Port Alberni locals tend to be avid hiking enthusiasts as we are surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of trails lined with lush new and old growth forest. As we *finally* head into summer and start to get our famous “Port Alberni Heat”, it’s important to know where all the best hiking spots with swimming holes are around here! This blog will touch on just a few of the hidden gems in and around Port Alberni – but in reality, the opportunity to take a cool dip lies in countless corners of our beautiful Valley.
Hole in the Wall is a perfect hike to take your kiddos this summer as it is fairly short and easy terrain. Another bonus is that it’s located across the road from Coombs Country Candy – a key component to the hiking experience.. ice cream as a treat afterward! Keep right when you hit the forest clearing, staying on the wider gravel pathway, this path will take you down to the main attraction in about 10-15 minutes! The “Hole” in the Wall is quite literally just that – a man-made hole in the rock which was used for an old pipeline. A unique sight to see, water flows through the hole and into a crystal clear pool. During summer months, the temperature rises slightly in the water and is manageable to take a dip!
Weiner Falls is also a relatively shorter hike (3.9km) but is a bit more challenging as you will need to use ropes to propel down to the waterfall if you are looking to take a swim. The trail head to Weiner Falls is located across the road from Sproat Lake Landing, on the opposite side of the road as the lake. There are some fun bridges to also cross during your hike, keep in mind the way into the falls is mostly uphill. Once you reach the falls, you may have to brace yourself while you take your dip as the pool at the bottom can be quite chilly. The view and experience are well worth any cold water shock, though!
Fossli Provincial Park is a medium difficulty hike that takes you on a loop through gorgeous greenery, past waterfalls, a flowing creek and down to Sproat Lake. Fossli is located about 4km past the Wakeboard and Waterski Club on the gravel road. The loop itself takes you through so many different views, it really feels longer than the 3.5km it takes to complete the hike. Halfway through, the trail opens up to a lovely sandy beach that is totally secluded and private. Recently, there was a beautifully built dock added to the shoreline. Fossli Park is a Provincial Park, so there is a picnic table and pit toilet near the beach as well so be sure to pack a lunch! A big draw to this hike also would be the unique suspension bridge that takes you over a rapid-filled river with views of a powerful waterfall. The hike is mostly shaded, and with the option to take a swim mid-way through, this is a perfect hike to do on a summer day.
Like mentioned above, there are countless trails that lead to a refreshing spot to cooldown, these are just 3 of my personal favorites I encourage anyone reading to check out! Be sure to bring lots of water and some snacks, book the afternoon so you can really enjoy the sights and smells we are so blessed with in our Alberni Valley.