Travel

Islandlink’s new Nanaimo-Tofino route will run between the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and Tofino, serving intermediate points including Port Alberni and Ucluelet. Jen Blyth / West Coast Traveller photo

Islandlink announces new Nanaimo-Tofino bus service

The bus service between Nanaimo and Tofino will begin on Jan. 30

(Ryan Doty)

How to fly: A peek behind the curtain at heli-ski piloting, one of Revelstoke’s biggest industries

Mountain Mavericks was featured in the latest edition of the Revelstoke TIMES magazine

A community of 1,396, Galiano Island saw an estimated 80,200 visitors in 2007 (John McKinley file)

Galiano Island’s ecological footprint swells from tourism: study

Community’s footprint ‘much larger’ than other B.C. locales

Mark Pavesic reels in a small mouth bass from Elk Lake, near Victoria, BC. Kelsey Pavesic photo

Let Outdoors West be your guide to the great outdoors this summer!

Magazine shares the how-to and where-to of exploring Western Canada’s natural spaces

Mark Pavesic reels in a small mouth bass from Elk Lake, near Victoria, BC. Kelsey Pavesic photo
Wildflower Cafe. Rebecca Bollwitt / ZenSeekers.

Five spots to holiday shop in Port Alberni

By Rebecca Bollwitt #EXPLOREPORTALBERNI #SHOP Rediscover local and reconnect to community and…

  • Dec 13, 2021
Wildflower Cafe. Rebecca Bollwitt / ZenSeekers.
Cape Beale Lighthouse today is owned and operated by the Canadian Coast Guard. The grounds are open for public visits. Photo Courtesy Kraid Anderson, lighthousefriends.com

A Vancouver Island shipwreck heroine

The story of Minnie Paterson’s heroic hike

  • Dec 9, 2021
Cape Beale Lighthouse today is owned and operated by the Canadian Coast Guard. The grounds are open for public visits. Photo Courtesy Kraid Anderson, lighthousefriends.com
From hunting and ice fishing to snowshoeing and hiking, this new must-read guide from Black Press Media and WestCoastTraveller.com will inspire plenty of winter pursuits.

Enjoy the great outdoors this winter with Outdoors West!

Magazine shares the how-to and where-to of exploring Western Canada’s natural spaces

From hunting and ice fishing to snowshoeing and hiking, this new must-read guide from Black Press Media and WestCoastTraveller.com will inspire plenty of winter pursuits.
Water flowing toward Stamp Falls in Stamp River Provincial Park is strong on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021 after the first of two ‘bomb cyclone’ storms hit the Pacific Coast. The fish counter and camera were removed from the fish ladder on Friday in anticipation of even higher water flows. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)

VIDEO: Alberni Valley’s Stamp Falls water running high and fast after autumn storms

Provincial Park near Port Alberni is beautiful, but unforgiving during storm season

Water flowing toward Stamp Falls in Stamp River Provincial Park is strong on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021 after the first of two ‘bomb cyclone’ storms hit the Pacific Coast. The fish counter and camera were removed from the fish ladder on Friday in anticipation of even higher water flows. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)
The spawning season lasts from late October to early December. Black Press Media file photo

Where to see spawning salmon on Vancouver Island this year

The top spots for fall fish viewing, from Goldstream to Campbell River

The spawning season lasts from late October to early December. Black Press Media file photo
The Donut Shop at Harbour Quay in Port Alberni has been delighting customers for more than 25 years. It's just one of many places in the Alberni Valley generating big smiles for locals and visitors alike! Chris Istace photo

Port Alberni will take you to your happy place

#EXPLOREPORTALBERNI #SMILE

  • Oct 11, 2021
The Donut Shop at Harbour Quay in Port Alberni has been delighting customers for more than 25 years. It's just one of many places in the Alberni Valley generating big smiles for locals and visitors alike! Chris Istace photo
Alberni Aquarium’s Portia Bernar checks out Donut, the aquarium’s resident red-eared slider turtle, on her final day working at the aquarium before returning to school. Susan Quinn photo / Alberni Valley News

Port Alberni’s aquarium re-opens for 2021

Special exhibit features all the creatures — big and small — who live in the Somass Estuary

Alberni Aquarium’s Portia Bernar checks out Donut, the aquarium’s resident red-eared slider turtle, on her final day working at the aquarium before returning to school. Susan Quinn photo / Alberni Valley News
Twa Dogs Brewery in Saanich, just outside Victoria. Photo courtesy BC Ale Trail

Sip and savour: Artisanal beers abound on Vancouver Island

When it comes to voting for the BC Ale Trail’s Best Brewery…

Twa Dogs Brewery in Saanich, just outside Victoria. Photo courtesy BC Ale Trail
Over the last few years the Alberni Valley has enjoyed an explosion of craft brewers, artisanal eateries, markets and cafes.

Foodie finds highlight a day exploring Port Alberni

Usually when I visit Port Alberni, I spend most of my time…

  • Aug 23, 2021
Over the last few years the Alberni Valley has enjoyed an explosion of craft brewers, artisanal eateries, markets and cafes.
wakeboarding?

Get out on the water and have some fun! Port Alberni has everything from fishing to kiteboarding

Fishing Located on the shore of the Alberni Inlet, Port Alberni has…

wakeboarding?
Proceeds from the B.C. Wildlife Federation’s second annual online auction will support conservation initiatives around the province. BCWF photo.

Online gift, gear and getaway auction boosts BC fish and wildlife conservation

B.C. Wildlife Federation online auction supports conservation projects across the province

Proceeds from the B.C. Wildlife Federation’s second annual online auction will support conservation initiatives around the province. BCWF photo.
Photo courtesy Alberni Golf Club

Local golf courses let you play a round in the great outdoors

Nestled amongst the evergreens under the ever-watchful presence of Mount Arrowsmith, you…

  • Aug 18, 2021
Photo courtesy Alberni Golf Club
Sport fisherman hunting predator fish. Outdoor fishing in river during sunrise. Hunting and hobby sport.

Head outdoors this summer with Outdoors West!

New magazine shares the how-to and where-to of exploring Western Canada’s great outdoors

Sport fisherman hunting predator fish. Outdoor fishing in river during sunrise. Hunting and hobby sport.
Last year, Port Alberni’s Twin City Brewing earned the BC Ale Trail’s Best Brewery Experience award for the quality of its beer and food as well as the way it adapted to the pandemic.

Which BC brewery do you think offers the best overall experience?

Voting is underway for the BC Ale Trail’s Best Brewery Experience award

Last year, Port Alberni’s Twin City Brewing earned the BC Ale Trail’s Best Brewery Experience award for the quality of its beer and food as well as the way it adapted to the pandemic.
A humpback spotted just off Cortes Island breaches. This humpback breached several times, as it played by itself for nearly half an hour. Photo by Terry Farrell
A humpback spotted just off Cortes Island breaches. This humpback breached several times, as it played by itself for nearly half an hour. Photo by Terry Farrell