CULTURE

The Alberni Valley, culturally, is in the midst of an identity crisis. Perhaps identity transition is more appropriate, and herein lies the valley's charm. The entire area has its roots in the forestry and fishing industries. However, the Alberni Valley has seen a noticeable increase in tourism and young retirees moving to the area, which has begun to change the area's demographic make-up.

For all its natural beauty and central location, it is the people of the Alberni Valley that really give the valley its charm. Friendly, outgoing and always willing to lend a hand, the people that make up the "Community with a Heart" live up to the billing time, and time again. The combined population of the Alberni Valley is approximately 25,000 people. The population consists largely of European Canadians, yet like much of Canada the Alberni Valley is truly multicultural. Additionally, several Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations also call the Alberni Valley home. These vibrant First Nations populations add significantly to the culture of the Alberni Valley.

The Alberni Valley's unique culture lies in hard work, the great outdoors, community involvement and sport. The culture is embodied in a Bulldogs Hockey game, a day at the Thunder in the Valley drag race or a weekend of fishing during the Port Alberni Salmon Festival. And yet, the culture is just as embodied by a dog walk on the Log Train Trail or in a neighbour helping with some heavy lifting. The Alberni Valley's culture is hard to define, so you will just have to come and experience it for yourself.

The Village of Bamfield is a community that shares the Alberni Valley's cultural transition. A traditional west coast fishing town, through and through, commercial fishing was the villages main source of employment until the mid 1980s. With the collapse of the fishing industry the Village of Bamfield began its transition. Today the population of approximately 250 people is supported by sport fishing, tourism and the Bamfield Marine Science Center. The population explodes during the summer, which is a testament to the villages emerging role as a summer vacation spot. Yet the village retains much of its charms from years past, as a walk along the waterfront board walk and onto beautiful Brady's Beach, will prove. The sleepy Village of Bamfield is certainly gem just waiting to be discovered.