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McLean Mill National Historic Site
Lyndon Cassell Photography
Getting here: via Cherry Creek or Beaver Creek
You can drive to McLean Mill from Cherry Creek or Beaver Creek.
When you arrive at McLean Mill there will be plenty of parking behind a welcoming gate. Locals park here all the time as they walk around the site and gain access to the Log Train Trail. It would not be uncommon to see horse back riders along the path as they go through the site on a leisurely ride. Above the parking lot is the platform for the train. You can walk the tracks into the site, but most guests walk through the court yard to gain access.
Although the train does not currently go to McLean Mill, the train platform is still in tact. The platform is at the top of the parking lot of the site and is a fun place to check out. You could easily walk the train tracks onto the historic site and start your journey from there. It's not a long walk and you will know you are there when you get to an access road and see the old train caboose, which resides under it's own canopy.
The Court Yard is your entrance to the property. Here you can stop in the Gift Shop and begin your discovery of the historic site, which is a short walk through the trees behind the gift shop
The McLean Mill site is a national historic site. At one time this was a fully functional, operating business that used steam to operate it's mill. The site is complete with buildings used for offices, worker bunks, a kitchen, a forge, and more. The property covers several acres and is a favourite of locals for many reasons including just walking and for holding events.
Self Guided Tours
Campground
Salmon Enhancement
Operators : Chamber of Commerce (current) operate the Gift shop, arrange events, and camping. The site itself is owned by the City of Port Alberni. There is 24 hour onsite security.
Take a look at a couple of very large logs getting cut and lifted to the pond for the steam mill.
Events
McLean Mill has always been an event driven location which has evolved over the years to compliment current trends. In days gone by, there were always demonstrations hosted by the many volunteers from the Industrial Heritage Society. These were demonstrations of the Steam Mill and Steam Donkey. Tour guides were also on hand for walking tours. A truly unique feature used to be the Beaufort Gang. During the busy summer tourism month the Beaufort Gang were there to entertain the train riders with a train robbery. Complete with horses, the Beaufort Gang would stop the No 7 steam train just before it arrived at the Mill and rob it. The gang would then ride off and the train would carry on to the Mill. Today the Mill is still a busy event driven location and weddings are an important type. Many couples desire the Mill as a wedding location because of it's uniqueness and amenities available. Below are links to several different events I have had the pleasure of being involved with at McLean Mill over the years.
Canada Day Race the Train
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