West of Parksville off Highway 4, at the tip of a long saltwater channel called the Alberni Inlet, Port Alberni is the heart of Vancouver Island's awe-inspiring Pacific Rim region.
A world-renowned destination for sport fishers, Port Alberni fishing charters operate year-round and saltwater rewards include halibut, cod and salmon. For freshwater anglers, productive streams abound with cutthroat, rainbow and steelhead trout. Other outdoor activities include everything from helicopter and floatplane tours, diving and golfing to kayaking, wildlife viewing and wind surfing.
At the Alberni Valley Museum, discover fascinating exhibits on pioneer history, folk art and First Nations culture, while at the Rollins Arts Centre and Gardens, works by local artists and summertime tea on the terrace are featured. Alberni Harbour Quay is a colourful collection of waterfront shops, galleries and eateries where you'll find the Maritime Discovery Centre, the clock tower, which grants panoramic views of the Alberni Inlet, and the boarding area for the MV Lady Rose, a passenger and freight vessel offering scenic journeys to Bamfield and Ucluelet.
For information on Port Alberni, call 724-6535. The Visitor Centre is located at 2533 Port Alberni Hwy.