CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Port Alberni is an exceptional place to raise a family. A number of options are available for quality healthcare and education, along with recreation programs and urban and rural adventuring in the outdoors and on the water.
Family is big in Port Alberni.

Port Alberni's Family Directory
16 Great Places for Family Adventuring
McLean Mill Historic Site & Park
Historic logging camp and steam powered sawmill tucked away in the forests of rural Cherry Creek. See the relics of buildings and machinery and check back for events, live demos and programs. Gift shop on site.

Robertson Creek Fish Hatchery
Hatchery and 3km of trails. Check in during salmon spawning season and don't miss the annual Open House.
Alberni Aquarium & Stewardship Centre
Learn about the local marine ecosystem and sea life by seeing it live in front of your eyes. Touch tanks, gift shop, and programs for families. Located at the Harbour Quay waterfront.

Vancouver Island Regional Library
Extensive selection of books for children and young adults, plus computer stations and reading spaces. Located in Echo Centre between the museum and aquatic centre.
Maritime Discovery Centre
Historic maritime exhibits, a replica lighthouse and children's programs all a short walk from the Harbour Quay waterfront.
Harbour Quay
So much to do! Boardwalk and piers, clock tower, restaurants and shops, Aquarium & Stewardship Centre, green space and playpark.

Alberni Valley Museum
Historic displays in a hands-on 'visible storage' setting (go ahead and pull out the drawers!) School programs and group tours available.

Log Train Trail
Join in anywhere along the 25km section of trail that takes you through town and beyond to the end of Beaver Creek. Excellent for cycling excursions.

Roger Creek Park
Little oasis in South Port. A natural 'bowl' replete with bigleaf maples makes it a sunken treasure of leaves in the fall. In the summer cool off at the Lions' Club water park. Picnic year round at the covered table space.

Blair Park & Kitsuksis Dyke
A gentle 1.5km paved walking path with additional 10 minute walk to train trestle overlooking Kitsuksis Creek. Playpark, water park, greenspace and covered picnic area.

Echo Aquatic Centre
Pool, sauna, hot tub and fitness centre. Pool is divided into 3 depths and includes a separate, shallow area for young children. Lessons available.

Industrial Heritage Centre
A heritage machinery dream: Cars, trucks, farm equipment and more! Check back to see how the restoration projects are coming along.

Waterfront Park (Canal Beach)
Green space, beach volleyball court and swimming beach overlooking the Alberni Inlet. A 6 minute drive west of the Harbour Quay.

Arrowvale Farm
Campsite along the Somass River. Staycation or simply visit the farm animals and stop for a bite to eat. Check for summertime live music and events such as the Ramp Camp held at their on-site skateboard park.

Stamp River Provincial Park
Campsite and walking trails along the Stamp River. The main attraction? Watching the salmon jump up Stamp Falls during spawning season.
