Port Alberni, British Columbia

Port Alberni, British Columbia is a city located in the province of British Columbia in Canada. The city has a total population of 19,531.

Table of contents

1 Geography
2 History
3 Economy
4 Attractions
5 Famous Persons

Geography

Port Alberni is located at 49° 6' North, 124° 29' West (49.110, -124.49). Port Alberni is located within the Alberni Valley at the head of the Alberni Inlet, on Vancouver Island. The other end of the inlet is located on Barkley Sound, Clayoquot Sound.

History

The first European settlers in the area were with the Anderson Company (a sawmilling company) from London, England in 1860. The original mill failed but several others were established in the 1880s. Port Alberni was incorporated in 1912.

Port Alberni's main industries were once mining and logging, but today the town is also reinventing itself as a major tourist destination for those who enjoy outdoor recreation.

Economy

The chief source of employment in Port Alberni is the forest industry. A large pulp and paper mill sits on the edge of the Alberni Inlet.

Port Alberni is located near Pacific Rim National Park. The city is also known for its fishing. Its waters contain five different species of salmon. Halibut can also be found in the salt water inlets near the city.

Port Alberni is home to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, a Junior A hockey team in the BCHL.

Famous Persons

The first (and only) female prime minister of Canada, Kim Campbell, was born in Port Alberni.

Paul Cyr was born in Port Alberni and was drafted into the NHL by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round (9th overall) in 1982.

Rob Shick was born in Port Alberni and has been a referee in the NHL since 1986.

Communities on Vancouver Island