Port Alberni

Harbour Quay Marina at Port Alberni

If we were to choose an eboatji (emoji) symbol for Port Alberni, it would be a picture of fishing boats traveling up and down the Alberni Inlet and sawmills dotting the shoreline.  Port Alberni is a rough and ready town and has some interesting attractions that make the 21-mile journey up the Inlet worthwhile. But first, where to stay? Port Alberni manages four marina facilities; most pleasure boaters are assigned moorage at the newer, break-water protected Harbour Quay Marina, which has side-tie for larger boats and offers nice shower and laundry facilities. 

Fishermen's Harbour, Port Alberni

Nearby is Fishermen’s Harbour, home to the commercial fishing fleet and working tugs, with moorage for pleasure craft when space is available, or for those willing to raft-up.  Both of these facilities are near the town’s waterfront shops and restaurants, which seems to be the nicer part of town.  Walking several blocks up the hill, we found both closed and boarded up shops as well as shops and buildings breathing new life.  It’s a mixed bag, you’re not sure what you might find. 

Fuel Dock at Tyee Landing, Port Alberni

A recent addition for boaters, is the new fuel dock (Port Alberni Marine Fuels & Services Ltd.) which sells both gas and diesel.  The new fuel dock is conveniently located adjacent to Fishermen’s Harbour at the end of Tyee Landing.  Guest moorage at Tyee Landing is available when permanent slip owners are away; call the Port Alberni Port Authority to acquire about availability.  Additional moorage options for smaller boats include Clutesi Haven Marina and China Creek Marina & Campground.  Clutesi is located further northwest up Somass River and is downwind of the pulp mill; we explored by dinghy and noted depths of 8 feet and 10 feet at high tide.  China Creek, located 8 km southeast of town, can best accommodate boats under 40 feet; boats at the upper end of the scale will want to enter and exit only at high tide. 

China Creek Marina, enter and exit at high-tide

We entered China Creek at mid-tide with our 46-foot vessel and had room to spin around in the recently dredged area of the marina.  Boats need to stay to starboard when entering; depths shallow quickly to port (3 feet at low tide).  Current is usually running near the entrance so China Creek requires some honed skills for larger boats.  There are several shops in town worth noting:  you won’t want to miss the “Cod-father Fish Market” near the waterfront that sells delicious smoked Coho and Chinook Salmon; and don’t miss visiting “Double R Meats,”an old-fashioned butcher shop, including smoked meats, located at 3030 Third Avenue. 

Port Alberni Waterfront

At the waterfront plaza, you will find an outdoor market on Saturday mornings.  Located next to the Harbour Quay Marina is the delightful Maritime Discovery Centre, with most of their displays housed in a west coast lighthouse structure.  The top portion of the structure was the actual lighthouse that once stood on Chrome Island in Lambert Channel. 

Maritime Discovery Centre Museum

When the Chrome Island light was replaced, Port Alberni was able to acquire the old light or copula.  The real attraction in Port Alberni, however, is taking the 1954 Diesel locomotive train to the McLean Mill National Historic Site. 

The train ride is a thrill, and the working steam powered mill is absolutely fascinating, it’s Port Alberni’s major tourist attraction.  See the next blog post for details and photos.