 shore-excursion by the Vancouver Island tourism (cruise ship) survey. Ride the rails for steam-powered adventure. Visit our historic 1912 Railway Station and ride old Steam Logging Locomotive No.7 through the scenic Alberni Valley to the McLean Mill.
- Maritime Discovery Centre - Discover the sea around us. Sense the raw adventure, tales of heroism and moments of mystique, grandeur and romance that tell the story of our coast.
- Alberni Valley Museum - Explore this excellent community museum and discover fascinating collections related to First Nations culture, local and industrial history and folk art.
Our Town - a historic photographic tour of Port Alberni. Featuring the song “Our Town” written and performed by Iris DeMent.