Port Alberni has a beautiful combination of people, a vibrant First Nations community, and a relaxed lifestyle. Regardless of if you’ve lived here your entire life, or you’re looking to relocate to Port Alberni, you’ll be welcomed with open arms, as our community is known as the community with a heart.
Living in a small town offers a unique experience for residents, but especially so in the Alberni Valley. Living here isn’t just somewhere you live, it’s a lifestyle that you adopt. Being surrounded by nature brings out the explorer in everyone, with trails to explore 10 minutes in any direction, the West Coast a couple hours away, and rivers that run through the valley; there is an opportunity to be outside everywhere.
Also known as the community with a heart, the people here are welcoming and always willing to lend a hand. You’ll receive smiles everywhere you go. Conversations happen while walking along the Dike, exploring the trails, or standing in line at the grocery store, everyone is happy to chat and engage with one another.
The Port Alberni lifestyle consists of being outside in nature, because it is so plentiful. This town offers a slice of heaven for nature lovers, being surrounded by old growth forests, multiple rivers and creeks, waterfalls, the longest Inlet on Vancouver Island, and of course, mountains in every direction. There is always somewhere new to explore; Mount Arrowsmith, Hole in the Wall, Rogers Creek, Cherry Creek, Stamp Falls, and Sproat Lake.
Designated as the Salmon Capital of the World and the Ultimate Fishing Town, Port Alberni is big on fishing. The annual Salmon Derby takes place late August into September, where hundreds of people head down the Inlet to fish for salmon.
Port Alberni has a vibrant First Nations Community, three bands call the Alberni Valley their home. They have called these lands home for thousands of years, and their history is rich in our valley. The Alberni Museum homes many artifacts and stories from the First Nations and settlers alike. Recently, the Rotary Club and the Tseshaht First Nations worked together to create a mural based around building new relationships, at the entrance to the Harbour Quay. Members of the community came out to bless the mural through ceremonies passed down through generations.
Life in Port Alberni is peaceful and filled with beautiful people who truly care about each other. It’s a great place to lay roots and raise a family, especially if you’re looking to spend more time outside exploring our beautiful Island. Port Alberni is a beautiful place to call home.
Port Alberni
Port Alberni was once a town with “twin city” status; Alberni and Port Alberni, the two towns amalgamated in 1967 following the tsunami of ‘64, into what is now known as Port Alberni. Given the original “twin city” status, Port Alberni offers a unique combination of local businesses and bigger retail stores, newer housing developments and older homes. Surrounded by mountains, old growth forest, creeks, rivers, and of course, the Alberni Inlet, Port Alberni offers a lifestyle like none other. This isn’t a town you just live in, it’s a town that becomes a lifestyle of spending time exploring nature that surrounds it.
Westporte Place
Located just off of highway 4 just before the infamous Orange Bridge, Westporte Place is a beautiful neighbourhood overlooking the Somas River. It is well known for topnotch Trick-or-Treating, beautiful green spaces, and a range of housing options. From single family homes, townhomes, rentals, and condominiums, it is a beautiful neighbourhood to settle down in. Located just up the street from Naesgaard’s Farm, which offers an array of gardening supplies as well as fresh and local produce, this is a great addition to the neighbourhood. The closest elementary school is AW Neill.
Highland Drive
Nestled between Beaver Creek and Cherry Creek, Highland Drive is a newer beautiful rural community. Located up the street from AW Neill Elementary School, it’s a wonderful neighbourhood for young families to settle down. Winding roads, surrounded by forest and natural beauty, while still easily accessing the amenities of Port Alberni, Highland Drive is the perfect balance between rural and suburban living, and just five minutes from town.
College View
Located in the upper central section of Port Alberni, this area is known for its fine executive family homes and close proximity to recreational amenities. This community is within walking distance to the Alberni Valley Multiplex, the Alberni Athletic Hall, Bob Dailey Track and Field Stadium, Glenwood Centre, Echo Centre, Alberni District Secondary School, Wood Elementary School, West Coast General Hospital, and of course North Island College. Surrounded by lush forests and beautiful views of the inlet, while being close to amenities, this neighbourhood offers a beautiful balance to those that call it home.
Lyall Point
This newly developed neighbourhood is found east of central Port Alberni, and a 5 minute walk to the hospital and all shopping. It offers beautiful new single family homes surrounded by forest and a network of trail systems. Nestled above the town, this neighbourhood is beautifully located within the lush forests that encompass Port Alberni. It is located within walking distance of the Log Train trail and Roger Creek trail systems. The closest elementary school is EJ Dunn.
Cherry Creek
Located near the entrance of Port Alberni, just 5 minutes off of the main highway, Cherry Creek is well known for its beautiful family homes and stunning golf course. Situated at the base of the Beaufort Range, Cherry Creek is home to fantastic trail systems, Community Centre, and spectacular properties. The closest elementary school is John Howitt. Located in close proximity to local amenities, Cherry Creek is a fantastic location to settle down in if you’re looking for bigger property with room to grow. Cherry Creek also falls within the ACRD district.
Beaver Creek
Located northwest of the city of Port Alberni, Beaver Creek is known for its river access and rural living. Stamp Falls is located about 10 minutes down Beaver Creek by car, which offers spectacular camping, trails, and beautiful waterfalls. The Beaver Creek community is warm and welcoming with events held at the Beaver Creek Community Hall, and a strong horse community utilizing the beautiful Evergreen Park. While Beaver Creek used to have it’s own elementary school, now students can go to AW Niell, which also has bus access. If your looking for acreage, and farms Beaver Creek is where to look. Beaver Creek also falls within the ACRD district.
Sproat Lake
If you’re in search of a spectacular lakefront home, look no further than Sproat Lake. Located 15 minutes outside of Port Alberni on the way to the West Coast, Sproat Lake offers breathtaking lake front houses, a rich community, while still having access to local amenities. Sproat Lake is the ideal place for a summer home or forever home. Surrounded by lush forests and over 25km of pristine lake front, this is one of the most desired places in the Alberni Valley. With the ability to choose from multiple locations along the lake, Sproat Lake offers homebuyers their own utopia amongst old growth forest surrounding the beautiful lake all year round.