We’ve all seen photographs or illustrations of lighthouses.  But it’s a rare treat to step inside a real lighthouse.  That’s exactly what you can do when you visit the Maritime Discovery Centre in Port Alberni.Constructed from an actual coastal lighthouse, the Maritime Discovery Centre and its companion Hutcheson Gallery look right at home on the waterfront, adjacent to Port Alberni’s deep sea harbour.  Together with the historic Banfield Lifeboat, they tell the stories of the area’s maritime culture and history through artifacts, maps, models, photographs, illustrations and descriptions.  The non-profit Port Alberni Maritime Heritage Society opened the Centre in 2001, the Hutcheson Gallery in 2005 and restored the Banfield Lifeboat.  The Society maintains and operates all three on vancouver island.

Open Every Summer

The Port Alberni Maritime Discovery Centre is open every summer.  For the 2011 season, the Centre is open from June 25 to September 5, 2011, from 10:00am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week.  Admission is by donation.  The museum is located at 2750 Harbour Road, Port Alberni, in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.  Their phone number is 250-723-6164.

Something New Every Year

Each summer, the Centre presents a new exhibit, with related special events and activities.  Visitors to the 2010 exhibit got a multi-media glimpse into the world’s largest cable-linked seafloor observatory.  The groundbreaking project from the University of Victoria, called the North-East Pacific Time-series Undersea Networked Experiments (cleverly shortened to “NEPTUNE”), extends the boundaries of ocean exploration.  Details of the 2011 exhibit will be announced soon.  Check the Maritime Discovery Centre website or call them at 250-723-6164 to learn their latest news.

“Maritime Mondays” For The Little Maties

Nothing quite beats an experiential approach to helping children learn, so the Centre offers fun learning experiences for wee ones on specific Mondays.  Past programs have included “Pirate Day,” “Tub Boat Day,” and a demonstration of police and fire boats.  Tell the truth; don’t those sound like fun?  So ahoy, Matey!  Again, check their website for the latest info.

WEBSITES WITH MORE INFORMATION

Here is more information on Port Alberni’s Maritime Discovery Centre.  It’s a part of the Alberni Valley Heritage Network, which includes the Alberni Valley Museum, Alberni Pacific “Steam” Railway and McLean Steam Sawmill. 

Port Alberni Accommodations

A message from our sponsors.

BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel

This full-service hotel in Port Alberni, British Columbia is located in the heart of the city and is ideally situated halfway to Vancouver Island’s west coast. You will be minutes from Alberni Valley Multiplex, Glenwood Centre, Log Train Trail, McLean Mill, Alberni Mall and Cathedral Grove, as well as Victoria and Harbour Quays, Lady Rose Marine Group, Alberni Railway and North Island College.  And it’s just a short drive to great fishing, hiking, golf, boating, kayaking and drag racing.  The hotel is a favorite for those attending the Alberni Valley Bulldogs hockey games and minor hockey tournaments.

The Best Western PLUS Barclay Hotel is rated three diamonds by the AAA-CAA and offers spacious, comfortable accommodations in warm, tasteful décor.  This full-service property offers room service and free, high-speed Internet.   They welcome most pets; just check with the front desk for specifics.  All of the property’s 86 rooms are non-smoking and include seven suites.  Just steps from your room are the property’s restaurant and Sport Bar.  Stamps Café and Pastimes Bar and Grill have a seasonal patio. Stamps Cafe is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 7:00a.m. to 9p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and Sunday respectively.  Unwind in the outdoor pool (heated May through October), hot tub, whirlpool, steam room and full fitness centre.  Relax with a cold beer, wine or spirits from the onsite store.  They even offer truck parking.

With meeting space and banquet facilities for 200, the Best Western PLUS Barclay Hotel’s meeting rooms and ballroom are perfect choices for your company’s conference, your group’s big event or even a special birthday party or wedding reception.  The hotel’s business center helps corporate travelers stay connected .

The friendly hotel staff will be happy to help you schedule a fishing tour, tee time, scuba dive, eco tour or kayaking expedition. 
Contact info: Best Western PLUS Barclay Hotel, 4277 Stamp Avenue, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 7X8 Toll Free: (800) 563-6590 Telephone: (250) 724-7171 Fax: (250) 724-9691 Email: Email: info@bestwesternbarclayhotel.com

Enjoy all that Port Alberni has to offer and please tell your friends.

Surprise Mom with a Mother’s Day experience she’ll never forget: an outing on the Steam Train in a tour of the vineyard in Port Alberni! 

The historic Alberni Pacific Railway and Chase & Warren Estate Winery are again delivering a stellar experience with their “Wine & Steam Train Ride.”  Tickets for the ride on May 8, 2011 are $25 per person and include a ride on the authentic steam train and once you arrive at the winery, wine tasting and seasonal appetizers. The train leaves the Port Alberni Harbour Station at 1:00 pm and returns from the Chase and Warren Winery at 3:30.

The Chase & Warren Estate Winery

Chase & Warren Estate Winery is one of the only wineries in North America that is serviced by a steam train that stops right at the vineyard.  Mom is sure to enjoy the ride, as the train winds along the escarpment formed by glaciers thousands of years ago, offering views of our beautiful valley and the mountains that surround it through stands of fir, maple and balsam.

Don’t Forget Your Camera

From the platform there are spectacular views of Mount Klitsa and Nahmint and off to the right, Forbidden Plateau and the Comox Glacier.  A short stroll takes you down through the vineyard on vancouver island to the winery where you can sample some wine and observe how Chase & Warren crafts their Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Merlot.

Make Your Reservations Now!

Reservations are required.  Call Jann (250) 730-4390 or winery (250) 723-WINE or email jtrudell@chaseandwarren.ca

Port Alberni Accommodations

A message from our sponsors.

BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel

This full-service hotel in Port Alberni, British Columbia is located in the heart of the city and is ideally situated halfway to Vancouver Island’s west coast. You will be minutes from Alberni Valley Multiplex, Glenwood Centre, Log Train Trail, McLean Mill, Alberni Mall and Cathedral Grove, as well as Victoria and Harbour Quays, Lady Rose Marine Group, Alberni Railway and North Island College.  And it’s just a short drive to great fishing, hiking, golf, boating, kayaking and drag racing.  The hotel is a favorite for those attending the Alberni Valley Bulldogs hockey games and minor hockey tournaments.

The Best Western PLUS Barclay Hotel is rated three diamonds by the AAA-CAA and offers spacious, comfortable accommodations in warm, tasteful décor.  This full-service property offers room service and free, high-speed Internet.   They welcome most pets; just check with the front desk for specifics.  All of the property’s 86 rooms are non-smoking and include seven suites.  Just steps from your room are the property’s restaurant and Sport Bar.  Stamps Café and Pastimes Bar and Grill have a seasonal patio. Stamps Cafe is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 7:00a.m. to 9p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and Sunday respectively.  Unwind in the outdoor pool (heated May through October), hot tub, whirlpool, steam room and full fitness centre.  Relax with a cold beer, wine or spirits from the onsite store.  They even offer truck parking.

With meeting space and banquet facilities for 200, the Best Western PLUS Barclay Hotel’s meeting rooms and ballroom are perfect choices for your company’s conference, your group’s big event or even a special birthday party or wedding reception.  The hotel’s business center helps corporate travelers stay connected .

The friendly hotel staff will be happy to help you schedule a fishing tour, tee time, scuba dive, eco tour or kayaking expedition.
Contact info: Best Western PLUS Barclay Hotel, 4277 Stamp Avenue, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 7X8 Toll Free: (800) 563-6590 Telephone: (250) 724-7171 Fax: (250) 724-9691 Email: Email: info@bestwesternbarclayhotel.com

Enjoy all that Port Alberni has to offer and please tell your friends.

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

If hockey is your game and you’re looking for a vacation getaway, consider the charming town of Port Alberni on the west coast of Vancouver Island.  Because tucked away between the stunning mountain vistas and thriving, historic port, you’ll find the Alberni Valley Multiplex, home to more flying biscuits, lasers and natural hat tricks than you can shake a branch at.  

Port Alberni has focused on sport tourism, and it’s paid off in a big way.  The town hosted the 1998 British Columbia Senior Games, the 2004 British Columbia Winter Games and the 2009 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge.

In addition to those big competitions, the Multiplex is constantly busy with games and skill-building programs.

Port Alberni Bulldogs

Keep current on the Port Alberni Bulldogs, including their statistics, game calendar and to purchase tickets.

Alberni Valley Junior Prep Hockey Camp

Vancouver island’s Port Alberni’s two programs are tailored to helping kids sharpen their hockey skills.  The Alberni Valley Junior Prep Hockey Camp is exclusively open to players playing a high level of Rep/Travel/Junior hockey between the ages of 13 and 20.  Learn more here

Alberni District Hockey Canada Skills Academy

This academy is a district-wide program that offers instruction to students from, EJ Dunn and AW Neill Middle Schools, and Alberni District Secondary School, Grades 6 through 12.  Find out more

Alberni Valley Minor Hockey Association

Keep up with the Alberni Valley Minor Hockey Association.

Where is the Alberni Valley Multiplex?

You’ll find the Alberni Valley Multiplex at 3737 Roger Street in Port Alberni, BC V9Y1V8.  Their phone number is (250) 723-2146.

Port Alberni Accommodations

A message from our sponsors.

BEST WESTERN PLUS Barclay Hotel

This full-service hotel in Port Alberni, British Columbia is located in the heart of the city and is ideally situated halfway to Vancouver Island’s west coast. You will be minutes from Alberni Valley Multiplex, Glenwood Centre, Log Train Trail, McLean Mill, Alberni Mall and Cathedral Grove, as well as Victoria and Harbour Quays, Lady Rose Marine Group, Alberni Railway and North Island College.  And it’s just a short drive to great fishing, hiking, golf, boating, kayaking and drag racing.  The hotel is a favorite for those attending the Alberni Valley Bulldogs hockey games and minor hockey tournaments.

The Best Western PLUS Barclay Hotel is rated three diamonds by the AAA-CAA and offers spacious, comfortable accommodations in warm, tasteful décor.  This full-service property offers room service and free, high-speed Internet.   They welcome most pets; just check with the front desk for specifics.  All of the property’s 86 rooms are non-smoking and include seven suites.  Just steps from your room are the property’s restaurant and Sport Bar.  Stamps Café and Pastimes Bar and Grill have a seasonal patio. Stamps Cafe is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 7:00a.m. to 9p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and Sunday respectively.  Unwind in the outdoor pool (heated May through October), hot tub, whirlpool, steam room and full fitness centre.  Relax with a cold beer, wine or spirits from the onsite store.  They even offer truck parking.

With meeting space and banquet facilities for 200, the Best Western Barclay Hotel’s meeting rooms and ballroom are perfect choices for your company’s conference, your group’s big event or even a special birthday party or wedding reception.  The hotel’s business center helps corporate travelers stay connected .

The friendly hotel staff will be happy to help you schedule a fishing tour, tee time, scuba dive, eco tour or kayaking expedition.
Contact info: Best Western PLUS Barclay Hotel, 4277 Stamp Avenue, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 7X8 Toll Free: (800) 563-6590 Telephone: (250) 724-7171 Fax: (250) 724-9691 Email: Email: info@bestwesternbarclayhotel.com

Enjoy all that Port Alberni has to offer and please tell your friends.

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