Indigenous Culture

Port Alberni's local Indigenous cultures are the Tseshaht [c̓išaaʔatḥ] First Nation and the Hupačasath First Nation. The area is also home to other Nuu-chah-nulth artists, and Indigenous artists from elsewhere on the island or province.

Connect to carvers, drummers, singers, designers, weavers through First Nation government offices, the Nuu-chah-nulth, Economic Development Corporation, or the Creative Sector Cluster. View historic and contemporary Nuu-chah-nulth art at the Alberni Valley Museum.

Photo of Alberni Valley Museum collection: Tayu Howard

The Arts

Port Alberni's Creative Sector Cluster
See artists, studios, designers, organizations and private galleries. Includes dance, film, music, visual arts, fibre arts, theatre and more.

Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley
Established as a non-profit society in 1965 and located at the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce building on highway #4. Staff and volunteers coordinate programs, events and services for artists and the community at large. Inquire to volunteer or become a member.

Capitol Theatre & Portal Players Dramatic Society (PPDS)
A volunteer-run, non-profit society operating out of a historic 1936 theatre in the Rotary Arts District. PPDS, its actors and stage crew have received numerous awards at Theatre BC's Mainstage events.

Heritage

Alberni Valley Museum
Considered one of the finest community museums in BC, the collection features Nuu-chah-nulth basketry and carvings, tools and equipment from the early days of logging, farming and fishing in the valley, handmade textiles and folk art. Public programs, rotating exhibit space, and historical archives available.

Historic Walking Tour Maps
Available for download, produced by the Alberni Valley Museum.

Industrial Heritage Centre
Workshop and display space dedicated to acquisition, restoration and operation of historic machinery. The Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society restored and operatres a 1929 Baldwin ex-logging locomotive, offering train rides along Port Alberni's waterfront out of the historic train station at the Harbour Quay.

McLean Mill National Historic Site & Park
Located on 12.8 hectares in Cherry Creek electoral area just outside Port Alberni, the historic site contains 35 buildings and structures including a 1920s-era steam-powered sawmill, event space, campsite and gift shop.

Maritime Discovery Centre (MDC)
Replica lighthouse and Ken Hutcheson Gallery showcasing the maritime heritage of the west coast. Located at the Alberni Lighthouse Marina beside the Harbour Quay, the MDC provides seasonal exhibits, programs and events, and restoration projects underway.