Welcome to the gateway to the West Coast of Vancouver Island. It’s rad, just like The Fat, and we like bragging about it, so read on.
Tofino and Ucluelet are an easy day-trip from Port Alberni. Fed up with the high summer prices of the extreme West Coast of Vancouver Island? Then stay at the Fat Salmon and drive to the coast for the day.
Of course, the Pacific Rim National Park is what it is – an incredible piece of protected land and ocean that encompasses rich forest and breath-taking beaches. It’s big, it’s rugged, it’s harsh. The days of naked partying on Long Beach are pretty much gone, but it is still a nature lover’s haven. This is one of the best surfing spots in Canada (October – February), as many die-hards will attest. Storm-watching is second to none here, too. When done with the beach, cross the road to see Tofino’s serene mudflats, a fabulous mini-ecosystem just waiting to be explored.
Sproat Lake is nestled comfortably in the Alberni Valley. Due to the warm temperature of the lake’s waters (in comparison to the nearby ocean), Spoat attracts many swimmers, water skiers, wind surfers, and fisher people. It is a haven for the fun cottage-type lifestyle, even if only for a few days of a hosteller’s stay (and home to the Mars Water Bombers).
Stamp River Falls illustrates well the fact that Port Alberni is renowned for being the Salmon Capital of Canada, as it is site to some of the most fantastic salmon runs and ladders in the world. Salmon boot it up the falls to spawn and you can go watch their journey.
For those of you who are somewhat organized and actually plan your travels, there is the West Coast Trail, which tends to book up really early. But, of course, like everything else in life, there are always cancellations, so despair not. Port Alberni is the last place on the Vancouver Island map before you embark upon the Trail to get a civilized pint or hot shower. The Fat Salmon hostel would be happy to see you off on your magnanimous journey properly.
Cathedral Grove, the most overwhelming forest of old growth Douglas fir trees you will see in Canada, is located on the highway that leads into Port Alberni. A wonderful spot to remind yourself that we are only here for a good time, not a long time, so have a grand time while the sun is shining upon you.
Mount Arrowsmith, which you can see brilliantly from our hostel and graces most Port Alberni postcards, has heaps of hiking routes, ranging in skill level from beginner to intense. For those who are not weak in the knees, you can challenge yourself with the Saddle.
Before you cross the Hump into Port Alberni, don’t forget to stop in the wee village of Coombs, one of Vancouver Island’s best-kept freaky secrets. If you miss the Goats on the Roof Market, you have gone way too far, and you will know when you have. The Market encompasses all the crazy magic from spicy salmon jerky to refurbished Chinese antiques to Ferris Wheels to shiny moonstone jewellery to cotton candy (duck into the garden centre to give Vicky a big squeeze – tell her that Char sent you). Plan to give this place a bit of quality time, as there is something clever to be discovered around every bend in the market stall layout, but watch for falling goats! Just down the road a spell from the Market, pull into The Pie Maker (on your right-hand side) for the best savory pies in the Northern Hemisphere (Chris recommends the Steak & Mushroom, although Lily quite likes the Aussie Pie). Something for every taste, even fruit pies!
And, of course, for those who are not in any way trail-walking, mountain-trekking or beach-bumming inclined, there is always the Fat Salmon back deck on offer, where you can put your feet up, enjoy a cold Piper’s Pale Ale and regale the masses with travelling tales of afar. Cheers to you.
Also on the Fat Salmon hostel must-do/must-see list:
Taylor Arm Provincial Park
Farmer Bill’s Country Market
Coombs Candy Store (the brittle is worth the airfare from anywhere)
Robertson Creek Fish Hatchery
Broken Group Islands
Clayoquot Sound
The Deer Group
The Gulf Islands
Johnstone Strait
Nuchatlitz Provincial Park
Della Falls
Alberni Valley
Englishman Falls
Qualicum Beach
The Frontiersman Pub
because they all roll in their own special ways and there is something golden for every taste.