Port Alberni

Port Alberni is a city located on Vancouver Island in the province of British Columbia, Canada. It is known as the “Heart of Vancouver Island” because of its central location (near the geographic center of the major population centers on Vancouver Island), and because it is a microcosm of Vancouver Island with the ocean, mountains, rivers, lakes and forests experienced all in one valley.

Port Alberni is well known for offering affordable real estate and an active lifestyle. For this reason it is becoming popular with Baby Boomers retiring to Vancouver Island, and Millennials alike. The city has a total population of 17,743, and a census agglomeration area of 25,396.

Port Alberni is a deep port city which lies within the Alberni Valley at the head of the Alberni Inlet, Vancouver Island's longest inlet. It is the location of the head offices of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District.

History

Port Alberni was named for Captain Pere d'Alberní, a Spanish officer, who commanded Fort San Miguel at Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island's west coast from 1790 to 1792.