Every year, dozens of people move to Port Alberni. Sometimes it's from within the country, and other times from another country. But no matter what brings you here, there are some things to consider before you settle down in this beautiful but unfamiliar place.
Located at the heart of Vancouver Island, Port Alberni is a city with over 18,000 people. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District has a population of over 31,000. Port Alberni sits along the eastern shores at the head of the Alberni Inlet, an arm of the Pacific Ocean. Located within the Alberni Valley, Port Alberni is filled with pristine lakes and rivers, forests and not far, the ocean, making it very attractive to nature lovers. Behind the scenes, there are miles of roads surrounded by trees and mountain sides, perfect for outdoor adventures.
We put together the ultimate guide to living in Port Alberni, BC, so that you can comfortably settle into your new life. It covers everything from finding a home to schooling to the surrounding landscape to neighbourhoods and things to do.
History of Port Alberni
Port Alberni lies on the traditional territories of the Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations.
In 1967, when the twin cities of Port Alberni and Alberni united, Port Alberni was incorporated. The amalgamation happened after a tsunami, triggered by an earthquake in Alaska, travelled up the inlet in 1964. After that, both cities realized they needed each other to survive.
In the early 1960s, before the tsunami occurred, the economy in the twin cities was at its peak. The pulp mill and the port were amongst the busiest in British Columbia.
The forest industry with logging and fishing were the dominant sources of income and drivers of the economy. The first sawmill, constructed in 1860, began the forest industry in the Alberni Valley.
Since the 1990s, there has been a downturn in these industries. In recent times, Port Alberni has shifted its focus to a more diverse economy, incorporating tourism in its portfolio along with natural resources.
Real Estate in Port Alberni
Homes in Port Alberni are some of the most affordable compared to other cities and towns across Vancouver Island and British Columbia's Lower Mainland.
The average home price in Port Alberni falls in the $300K range. The price for single-family homes with three bedrooms and between 1,400 to 2,300 square feet is in the mid $300K. The price for two-bedroom condos between 880 to 1,500 square feet is in the lower $200K range. Townhomes with two to four bedrooms and between 1,500 to 1,800 square feet have starting prices in the $250K range.
Homes in Sprout Lake and along the marina come at a higher price. These are mainly ranch-style homes. They can have two to six bedrooms, and prices start in the $700K range.
Luxury homes with more bedrooms and square feet found in desirable neighbourhoods are priced in the $800K range, a steal considering the real estate market in Vancouver. With such affordable pricing, Port Alberni is suitable for anyone at any stage in life.
Communities in Port Alberni
The following is a list of communities in Port Alberni:
- City of Port Alberni
- North Alberni
- Central Alberni
- South Alberni
- Cherry CreekBeaver Creek
- Sproat Lake
- Central Lake
- Echo
- Cameron Heights
- College View
- Westporte
- Alberni Inlet
The surrounding cities and towns include Ucluelet, Long Beach and Tofino to the west, and Parksville, to the east. Further south from Ucluelet is the town of Bamfield, the starting point of the West Coast Trail.
Tofino, located on the tip of the peninsula, sits on the west coast of Vancouver Island, within Clayoquot Sound. It's a small fishing village boasting beautiful lakes, inlets, and rainforests.
Parksville is another coastal town on eastern Vancouver Island. It's more of an urban city with young professionals and families.
All the surrounding towns and cities have a common feature - nature is their backdrop. But they do differ in their own way. Tourists are particularly attracted to the beaches on Long Beach for surfing and hiking, fishing, and kayaking all along the coast.
Education in Port Alberni
Elementary, middle, and high school here fall under School District 70. Most schools are within walking distance from homes and bussing is provided. Here is a list of schools in the area:
Tsuma-as Elementary School
Location: 5055 Compton Rd, Port Alberni BC V9Y 7B5
Caters to: Kindergarten to Grade 7
École Alberni Elementary
Location: 4645 Helen Street, Port Alberni BC V9Y 6P6
Caters to: Kindergarten to Grade 7
E. J. Dunn Elementary School
Location: 3500 Argyle St, Port Alberni BC V9Y 3A8
Caters to: Kindergarten to Grade 7
Bamfield Community School
Location: Gen Del 240 Nuhatch Rd, Bamfield BC V0R 1B0
Caters to: Kindergarten to Grade 12
John Howitt Elementary School
Location: 3867 Marpole St, Port Alberni BC V9Y 6Y3
Caters to: Kindergarten to Grade 7
Maquinna Elementary School
Location: 3881 Bruce St, Port Alberni BC V9Y 1J6
Caters to Kindergarten to Grade 7
Ucluelet Elementary School
Location: Box 669 1350 Peninsula Rd Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0
Caters to: Kindergarten to Grade 7
Wickaninnish Community School
Location: Box 220 431 Gibson Rd Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Caters to: Kindergarten to Grade 7
Wood Elementary School
Location: 4111 Wood Ave, Port Alberni BC V9Y 5E8
Caters to: Kindergarten to Grade 7
Alberni District Secondary School
Location: 4000 Roger St, Port Alberni BC V9Y 0B1
Caters to: Grade 8 to Grade 12
Ucluelet Secondary School
Location: Box 40 1450 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet BC V0R 3A0
Caters to: Grade 8 to Grade 12
Eighth Avenue Learning Centre: VAST Centre and CHOICES DL
Location: 2941 8th Ave, Port Alberni BC V9Y 2K5
For further education, Port Alberni has the North Island College. The college provides several post-secondary trades, academic, credit courses, and continuing education. They also provide university transfer credits.
Port Alberni also has the Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences. It's an education and research institution offering post-secondary degrees in workplace safety, return to work, comprehensive rehabilitation and disability management, disability leadership studies, and health promotion.
Things To Do in Port Alberni
Golfers will be pleased to know that there are two golf courses within Alberni Valley. The best known is the Alberni Golf Club, situated at the base of Beaufort Mountain. The other is Hollies Executive 9-hole Golf Course.
Fishing enthusiasts will also be pleased to hear that Port Alberni is known as the Salmon Capital of the World. Fish Sockeye, Chinook and Coho at the best fishing destination right in the Alberni Inlet and Barkley Sound. There is also steelhead, halibut, cod, and five species of salmon. The area is also rich in wildlife, so wildlife tours and fishing tours are available all year round. Be warned, however, that the winters here can get quite rough.
If you're a nature lover but still look for a fun way to relax, the Alberni Valley Multiplex is the place to go. It features:
- Two rinks
- Field stadium
- Baseball diamond
- Six sand turf fields
- Clubhouse
- Glenwood Centre with rock climbing, Alberni Athletic Hall, tennis courts, shooting ranges and an aquatic and fitness centre.
Interested in the history of Port Alberni, then check out the Alberni Valley Museum. There are exhibits on the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations, the industrial history of Port Alberni, and folk art. The entire collection can be viewed in person or virtually via a 3D tour.
Explore the different historic districts with tours of The Old Town of Alberni, Port Alberni’s Business and Industry and Port Alberni’s Pioneer Community. These tours are organized by the Alberni Valley Museum and take 10-40 minutes.
Visit McLean’s Mill Historic Park to learn about Port Alberni's history in the forestry industry. The mill operated from 1926 to 1965. The land the mill sits on is a national historic site. Today, the mill still stands, preserved and restored to working condition.
Outdoors
The Port Alberni area has over 100 trails in and around the Alberni Valley, including mountain bike trails. Looking for an adventure, here are names of hiking trails:
- Horne Lake Trail
- Log Train Trail
- Angler's Trail at Stamp River
- Rogers Creek Trail
- Inlet Trail
- Labour Day Lake Trail
- Greenmax Anglers Trail
- China Creek Trail
- Climb Mount Arrowsmith
- Della Falls Trail
- Kitsukis Dyke Walking Path
- Old Forestry Lookout Trail
- Saddle Trail on Mount Arrowsmith
Popular trails include the Alberni Inlet Trail, the Stamp Long River Trail, Log Train Trail, and the Roger Creek Trail network.
Cathedral Grove, in particular, in MacMillan Provincial Park, has many trails to marvel at the giant Douglas fir trees. These trees are over 800 years old and form a significant part of the ecosystem on the island.
Another must-visit outdoor wonder is the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. This park is an impressive 511 square kilometres and consists of sandy beaches and the sheltered inlets of islands. The famous 75km West Coast trail hike, surfing, and whale watching are popular pass times.
During the winters, there is very little to no snow. Winters see mainly fog and rain from November to February.
Family Friendly
The demographics of Port Alberni remain stable, with the largest age group between 45 and 64. The lifestyle in Port Alberni is attractive to retirees, younger people and families looking for island life, recreational activities, and leisure. There are so many activities to do with your family in Port Alberni that you are sure to have a good time. If you've got kids who love sports, nature and the outdoors, you'll have no problem settling in.
Port Alberni is an ideal place to raise a family. Let's look at why:
- It has a marina, which is ideal for fishing, boating, and other water activities.
- The Echo Centre has a library, museum, pool and meeting complex.
- The Rollin Arts Centre and Garden is rich in history.
- It’s close to Mount Arrowsmith for skiing and hiking.
- Della Falls, 60 km from Port Alberni, is Canada's highest waterfall.
- Sproat Lake for water adventures - swimming, fishing, water skiing and windsurfing.
Weather in Port Alberni
The average temperature in Port Alberni is 16 degrees Celsius, with an average of just over 1.5 inches of rain per year. The summers are clear and dry, complemented by mild winters, which average 1.8 inches of rain per year, but this can vary greatly depending on where you're situated. The summers can get up to 30 degrees Celsius, and this temperature is sustained for up to 30 days, making it one of the warmest on the island during the summer months.
The wetter, the better if you're looking for more rainfall, so if you live on the west side or closer to where the Alberni Inlet meets the Pacific Ocean, expect quite a bit more precipitation, compared to those who live on the east side where there's less water to be found.
If you're looking for an area in Vancouver that's affordable with lower costs, living in Port Alberni, BC might be the city for you.
There are so many places where you can go hiking in nearby Mount Arrowsmith Provincial Park. The city also boasts one of the most affordable golf courses in BC, so if golf is your thing, you're in luck! The city has more than great weather year-round. Even during winter, people will still go out to enjoy themselves.
Port Alberni is the ideal location. Within 30 minutes, you can be in the oceanside community of Parksville, in two and a half hours, you can be in Victoria, and only an hour drive away is Nanaimo.
The weather in Port Alberni, dare we proclaim, is the warmest on the island, and that means saying goodbye to your snow shovels and winter boots, but be sure to pack an umbrella and a raincoat!
Generally speaking, there are just so many things to do in Port Alberni that you're sure to have a fabulous time whether you live there or are simply visiting for a weekend. We think there's something for everyone. With this information and all that Port Alberni offers, why not start planning your move now.
Providing Residential Real Estate services across Vancouver Island. Sims Real Estate group not only works where we invest; we live here too. Our mission is to build trust and value through genuine and meaningful connections. Our comfortable approach to Real Estate makes working with us a great experience. Our business is built one meaningful connection at a time. Your future matters.