Throughout the Alberni Valley region stretching from the towering heights of Mt Arrowsmith to the western reaches of Sproat Lake I often find myself on outdoor adventures here. From backpacking and climbing to mountain biking or being on the water so many outdoor activities are possible. The one thing in common with all of them is that they always include me stopping in Port Alberni for food before and after my outings.
Port Alberni is Vancouver Island’s Outdoor & Food Lovers Must Visit Spot
On a recent trip to Port Alberni I was able to focus specifically on hitting the food trail rather than my usual mountain trail. ZenSeekers and Alberni Valley Tourism tasked me with visiting a handful of the food gems that are helping make the region a must visit spot. You can read my full day experience over at ZenSeekers with my story; Discovering The Port Alberni Landscape as I spent the day with locals Janelle and Brandon. We had a great time while we visited many new places and some of my go to favourites.
If you are heading out on a day hike in Port Alberni like Minna Ridge, Rogers Creek Nature Trail or maybe catching all the Port Alberni Waterfalls and it happens to be a Saturday be sure to load up with trail snacks at either the Spirit Square Farmers Market or the Cherry Creek Farmers Market.
While I didn’t stop there on this Port Alberni food discovery adventure, I always put Steampunk Cafe on my must do list but did find a new coffee shop at the Harbour Quay, Grassroots Food & Drink is now on the coffee lovers scene. For to-go snacks to keep you energized while hiking, check out MountainView Bakery & Delicatessen.
After your adventure, try Twin City Brewing for locally crafted beer & pizza or stop by Bare Bones Fish & Chips for the biggest fish and chips platter you have ever seen. All Mex’d Up at the Harbour Quay is in my mind one of the top authentic Mexican food stops you can make on Vancouver Island. Every visit is consistent, filling and tasty….oh ya, of course I eat way too many churros for desert LOL !
I was blown away by the food at Fish & Duck Resort on the shores of Sproat Lake. It was new to me and my first visit. As someone who tries to eat a mostly vegetarian diet I did not expect an amazing buddha bowl, Thai veggie noodle bowl or those amazing cauliflower hot wings. Of course all the normal burgers and other favourites are on the menu but this great pub with its beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the lake needs to be on your radar.
Get a glimpse of what you can expect when you spend some time for yourself in my Port Alberni food landscape image gallery. I might add that the stop at Coleman Meadows Farm is so beautiful and is a photographers dream, be sure to check it out as their garden and flowers are stunning. Before you leave Coleman Meadows grab some water buffalo cheese or even gelato as the farm is home to the very unique and not seldom seen herd of water buffalos.
When You Go
- Plan an overnight stay at one of the many local hotels, motels and inns.
- Check out why Port Alberni is the Salmon capital of Vancouver Island
- Plan an adventure from spending the day on Sproat Lake to one of the many waterfall day hikes
Start planning your adventures in Port Alberni, watch for the new visitors guide on stands now or visit the website at Alberni Valley Tourism.
Search #ExplorePortAlberni for more inspiration and be sure to tag #ExplorePortAlberni while exploring the region as you could be featured on our social media channels with your own most instagrammable moments. Uncover more about what the Port Alberni region’s offers for adventure. Check out ZenSeeker’s #ExplorePortAlberni Expedition page to see how you can have an adventure like this.
Disclosure: This post was published in partnership with ZenSeekers
For other road trips and travel destinations check out my Mindful Explorer Road Trip Page . As well I am always grateful for a follow on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter where I share more frequent photos and stories daily.
