Port Alberni, Sproat Lake, the Alberni Inlet and surrounding areas are home to a vast variety of wildlife species from the water, land and sky. The Alberni Valley may be known as the Salmon Capital of the World, but around here you will see much more than that if you are looking in the right places! We have such an abundance of forested and wooded areas for creatures big and small to make their home. When you are out on a hike or visiting one of our lakes or rivers, be sure to stay alert of your surroundings and of course have your camera ready!
Forest Roamers:
Deep in our wooded areas around the Valley you will find big game creatures such as bear, deer, elk cougars and even wolves! These types of animals are likely to be found outside the city limits, on the outskirts towards Tofino, Bamfield, past Great Central Lake and beyond. However, it is not uncommon to spot a family of bears across the Somass River while visiting Victoria Quay, or have a cougar visiting your yard at peak times of the year. The province of BC has deemed Port Alberni as a “Bear Smart Community”, which means our community looks into interactions of bears roaming populated areas and have put in the pre-emptive conservations efforts which are recognized by the Bear Smart Community. Deer have become a front-yard regular for a lot of Alberni residents, especially in areas just outside of town such as Beaver Creek and Cherry Creek. If you’re out on the road, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for deer families roaming the streets.
Underwater Creatures
The Alberni Inlet is known to have some of the best salmon fishing on the west coast, but those aren’t the only fish you will find down our canal. Halibut, Dogfish, Basking Shark, Lingcod, Rockfish and Greenling can all be found in the waters of our inlet. Some people might be shocked to hear octopus are also found in the deep waters of the canal as well as Dungeness crab, prawns and oysters. It’s no doubt that we have some of the best fresh seafood around thanks to our canal. Whale watching has become popular along the inlet and lucky spectators have the opportunity to see humpback whales, grey whales and orcas. If you don’t see them, you might hear them as a single orca arcing out of the water and landing can be heard several kilometres away. The Lady Rose ship provides year round trips to Bamfield via the canal and this is where people can witness the amazing phenomenon of sea life without venturing too far off land. Those who chose to take the Lady Rose trip will also likely see an abundance of sleepy Alaskan and Western Pacific harbour seals which bask on the rocks and in coves along the shoreline.
In the Skies
Port Alberni has a whopping 200 species of migratory and local birds in our skies including bald eagles, hawks and osprey. For those who are interested in bird watching, islandnature.ca suggests the top 5 birding spots in our Valley are: The Somass Estuary, Kitsuksis Dyke, Burde Street Ponds, McCoy Lake and Taylor River Estuary.
With Port Alberni boasting so many untouched wildlife areas, this provides a great home for our furry, feather-y and scaley friends. With an influx of trails, lakes and rivers, the opportunity to witness real-time wildlife is high no matter what area of the valley you are in. It’s important for people to stay safe when trekking out into the woods, especially off the beaten path. Bear spray and bear bells are a great idea to keep on hand, and travel with a friend or your dog for more security. This is their home as it is ours and while there is more than enough room for us all, it’s best to err on the side of caution when visiting the great outdoors.