McLean Mill National Historic Site in Port Alberni is expecting a lot of visitors this summer.
With people travelling to Vancouver Island this summer, many sites like McLean Mill are ready for an increase in both local residents and tourists visiting.
“We are expecting a busier tourism season,” says Elliot Drew, director of operations at Alberni Valley’s Chamber of Commerce.
“We are already having a busy June. We’re seeing a lot of people from abroad travelling internationally and choosing the Island as their destination.”
McLean Mill is a national historic site and is one of the last remaining examples of what the lumber and logging industry looked like in British Columbia in the early 20th century. The mill is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
“It doesn’t just speak to how Port Alberni was built, but how this province and country was built,” Drew says.
“When you look at the names of the people who worked at McLean Mill and then look around the surrounding area, the names of the workers are now the names of streets. It shows the impact the mill had on the Port Alberni community.”
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The site is offering a new self-guided tour, so visitors can tour the mill and 32-acre area at their own pace.
They’ve also created a stamp tour, included in admission, where children can search for historical clues along the way.
“Rather than going to all the stops, families can have fun with kids and there is a bit of learning while exploring the site,” Drew says.
The national historic site will be open seven days a week starting July 2. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and free for children under 7.
“For $15, visitors will receive a season long pass, so you only have to pay once and have access to the site again and again,” Drew says.
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The national historic site is not included in the Canada Strong Pass program because it does not receive any federal funding. The Strong Pass program is offering admission to certain national parks or historic sites for free or discounted admission fees across Canada until Sept. 2, 2025.
People visiting from out of town can take part in learning in British Columbia’s history with a tour at the Alberni Valley’s historic mill.
“McLean Mill is definitely part of the fabric that makes up this community and being able to tell that story does help people from further away understand who we are and where we come from.”
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