Recreation

The Alberni Valley is legendary for its recreational opportunities, whether organized recreation or otherwise. The region is simply one of the most naturally breathtaking on the planet. From snow covered mountains to serene lakes, old growth temperate forests to gorgeous sandy beaches, this area has it all.

If you love the outdoors there is nowhere on the planet better to live. Hiking, camping, horseback riding, ATVing, mountain climbing, rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, surfing can all regularly be seen going on around the valley, and we have not even talked about fishing. The Alberni Valley has long been called the Salmon Capital of the World. This honour was taken one step further in 2010 when the World Fishing Network declared Port Alberni the Ultimate Fishing Town. This made many happy who felt the valley spectacular river and lake fishing had always been overshadowed by the Alberni Inlet's world class salmon fishing.

We are just getting started. The Alberni Valley's organized recreation opportunities may deserve even more praise then the natural one. Sports facilities include: the Echo Aquatic and Fitness Centre; a multiplex with two regulation NHL-sized rinks; a 650-seat track and field stadium, a lighted baseball diamond and 20 other ball diamonds; six sand-based turf fields for soccer, rugby and field hockey; an all-weather field and clubhouse; two equestrian show rings and 64-stall horse barn; the 14,000 square-foot Glenwood Centre, for indoor rock climbing, rollerblading, and more; the new in 2010 Alberni Athletic Hall; 10 tennis courts, including five lighted tennis courts; shooting ranges; and two golf courses.

The Alberni Valley is also well known as a destination for sporting events and tournaments, large and small. Port Alberni is the only B.C. community to host each of the British Columbia Games - Summer, Winter, Seniors and Disabled Games.

The Village of Bamfield is an outdoor recreationalists dream. What the Village of Bamfield lacks in infrastructure it makes up for in natural beauty and spirit. Tucked away in beautiful Barkley Sound, the community is a short boat ride from both the Deer Group Islands and the truly world famous Broken Group Islands (part of the Pacific Rim National Park). Bamfield offers kayaking, whale watching, scuba diving, camping, hiking, and fishing that are second to none anywhere in the world.