Harbour Quay
Arguably the most popular location and destination in Port Alberni, for locals and tourists alike.
Lyndon Cassell Photography
Entrance to Harbour Quay
The entrance to the Harbour Quay is at the mouth of Argyle Street. This entrance is marked by train tracks and the Heritage train station.
A very notable business as you make your way into the Quay is the Port Boathouse.
Lady Rose Marina (MV Francis Barkley)
Just across from the Port Boathouse is the Lady Rose Marina, home of the famed MV Francis Barkley. This is your destination for an incredible excursion to Bamfield. Take a walk on day trip aboard this vessel down the Alberni Chanel to Bamfield.
Wolf Tower (formerly the Clock Tower)
When you enter the Quay you'll notice the Wolf Tower.
The Clock tower gets a facelift and a new name. In June 2022 the aging clock tower was unveiled to the public with it's new look and name. The Wolf Tower is the reawakening of Tlukwatkwuu7is - the Tseshaht First Nation's Wolf Ritual Beach. Prior to European Settlement, the Tseshaht Nation held a winter village at the foot of Argyle Street (now the Harbour Quay)
Food. Places to grab a bite
I dunno about you, but I always like to check out the food whenever I check out a new destination. If that's also true for you then you're so in luck! The Harbour Quay has a little of everything. The Donut Shop and the Sugar Shak are what you need for that sweet tooth. More on that a little later. Before we have dessert let me introduce you to a couple of well established and highly recommended eateries on the Quay:
The Starboard Grill: Fine dining overlooking the canal. It's the full service restaurant underneith the Wolf Tower. Owner and chef Brad keeps his menu fresh. Monthly Brad changes his menu options and he is very famous for his thematic experiences. For example, the month of January is Ukrainian Month!
All Mex'ed Up: This is Mexican food and the opportunity to sit outside.
Turtle Island Fish and Chips: Was there ever any doubt there'd be a fish and chips take out!
Let's explore the Harbour Quay
Now that you've gotten a bite and a treat, let's spend a bit of time exploring the Harbour Quay. We'll start by going to the top of the Wolf Tower where we get a view of the city.
Check out the atmosphere at the Harbour Quay in the warm summer evenings.
Take in the sites from the top of the Wolf Tower (formerly the Clock Tower)
From the Wolf Tower: View the Lighthouse; view the Tyee Landing; view Mt Arrowsmith and Argyle Street; view the Beaufort Range; watch boats come and go down the canal;
Sit by the water fountain
Stay on a warm summer's nite for some local entertainment
Visit late in the year for the Christmas lightup; maybe the Sail Pass; maybe some fireworks.
Other events have happened here such as the Antique Car Show
The annual Indigenous walk for reconciliation starts here.
The Harbour is a central location and hub for an amazing experience.
In 2022 the Salmon Festival was held here. Fireworks, salmon dinner and live music.
Check out the carvings.
Take a walk on Centennial Peer and admire the Tug Boat - The Swept Away Inn, which is a Bed and Breakfast and Dinner Club.
Admire the wildlife: sealions fishing for salmon (did we mention that Port Alberni is the salmon capital of the world and is home to the annual Salmon Derby and Festival; eagles; try to spot a blue heron; there will be ducks;
Looking for a great view of the annual Toy Run? Come visit the Harbour in September on the 3rd weekend and watch all the motorcycles come down Argyle St, circle the water fountain, and head back up Argyle.
When you have completed your journey around the Harbour Quay, consider the following next steps:
Visit the Lighthouse
From the Lighthouse go visit Canal Beach (Canal Waterfront Park: home of the January 1st Polar Bear Swim.)
From Canal Beach make your way to Franklin River Road and visit Bamfield or take in some water wind surfing/ kiteboarding at China Creek Campground, along the way to Bamfield.
Viewing the Valley from the Harbour Quay
Viewing wildlife from the Harbour Quay
Walk around and relax
The Quay is for everyone. There are walking paths along the shoreline, a green space to play or just sit, numerous park benches and a children's play area. You can spend the entire day here, as residents often do, and be entertained and well fed. Take the walking path towards the Lighthouse or up to the Heritage Train Station and over to the Tyee Landing. A walk up Argyle is also a recommended adventure.
View various collections of images from the Harbour Quay
See how a ship gets loaded with raw logs.
On many mornings you can watch the fog lift off the ocean and reveal a beautiful location.
Cruise Ship Visit
Cruise Ship MS Maasdam visits Port Alberni.
In 2019 the Cruise Ship the MS Maasdam made three stop in Port Alberni. One in May, June, and July. The Harbour Quay was the entry and exit point for the passengers. The ship set anchor in the canal off shore, while passengers who visited our beautiful valley where shuttled back and forth. You can view a series of images here.
The Harbour Quay is now home to the Spill Response Team. Recently set up in Port, this team is always doing drills, and ready to engage in the unfortunate and possible likelihood of an oil spill or other type of spill in the waters nearby.
Sail Pass and Tree Lightup
A Christmas tradition, the annual Sail pass is always a treat. Everyone gathers at the Harbour Quay as boats are decorated and sail back and forth the harbour. Winners are announced, and to me they all all winners! This is usually when the Christmas tree is lit, there are fireworks, Santa makes an appearance, hot chocolate is served and everyone is in a festive spirit.
