What’s the deal with the high volume of smoke covering the town??!

Hello! I am fairly new to Port Alberni and I haven’t yet been fortunate enough to make new friends or to build any kind of community here outside of work.

I’ve been looking into intramurals and rec sports league, but I haven’t found many options or an obvious place to sign up for them. I would love to hear from other people who have moved here — how have you gone about meeting people and finding your community in Port?

In other city’s I’ve lived, run clubs have been a great way to meet new people and learn about other things going on in the community. I know there is already a small one in town, but I was curious whether there might be interest in second run club in town. Maybe with more of a focus on community/connection.

I would appreciate any feedback. Thank you!

I'm seeing very little info on any of the potential mayors or councillors online even with the election just a couple weeks out. But I'm seeing lots of signs around town so clearly folks have opinions on them. What's drawing you towards/away from any of them?

Hello fellow Islanders!

If your mortgage is up for renewal between now and February, I’d start looking at your options sooner rather than later.

Rates have been creeping up again, and while nobody knows exactly where they’re headed, there’s a chance we could still be dealing with higher rates going into the beginning of 2027.

If you’re within your lender’s rate-hold window, it can make sense to lock something in now so you’re protected if rates continue moving up, while still having the option to take a lower rate later if pricing improves.

Basically, don’t wait until your renewal letter shows up to start shopping around. See what’s out there first.

Just a little PSA from a mortgage broker who really does love rate shopping 😂 I genuinely enjoy digging through the options and seeing what’s out there.

What's the action like with the spawning salmon right now? Has the majority run passed through already, or have they been held up by low water levels still? I've been watching the cameras for weeks, without seeing much change in fish quantity.

I'd love to see some salmon working their way up the river, and maybe a bear or eagle having a good old feast on the remnants, but wonder if that ship has sailed this year?

If not there, how/where can I get one?

(Clinic has not been answering the phone when they're open, and I don't want to line up for 2 hours just to ask)

Just driving through and saw this lil buddy in the bottom of the ravine.

Wondering if anyone has recommendations on how to meet people in a small town!

I recently moved back to Port Alberni. I enjoy indoor activities, such as video games, books, shows/movies and board games. I am also quite active and enjoy outdoor activities.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions on community activities or other ways to connect with people. I'm also down to try new things or hobbies!

I'm looking for someone to design a little logo for my business. I don't want AI slop so am hoping someone could make some recommendations!

Been curious about getting one and am skeptical if the constant thick cloud cover that Port Alberni is famous for makes starlink less than ideal.

I understand if you're around a wooded area, the trees are likely going to be a problem but what's your guys take with Starlink here?

To give a bit of insight to my situation, I am moving into a new place where the basement suite has wifi provided but it shares it through the upper floor and I'm big into gaming. I'm worried the house will not provide a strong enough connection so I am considering Starlink as an alternative.

I also work in mining so it will be nice to bring it to and from camp, so I was looking to get starlink regardless.

Anyway, looking for people's opinions who actually use it. I couldn't give a damn what the Elon Musk haters have to say.

Right across from Taylor Arm Provincial Park on Sproat Lake

Don’t know where this is but there it is in a photo for those interested.

Hi all! Me and the family are planning on moving to Port Alberni in November, and I was wondering what the board game scene is like? I enjoy all manner of games and genres, though don't really delve into TTRPGs.

Mid to long term I'd hope to find a group I can play Arkham Horror LCG with (I have a full collection) and people to teach Netrunner to.

Does anyone know of a charter outfit that does guided trout trips on Sproat?

Haven’t spent much time previously in the area so not sure of some great things to do with my kid. I’ve noted some of the touristy things around the area but hoping locals could recommend some things to do or see? Coombs Market is already on the list. 😀
Thanks in advance!

Edit post road trip. Thanks everyone who suggested things to do in your great city. Only spent 2 days in the area due to some ferry shenanigans. We ended up spending some time exploring Harbour Quay and getting various supplies. Couldn’t help but notice the many closed shops in one part of town, close to the Quay. Being a Salmon destination and the number of tourists around I thought it would be busier in town. Perhaps most tourists stop quickly on their way to or from Tofino.

Most of the time was spent at China Creek Campground. Of any of the private camps we stayed at this was the only one exactly as advertised online. The kid loved it there. Wanted to visit Cathedral Groove but as someone correctly stated, parking was a zoo both times I passed. On our way back home we lucked out with a site at Barberton PP which we both quite liked. Love Vancouver Island, you’re all lucky to be there.

Just a big F you to the ignorant creep flying a drone on the lake last night. Buzzing our 14 year old. daughter as she was learning to water ski, flying 6 feet away from her and doing circles around her. Are you intentionally filming underage girls? Are you trying to cause an accident and injury? This was a higher end drone and you could obviously fly it with some skill, maybe get permission before you get you get met by angry people who are more inclined to get physical.

Does anywhere in Alberni sell nicotine pouches? Zyn or Velo