Alberni Valley Visitor Guide Withoutbleeds Reduced.Pdf
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PORT ALBERNIVISITORS 2016 GUIDEVALLEY | EAT | LIVE PLAY | STAY ALBERNI VALLEY • VANCOUVER ISLAND • BRITISH COLUMBIA www.hupacasath.ca 7555817 PLAY STAY EAT LIVE CONTENTS » PLAY HERE WELCOME » On the Water .................................... 4-5 » At the Quays ..........................................7 to Port Alberni and the Alberni Valley! » On the Trail ........................................ 8-9 » Sports ..............................................10-11 For more information on visiting, relocating or doing business in the Alberni Valley » Explore Our Heritage ...........12-13 www.albernichamber.ca Visitor Centre » Day Tripping ........................................15 [email protected] 2533 Port Alberni Highway » Festivals & Events ................16-17 250-724-6535 250-724-6535 » Shopping ................................................19 Cover photos: Editorial contributors: Top: Sandy McRuer Karly Blats » Maps .................................................20-22 Left: Susan Quinn Teresa Bird » Birds & Wildlife ................................23 Right: Brenda Widdess City of Port Alberni » First Nations ..............................24-25 Unless otherwise noted, Published by all photos copyright Alberni Valley News » Farms ................................................26-27 Alberni Valley News. in partnership with Alberni Valley » EAT HERE .....................................28-30 Chamber of Commerce » STAY HERE .................................31-32 » Business Directory ................33-35 » LIVE HERE .................................36-38 Burde Beans COFFEE & THINGS O • ESPRESSO BAR b ee sce o • LOOSE LEAF TEAS nely Good C • FOOD! HOURS: • GALLERY Noon - Midnight • ARCADE • BOARD GAMES BurdeBeans.com • OPEN LATE! 4102 Burde St • 250.723.8331 PLAY | STAY | EAT | LIVE | PORT ALBERNI VALLEY 3 PHOTO CREDIT: Sandy McRuer Sandy CREDIT: PHOTO ON THE WATER Widdess Brenda CREDIT: PHOTO » Fishing The Alberni Valley is widely recognized as being On average, close to 30,000 coho and chinook the salmon capital of the world and a thriving return to the Stamp River each year. June and July fishing community. Salmon fishing is an essential are best for sockeye fishing in the Stamp and a part of our economy and has developed significantly wonderful time to be down by the river, watching over the past 20 years. Tourists continue to visit the fish swim through the low, clear water. The best yearly to get a glimpse of the salmon spawning up time for steelhead fishing is between November and Stamp River. In 2010 the city was awarded the March but does continue to run both in winter and World Fishing Network’s coveted “Ultimate Fishing summer. Chinook and coho salmon fishing is prime Town” designation. in September and October. There’s a ton of opportunity for fresh and salt water Guided fishing tours and charters are available in fishing around the Valley, both as a solo endeavor or the Alberni Valley and are a great way to ensure the a toured experience. best fishing possible by experienced and proficient The Port Alberni Inlet and Barkley Sound provide guides. anglers with immense opportunity to catch various Sproat and Great Central are two spawning lakes in types of salmon, halibut, cod, crab or prawns the Alberni Valley that provide anglers with fishing throughout the year. Travelling down the inlet to all year round. Fishing in these freshwater lakes surrounding salt waters of the Barkley Sound, is permitted as per provincial and federal fishing fishermen will find plenty of fish to take home. regulations and both provide easily accessible boat Summer fishing in the Barkley Sound occurs from launches. late May to early September and the broad amount The Robertson Creek Fish Hatchery is the most of bait fish in the area during these months tempt successful coho and chinook salmon enhancement salmon to feed and rest before continuing their facility on Vancouver Island. The hatchery, just journey. For boat access to the Alberni Inlet, the a short drive west of Port Alberni, is open to Clutesi Haven Marina, situated on the tidal fresh the public year round for self-guided tours and waters of the Somass River, has a four-lane launch provides engaging signs with information on the ramp, large parking area and fish-cleaning stations. hatchery’s activities. Port Alberni’s Stamp River has the most consistent salmon and steelhead fishery in British Columbia. PHOTO CREDIT: Brenda Widdess 44 PORT ALBERNI VALLEY |PLAY | STAY | EAT | LIVE » Sproat Lake Experience endless options for fresh water fun is little known about the petroglyphs but rumour has when you visit Sproat Lake, a popular summer it the ancient rock carvings illustrate a sea creature, recreational area for Port Alberni locals and Although Sproat Lake is a beautiful destination tourists alike. Sproat Lake is a must-see destination to visit any time of the year the summer months for anyone traveling to Port Alberni. The lake is more bring more opportunity for water activities and than 25 km in length and has more than 300 km interpretive programs. Accompany a park naturalist of shoreline with plenty of public access areas to for an environmental education program every lay out your towel in the sun or take a dip into the Saturday throughout the summer months or join in refreshing water. on a guided hike through the park. There are both children’s programs and group programs offered throughout the summer. An upper and lower campground is available at two separate parks for those wanting to spend more than just an afternoon by the water. Just west of the park entrance, there are accommodations, a pub/restaurant, store and liquor store at Sproat Lake Landing. » Canal Beach & Alberni Inlet Life’s a beach! Walk along the driftwood lined shore, PHOTO CREDIT: Sandy McRuer feel the sand between your toes, throw around a Frisbee, or explore the salty harbour waters on a Located just 15 minutes west from the City of Port paddleboard or kayak. Canal Beach is a new and Alberni, Sproat Lake is a great place for aquatic vibrant addition to Port Alberni’s recreational adventure seekers to enjoy a variety of fresh water waterfront facilities and is a wonderful place for a sports like tubing, windsurfing, wakeboarding and relaxing and fun day at the beach. stand-up paddle boarding. Explore the many arms Located at the South end of Port Alberni, Canal Beach and take in the beautiful sights of the lake by boat, is the perfect spot for windsurfing, kite boarding and canoe or kayak. The lake is fairly calm in the summer stand up paddle boarding on a calm ocean surface months but some areas can become windy and with a stunning backdrop of the Alberni Inlet. Canal rough at certain times of the day so use precaution Beach has a large green space and picnic tables when navigating around the lake. for the perfect afternoon lunch spot or for catching For the beach bums looking to relax next to the the last bit of light as the sun retires behind the sparkling water, have a picnic or throw around a mountains. ■ Frisbee, the provincial park has a great day-use area to do so. With a large grassy area, picnic tables, washrooms and clean drinking water the park is a popular sunny day hangout. »For More Info... A 500m trail starting from the main parking lot For more information on Sproat Lake, at the day-use area will lead you along the lake visit www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks to the east end of the park where you will see a For fishing regulations in BC visit small dock. Here visitors can check out prehistoric www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/index-eng.html petroglyphs, named K’ak’awin, that are considered some of the finest panels in British Columbia. There PLAY | STAY | EAT | LIVE | PORT ALBERNI VALLEY 5 Did You Know? » Quick Facts about Port Alberni » The highest vertical drop waterfall in » Canada’s first female Prime Minister, Kim Canada, Della Falls, is located at the western Campbell, was born in Port Alberni in 1947. end of Great Central Lake near Port Alberni. » The world’s largest fire fighting aircraft, the » In 1860, the first sawmill, in what became Martin Mars, based just outside Port Alberni British Columbia, was constructed In Port at Sproat Lake were put into service in 1959. Alberni; it began the significant forest industry economic activity in the Alberni Valley which continues to this day. » Port Alberni has been designated as the Salmon Capital of the World and the World Fishing Network’s - Ultimate Fishing Town. » In 1902, the Bamfield cable station near Port Alberni was constructed as the western terminus of a worldwide undersea » Port Alberni is the shore station for Neptune telegraph cable. Canada’s 800km electro fibre optic cable. » The province’s first park, Strathcona Provincial Park, was established in 1911 and is located just north of Port Alberni. SAILINGS YEAR ROUND BAMFIELD: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday ADDITIONAL SUMMER SCHEDULE: UCLUELET/BROKEN GROUP: Monday, Wednesday, Friday June to September BAMFIELD/BROKEN GROUP: Sundays - July to August • Enjoy a relaxing and affordable retreat in a Experience the scenic wilderness setting. Wilderness of • Kayak rentals and water taxi services available. • Departure to Sechart available through Lady Barkley Sound! Rose Marine Services 7555824 Closest Accommodations to the Broken Group Islands Ladyrosemarine.com Phone: 250-723-8313 • Toll Free: 1-800-663-7192 • Argyle Pier - Port Alberni 6 PORT ALBERNI VALLEY |PLAY | STAY | EAT | LIVE THE QUAYS wood ornaments, soaps, candles and many other funky creations. The crafts continue on Sundays from » Harbour Quay May to September with a craft fair. Some come to inhale the crisp salty air or the Adjacent to the deep-sea harbour you will find Port impressive selection of eclectic artisan creations, Alberni’s Marine Discovery Centre, a charismatic others simply come for the best donuts on Vancouver museum constructed from an actual coastal lighthouse. Committed to exhibiting Port Alberni’s Island. Either way you won’t be disappointed when maritime history and captivating facts about the you visit the charming Harbour Quay waterfront surrounding environment and culture, the museum area in Downtown Port Alberni.