Good Coffee, Great Crowd, Superb Location – Served Hot at the Harbor Quay

I have done a lot of traveling and know that most vacations are typically spent at a breakneck pace – constantly keeping up with an itinerary, dashing here and there to check out places to see, sample local dishes and everything else in between. Not particularly relaxing, eh? Which is why its practical to spend at least a full week at a certain destination to enjoy the sights and sounds at an unhurried pace.

Watch the World Go By

For locals and tourists looking for a great place in Port Alberni, BC to simply while the day away, shopping, eating and simply relaxing with friends, Harbor Quay is definitely the ideal place to be. Take leisurely walks and enjoy the fresh sea breeze as you venture from shop to shop. When sampling wonderful local treats, make sure to pick a table outside, that way you can enjoy lunch or dinner with a spectacular sight overlooking the Canal.

The Harbor Quay is a vibrant district located in downtown Port Alberni, on a bustling strip right along the waterfront. You can find a conglomeration of fine restaurants, galleries and specialty shops, which make it a favorite hangout for both locals and tourists alike. You can spend a full day of fun, without the constant need to rush.

Top 5 Harbor Quay Attractions

I recently had a chance to visit again and spend a lazy afternoon at the Harbor Quay. Since my last stopover about two years a go, it’s comforting to notice that while there are many changes here and there, the old familiar charm of the place still remained.

For tourists, here are some personal recommendations of the great things you can do here to pass the time:

1. Enjoy the view. Climb up the Clock Tower at the Quay and enjoy a breathtaking seagull’s view of the magnificent Alberni Inlet.

2. Take a short trip. Get down to the Lady Rose to take a trip down the Canal. This one is truly wonderful during sunny days.

3. Go shopping. Check out what this stroller’s paradise has to offer with its string of shops, galleries and restaurants.

4. Grab a bite at the Donut Shop. This is a small hole-in-the-wall store where you can sample the best maple donut! Offering 22 varieties of different flavored fresh homemade donuts, they have been known to offer the best donuts on Vancouver Island. Whether you are a donut lover or not, don’t leave without grabbing a bite or two.

5. Indulge your sweet tooth. Take home a few succulent treats by dropping by at Sugar Shack, where you can find a wide selection of Belgian chocolates and gourmet candies.

For information on how to get here, check out Vancouver Island travel .

Accommodations

When planning to stay at Port Alberni, you will discover there are a number of great accommodations available to suit every budget. If you are longer for more bang for your bucks, check out one of our sponsors, BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel:

BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel

4277 Stamp Avenue, Port Alberni,

British Columbia V9Y 7X8

Phone: 250/724-7171 | Fax: 250/724-9691

Every vacation should start with a premium accommodation. The Barclay Hotel is the largest full facility hotel you can find in Port Alberni, BC. If you seek optimum convenience of modern facilities and world-class service, you can find it right at the heart of the city. The hotel boasts onsite cold beer and wine store as well as a sports and grill bar and sauna.

If you are traveling on a business, you will also find that the hotel is fully equipped with large meeting rooms that are perfect for banquets, small conventions, parties and business meetings.

Whether you are traveling for work or leisure, you will surely find Barclay Hotel more than able to provide you the services you need to meet your exacting requirements.

Re-published from www.amazingvancouverisland.com under creative commons license.