Port Alberni Maritime Discovery Centre

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Port Alberni Maritime Discovery Centre Our two museum galleries explore the maritime history of the Alberni Inlet and the West Coast Discover the new permanent exhibit.

Port Alberni's Maritime Discovery Centre is constructed from an actual coastal lighthouse. It is a unique maritime museum situated on the waterfront adjacent to the city's deep-sea harbour. With its companion Hutcheson Gallery this museum is dedicated to exhibiting and interpreting our fascinating cultural, environmental and industrial maritime history. There are four unique exhibits in the Gallery:

Navigating the Graveyard:
The Pacific Ocean is a treacherous and harsh environment with thousands of ship wrecks up and down the coast. It explores the history of Navigation through the tools and equipment used by sailors to help them find their way and chart their course. The exhibit also examines the exploration of the West Coast of Vancouver Island. A View from the Bridge:
Come see our interactive Lady Rose and Uchuck vessel exhibit! Experience the feeling of manning the ship by coming aboard our version of the vessel. Learn about the connections they've had with the community over the years. Maritime Discovery Centre (the Lighthouse):

Lighthouse Pier Overview panels outside around the Lighthouse present fascinating facts about the history of the Alberni Valley. Whether you're interested in ships that once sailed the harbour, the bygone industrial landscape or even the wildlife, there's a panel for you. Inside the Lighthouse is an exhibit on Minnie Paterson. The government of Canada recognized Minnie for her bravery and effort in saving sailors from two shipwrecks by her home at the Cape Beale Lighthouse. You can also find a functional foghorn in the Lighthouse, be sure to check it out! These attractions are a must see for all who visit the Alberni Valley. It is both an educational, fun, hands-on experience for all ages. Sense the raw adventure, tales of heroism and moments of mystique, grandeur and romance that tell the story of our intriguing west coast. Admission by Donation (Suggested $2.00 per person)

10/09/2026

The Port Alberni Maritime Discovery Centre will be closed at 1:00 pm today for a private function.

09/25/2026

The Maritime Discovery Centre will be closed from 11:00 to 1:00 pm today to accommodate staff appointments.

Come watch us at the parade and then we will be back at the Maritime Discovery Centre after 12:30.
09/12/2026

Come watch us at the parade and then we will be back at the Maritime Discovery Centre after 12:30.

08/15/2026

Watching the "boom boat" bringing logs to the Stanley Bay at the Port Authority dock.

Special presentation "Graveyard of the Pacific" by Phil Hood tonight at the Green Point Campground Theatre.
07/17/2026

Special presentation "Graveyard of the Pacific" by Phil Hood tonight at the Green Point Campground Theatre.

07/17/2026

Port Alberni Maritime Discovery Centre will be closed Friday July 17th for staff to attend a special event at the Pacific Rim National Park

Pop by the "Teak Lady" boat on Saturday to learn more about the Port Alberni Maritime Discovery Centre. The gallery and ...
06/23/2026

Pop by the "Teak Lady" boat on Saturday to learn more about the Port Alberni Maritime Discovery Centre. The gallery and lighthouse will be open for visitors as well!

📍Saturday, June 13 from 10am - 1pm at the Water St. Docks behind Port Boat House (5410 Argyle St, Port Alberni, BC)
⚓️ Family Fun + Community Booths
🌭 Live Entertainment + Food and Drinks
🛳️ Vessel Viewings + Maritime Activities

The sun is shining. Today is your last chance to see the Doug Harrison Exhibit at the Ken Hutcheson Gallery.
03/21/2026

The sun is shining. Today is your last chance to see the Doug Harrison Exhibit at the Ken Hutcheson Gallery.

Should be an incredible sunset tonight at the lighthouse. While you are here take in the Doug Harrison Exhibit at the ga...
03/21/2026

Should be an incredible sunset tonight at the lighthouse. While you are here take in the Doug Harrison Exhibit at the gallery. Last weekend to see his paintings.

Happy Birthday to the Lady Rose.
03/17/2026

Happy Birthday to the Lady Rose.

(Mar 17, 1937): Launch of MV Lady Rose

On March 17, 1937, the vessel that would become MV Lady Rose was launched in Glasgow, Scotland, for the Union Steamship Company of British Columbia.

Originally christened Lady Sylvia, the ship was the smallest vessel ever custom-built for the company. Measuring just over 100 feet in length and powered by a 220-horsepower diesel engine, she was designed for passenger and cargo service along British Columbia’s coast.

After construction, the vessel crossed the Atlantic under her own power, becoming the first single-propeller diesel ship to do so. Once in British Columbia, she operated primarily in Barkley Sound, carrying passengers, mail, and supplies between Port Alberni, Bamfield, and Ucluelet, and serving as an important link between coastal communities.

For decades, Lady Rose transported residents, workers, and visitors along the west coast of Vancouver Island, reflecting the vital role of Union Steamship vessels in connecting remote communities throughout British Columbia.

Have you heard stories about travelling on Union Steamship vessels along the B.C. coast?

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Image: Ink & Watercolour illustration of MV Lady Rose at Snug Cove, Bowen Island. 2008.5000.0616, Vancouver Maritime Museum Collections.

Address

2900 Harbour Road, On The Lighthouse Pier
Port Alberni, BC
V9Y7X2

Opening Hours

Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+12507236164

Website

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