Anyone know anything about Pt. Alberni/Vancouver Island?

[PoseidonGodoftheSea]

This is a port stop for the cruise I want to take my Mom on next year (she's never been on a ship before) and it's listed as a port stop for this HAL 3 day out of Seattle. Even after serveral internet searches, I have found very little info, it would be great if it was scenic cruising because I know the area is beautiful, but limited in activities.

 

I posted a similar query in the port forums, but it's out of season and not a forum with high traffic and I really need some info now so forgive the double posting.

 

Thanks

[Bill B]

I know lots about 'Port' - I'm from Vancouver Island and was Fisheries/Coast Guard for twenty years. I can't imagine it as a cruise 'port of call'... but things change (I haven't been there since 2003). The trip up Alberni Inlet and Imperial Eagle Channel is gorgeous and the Broken Island Group is a beautiful area for sea kayaking. Fantastic salmon fishing all around.

 

What excursions do they offer?

[CowPrincess]

was Fisheries/Coast Guard for twenty years

 

As a Canadian I say "thank you" for your work :) (and I'd still be delighted -- even moreso now -- to send you some Starbucks Instant :) )

 

OP -- I can't imagine PA as a cruise port, either, BUT if there are excursions available, look for anything that says "Uclulet" (sp?) or "Tofino" or Long Beach or Pacific Rim National Park. Or possibly a trip to Cathedral Grove. IMHO you would need to get out of Port Alberni to experience some wonderful Canadian wilderness. We last went through there in 2007.

 

edited to add: If an excursion says "Claquot Sound", that's another to consider. :)

[trophy_23]

I too have seen it as a port of call on more than one trip next summer. I assume it will be a tender port?? If you want to try Salmon fishing it is a decent place. As mentioned above there are some huge trees in the area and it is very beautiful. Look for thing to do toward Tofino depending on how long your stop is. As for Port Alberni itself, there really is not much to do.

[Bill B]

I can't imagine Tofino, Ucluelet, Long Beach (Pacific Rim National Park) as excursions from Port Alberni - would take too long (unless they've improved the road). However, Cathedral Grove... yes - huge trees!... and dollars to doughnuts there will be a 'Logger Show' on offer... LOL... "I'm a lumber jack and I'm ok..."

 

CowPrincess,

Thanks for the offer... but I'm in Korea. I can get fairly decent (Maxwell House) instant coffee here (in fact Koreans think 'coffee' IS instant coffee).

[CowPrincess]

"I'm a lumber jack and I'm ok..."

 

Oh wow! I could ALMOST swear we worked together about 10 years ago -- 'cept I didn't work for Fisheries or Coast Guard :D

 

The road is marginally better now -- still an edge-of-your-seat drive; I was thinking (in part) of flights or possibly tour buses -- less chance of the crazed and hurried passing a tour bus than a passenger vehicle on that road, IMHO.

 

I still talk about our first trip to Tofino -- "oh that isn't very far according to the map, and if there's no place to stay, we can just come back to Port Alberni" :D We had NO idea! :D Tourists, ya gotta love 'em :D

[Juanita462]

Port Alberni is all about fishing!

There is the Alberni Harbour Quay right on the waterfront with shops and a viewpoint tower.

 

A tour to Cathedral Grove would be very interesting - even though some of the giants have come down with storms.

 

Clayoquot would be a great destination but since they use logging roads to get in there, it would be a rough ride. Wasn't able to find out if they offered flights over the area.

 

The cruise into Pt Alberni will be the highlight - so beautiful - but there are times of the year when the fog rolls in and visibility is nil. Might be a good idea to google weather patterns for that area before deciding on a date.

 

The road to Tofino and Ucluelet is so boring that the last people we took to Long Beach fell asleep and slept the whole way. Absolutely spectacular scenery once you get there though - lots of people go to Wickininish Inn to watch the storms in the winter.

 

You could rent a car and drive the hour to Parksville and Qualicum - 2 seaside towns - Qualicum being the most interesting as they have kept the small town atmosphere with lots of small stores and restaurants to explore - below the town is a couple of miles walkway right along the ocean and beach.

 

Hope this is of some help.

[Davidson Duo]

My sister and her family still live in Port Alberni, as did my parents and 2 of my brothers at one time. It is quite a nice town that would be reminiscent of a stop in Alaska.

 

The scenic cruise up the Alberni Inlet is beautiful - the scenery is wild and raw, there should be lots of wildlife (possible sightings of bear, eagles, deer, whale, and more) and well protected from rough water.

 

The town itself is an old mill town, but is now more famous for its amazing fishing (both ocean salmon and lake trout), and it is great for outdoor tourism. It is often referred to as the "Salmon Capital of the World" as it is known for the world class salmon fishing available in the surrounding area.

 

At the main marina in the summer they have a very good farmer's market and craft fair. If that is where you will be tendered to, it is within decent walking distance to downtown. You will not find a Diamond's International here, but the town does have a few interesting little shops where you would find some original treasures. It has a number of beautiful waterfront quays, a shopping mall, and a casino. As Port Alberni is a deep sea port, it is possible that the ship may dock, but I do not know exactly where that would be.

 

There will be a lot of choices for outdoor adventures I would imagine. The Alberni Valley is an outdoor paradise, offering world-class sports fishing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, diving, camping, water sports and other outdoor activities. There will probably be tours offered for fishing, (whale watching is possible), mountain biking, heli sightseeing trips, and scenic tours by motor vehicle. I would imagine a trip to Cathedral Grove will be a definite - it has some incredible large trees that rival the redwood forest.

 

Depending how long you are in port, there is a slim possibility of a trip to Long Beach which includes Ucluelet and Tofino, and Pacific Rim National Park, and the road is quite a decent paved highway.. It takes about one and a half hours to drive there from Port Alberni, and it is about 1/2 hour between Ucluelet and Tofino. More likely if there were to be a trip there, it would be by air. It is absolutely beautiful, but is an ambitious trip depending on the length of time in port.

 

Other possible subjects of interest include the forest industry, and the native Indian history.

 

The City has a picturesque and challenging 18 hole, championship golf course with a full-facility clubhouse and a nine-hole executive golf course, plus fitness clubs, racquet sports, sport fields, swimming, curling, ice skating, lawn bowling and more.

 

"Port" offers visitors the best of outdoor scenery, wildlife, and adventure, with stunning mountain trails, protected rain forests, pristine lakes and water falls, hidden ocean inlets, and unbeatable fishing. It has a great climate with the average high temperature for the month of August being 25.2 degrees Celsius (77.4F) and the average low in January -0.5 degrees Celsius (31F).

 

It also is only 1/2 hour from the east coast of Vancouver Island and some other wonderful towns of interest, namely Parksville and Qualicum which both have spectacular Ocean front beaches.

 

There are many wonderful opportunities for tourists in Port Alberni, and I think that HAL cruisers will be surprised at how much it has to offer. I am pleased they have chosen to make it a stop, and personally believe that any passenger stopping there as a "Port" call will thoroughly enjoy themselves. :)

[PoseidonGodoftheSea]

thanks for the info, gives me something to go on...just in case anyone else is interested in the port, this is a rare 3 day rt out of seattle before the big asia voyage in sept of 2011 on the Amsterdam, not sure if bigger ships can get into this channel. i have been on 3 other HAL ships and while I prefer the larger Westerdam and her sisters, I have always wanted to try the Amsterdam as I've always heard wonderful things about her.

 

more important is i'm taking dear Mom, she has never been on any ship and rarely travels, so any port will be exciting for her. i will be presenting this to her on xmas day (also her birthday).

 

so again, thanks for the info, you all are great.

[Toad]

Bill B, Cow Princess, etc. Please tell all about Ucluelet, Tofino etc. DH and I are visiting Vancouver Island and our son in WA. state for the first time in January. Where to stay, what to see etc.

 

Sorry for the thread hijack, just could not resisit the experts out there.

[Davidson Duo]

 

The cruise into Pt Alberni will be the highlight - so beautiful - but there are times of the year when the fog rolls in and visibility is nil. Might be a good idea to google weather patterns for that area before deciding on a date.

 

So true - it can get foggy! But the fog can come in at any time of the year. It is not something that google weather would be able to accurately forecast far enough ahead for you to plan your cruise around. It is a fickle entity, and if by chance you happen to have it during your cruise into Port, you will then be able to say you have experienced the true West Coast lifestyle. But even if it does get foggy, once in Port you should still be able to thoroughly enjoy your visit.

 

 

The road to Tofino and Ucluelet is so boring that the last people we took to Long Beach fell asleep and slept the whole way. Absolutely spectacular scenery once you get there though - lots of people go to Wickininish Inn to watch the storms in the winter.

 

 

I guess this is one of those areas that is subjective. I have always thoroughly enjoyed the trip into Long Beach (I lived there for 4 years) and found the scenery on the drive there to be beautiful and interesting. Often we would see hundreds of Bald Eagles along the river during our drive, deer peeking out through the trees, and I love looking at the towering mountains, and beautiful rivers and lakes beside the road.

 

We have had literally hundreds of visitors from around the world visit our family who we have driven into Long Beach, and very few of them have not been enthralled with the scenery en-route. I guess it is all what you are interested in, and if it is a new kind of terrain from what you are used to seeing.

 

I still enjoy my trips there, but as I have said before, it would not be a trip most passengers would be making if the port stop is a short one. :)

[PoseidonGodoftheSea]

Bill B, Cow Princess, etc. Please tell all about Ucluelet, Tofino etc. DH and I are visiting Vancouver Island and our son in WA. state for the first time in January. Where to stay, what to see etc.

 

Sorry for the thread hijack, just could not resisit the experts out there.

 

No worries I don't mind sharing my thread, I might learn something too :)

[Bill B]

Bill B, Cow Princess, etc. Please tell all about Ucluelet, Tofino etc. DH and I are visiting Vancouver Island and our son in WA. state for the first time in January. Where to stay, what to see etc.

As I haven't been there since '03, I'll defer to others except to say -

The area is a vast, nature-lovers' paradise. There's something for everyone: fishing (salt & freshwater), adventure cruises, surfing, whale watching, bear watching, bird watching, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, climbing... even golf. Accommodations range from do-it-yourself camping to luxury, 5-star 'storm watching' resorts.

[Toad]

I guess this is one of those areas that is subjective. I have always thoroughly enjoyed the trip into Long Beach (I lived there for 4 years) and found the scenery on the drive there to be beautiful and interesting. Often we would see hundreds of Bald Eagles along the river during our drive, deer peeking out through the trees, and I love looking at the towering mountains, and beautiful rivers and lakes beside the road.

 

We have had literally hundreds of visitors from around the world visit our family who we have driven into Long Beach, and very few of them have not been enthralled with the scenery en-route. I guess it is all what you are interested in, and if it is a new kind of terrain from what you are used to seeing.

 

I still enjoy my trips there, but as I have said before, it would not be a trip most passengers would be making if the port stop is a short one. :)

 

This sounds absolutely beautiful and just the kind of thing we will be looking for.... Do you know anything about hiking in the area? My DH does photography and is looking forward to the eagles etc. and I am hoping to get some hiking in.

[Ilandguy]

We booked a rental car & drove 2 hours out to the west coast. The east coast beaches are only an hour away.

 

Here is what Hal had for Excursion in 2009

 

 

For everyone on the Statendam 5 Day Spring Pacific NorthWest Coastal May 5th 2009 the excursion list has been expanded for all the stops

Port Alberni, British Columbia

 

Alberni Pacific Railway - McLean Steam Sawmill Tour

Duration: Approximately 3½ Hours

Price : $$

Take an authentic and unforgettable journey aboard the "Alberni Pacific Railway" to the McLean Mill National Historic Site. Fully narrated, passengers will travel in passenger coaches pulled by a 1929 Baldwin steam locomotive. The track winds through the City of Port Alberni through commercial and residential areas and finally through lush west coast forests before arriving at the McLean ... more info

 

Catherdral Grove and Coombs Market

Duration: Approximately 7 Hours

Price : $$$

Your adventure begins when Pacific Rainforest Adventure Tours greets you at dockside. With abundant hospitality, owner-operator naturalist guides Gary & Ronda Murdock share their detailed knowledge of flora, fauna and history of this amazing region. Ancient forest, coastal scenery, natural history, and human history are featured on this fully narrated exciting and inspiring nature eco tour.... more info

 

Historic Port Alberni

Duration: Approximately 2 Hours

Price : $

If you want to enjoy the unique history of Port Alberni, and don’t want to do much walking, this tour is for you. You will learn about the tsunami that hit the town on Good Friday, 1964 and see the extent of it. As you travel down the picturesque River Road along the Somass River, you will see some of the original pioneer homes that are beautifully maintained. Then you will visit the site of... more info

 

Mighty Martin Mars Tour

Duration: Approximately 4½ Hours

Price : $$

Take a walk through a Fire base where the last two World’s largest Flying Boats, Hawai Mars and Phillipine Mars, are situated. Enjoy a visit to the gallery where you will be presented with documentary videos as well as a photo gallery showcasing the history of the Martin Mars Aircraft. For the Aviation enthusiasts, there is a gift shop full of Martin Mars memorabilia. The last part... more info

 

Sea Kayak in the Alberni Harbor & Wildlife Estuary

Duration: Approximately 3 Hours

Price : $$$

The Alberni Harbour is a place where the Pacific Ocean mixes with the fresh water of the Pacific Temperate Rainforest. This makes the water that you are going to sea kayak in an important part of the worldwide hydrologic cycle. It is beautiful area abundant with life and verdant in colour. 5 Species of salmon return up the Alberni Inlet and then the rivers, streams and creeks that you see around y... more info

 

Tea at Milner Gardens

Duration: Approximately 5 Hours

Price : $$$

Take a step back in time to discover the unique heritage home and unspoiled natural beauty found within the 70 acre Milner Gardens and Woodland. May is a perfect time to stroll through the forest to the woodland garden with its Rhododendron lined glades carpeted with cyclamen, trillium and other indigenous pants. Experience the 10 acre artist's garden surrounding the historic Milner house situated... more info

 

Tseshaht Cultural Immersion Tour

Duration: Approximately 6 Hours

Price : $$$$

Spend an unforgettable day as honored guests of the Tseshaht First Nation and experience our renowned hospitality firsthand through true cultural immersion and sharing. After a traditional welcome from Tseshaht singers and drummers awaiting your arrival, your day begins with a tour of the award-winning, internationally acclaimed Tseshaht Multiplex, the home of Tseshaht Chief and Council, as well a... more info

 

Wildlife, Waterfall Discovery Tour

Duration: Approximately 5½ Hours

Price : $$$

Your local friendly tour guide will meet and greet you at the pier walk you to your motorcoach bus. Once onboard sit back and relax as your guide will welcome you and give you a fun and scenic narrated nature tour! During this tour your tour guide will take you to two Provincial Parks that have excellent hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls at each. These parks are well maintained more info

 

World Class Scenery of the Pacific Rim

Duration: Approximately 8 Hours

Price : $$$

This tour is for those who want to see world class scenery, pure and simple. Your bus trip will take you through some of the most rugged mountain scenery found anywhere to a spectacular beach 15 miles long, and then through a quaint fishing village called Ucluelet to a working lighthouse set amidst a rugged headland and through primeval old growth forest. You will be treated to a first class lunch... more info

[James_TheVirus]

Vancouver Island is by far my favorite place in Canada. A little bit to the north, the island is very rugged. As others have mentioned, there is also Tofino and Ucluelet which are also very beautiful. It might be worth renting a car for the day and getting to see some of the sites. How long will the ship be in port?

[CowPrincess]

Someone fell asleep on the road to Long Beach? :eek: Apparently they are much more relaxed passengers than I could ever be! :)

 

Toad, I'll look for my "Hiking on Vancouver Island" book and see if I can find info on hikes in the PA area.

 

PoseidonGodoftheSea, what sorts of things does your mom like to do? If she enjoys sightseeing, I really like the look of the "Pacific Rim Scenery" shorex that IlandGuy posted. IF you are comfortable on less-than-great roads, (twisty, turn-y, steep drop-offs, hairpin turns, with some pieces of pavement missing, and very likely CONSTRUCTION as well) a rental car would be a reasonable idea, as another poster mentioned. That said, be aware that construction can totally mess up your schedule, and may have a profound effect on getting back to the ship in time.

[CowPrincess]

My book has no info on Port Alberni hikes, so I googled and found these:

 

This one mentions a group you can write to get hiking trail maps:

http://www.portalbernitourism.ca/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=9

 

Some pics:

http://www.justabunchahikers.ca/

 

Named hikes with descriptions:

http://www.hellobc.com/en-CA/SightsActivitiesEvents/AirLandActivities/Hiking/Port-Alberni.htm

 

 

.... at least a place to start!

[Gunther1]

I would recommend booking soon. It is going fast.......

[Toad]

Cow Princess et al: Thank you! Very beautiful and informative.

[Juanita462]

Cow Princess -

the road I was talking about that lulled our guests to sleep is the section beyond Sproat Lake and the lake further down - you are right about the danger there - we lost 2 paramedics recently at the sharp turn above the lake - they went right off the road and into the lake.

We have had to wait while they chipped and blasted away at that rock face so there is always that possibility.

 

Actually though, we have driven almost every road in BC and that road is pretty tame compared to some!

 

HAL is offering really good side trips from Port Alberni - though renting a car would probably be cheaper but then they have to find their own way.

[mbleackl]

This is a port stop for the cruise I want to take my Mom on next year (she's never been on a ship before) and it's listed as a port stop for this HAL 3 day out of Seattle. Even after serveral internet searches, I have found very little info, it would be great if it was scenic cruising because I know the area is beautiful, but limited in activities.

 

I posted a similar query in the port forums, but it's out of season and not a forum with high traffic and I really need some info now so forgive the double posting.

 

Thanks

 

I know my compatriots from British Columbia will agree that Vacouver Island is "God's Country". You won't be disapointed. Port Alberni is a little unusual for a port but I'm sure you would enjoy it anyway. Try looking at this website for a little info.

 

http://www.portalberni.ca/

[CowPrincess]

Cow Princess -

the road I was talking about that lulled our guests to sleep is the section beyond Sproat Lake and the lake further down - you are right about the danger there - we lost 2 paramedics recently at the sharp turn above the lake - they went right off the road and into the lake.

We have had to wait while they chipped and blasted away at that rock face so there is always that possibility.

 

Actually though, we have driven almost every road in BC and that road is pretty tame compared to some!

 

HAL is offering really good side trips from Port Alberni - though renting a car would probably be cheaper but then they have to find their own way.

 

How tragic about the paramedics! Very sorry to hear that.

 

Okay, that's one of the worst roads I've ever driven - I'm very, very glad I've not been on the ones that make that one seem tame!