At Char’s Landing in Port Alberni, guests can rent the hall for their event and stay overnight in the onsite hostel, all within a 1912-built former church in the heart of the city’s arts district.
Located directly across from Port Alberni’s city hall and steps from shops, restaurants and bus stops, Char’s Landing combines convenience, community and character in one welcoming space.
Owner-operator Charlene Patterson says the venue fills an important niche for visitors and locals alike. “It’s family-style, retro, with laundry on site and there’s a private suite too,” Patterson says. “It’s a home away from home. People come here to celebrate, to connect, to build memories.”
The hall, decorated with works by local artists, can accommodate up to 100 guests. It’s a popular spot for everything from family celebrations to potlucks, concerts and community meetings. Thanks to a full bar license and complete event setup, clients can simply arrive and enjoy.
“They don’t have to do anything,” Patterson says. “I help with all the setup – audio visuals, chairs, cutlery, you name it. When you rent at Char’s, the host is in the room. It’s not just lock-and-key. This is my living room.”
The hostel downstairs offers a welcoming, social environment. Guests often find new friends at the regular Sunday Jazz Social or through casual conversations in the common spaces.“You’re never alone at Char’s,” Patterson says. “It’s all about connecting people. Someone might come to jazz night, meet a new hiking buddy and start building memories right there.”
Patterson, who spent 12 years working on cruise ships before moving into tourism and hospitality full-time, says she was drawn to Port Alberni’s close-knit community after retiring from a 35-year career in IT.
“Fifteen years ago, I bought this big old church and made it my home,” she says. “What motivates me is the joy on people's faces — the ones who find a real home away from home here.”
Char’s Landing hosts up to 100 concerts a year, but hall rentals always finish by 10 p.m. to ensure hostel guests can enjoy a restful night. “There’s a fine balance here,” Patterson says. “Community events and a good night’s sleep.”
While concerts operate on a door-share basis to support artists, the primary focus for 2025 is on promoting private hall rentals and hostel stays.
“The ones who choose to rent here are looking for something special, something real,” says Patterson. “They bring their party, and I help make it effortless.”
For more information or to book, visit charslanding.com or contact Charlene Patterson at 250-730-1636.