PORT ALBERNI, British Columbia — Travelers plotting a Vancouver Island itinerary this year may want to pencil in a stop at McLean Mill National Historic Site, as reported by Alberni Valley News. The 32-acre forestry landmark, tucked in the Alberni Valley just 10 minutes from downtown Port Alberni, is celebrating its 100th anniversary with expanded hours, new self-guided experiences and kid-friendly activities designed to handle what local tourism officials expect will be a record season.
Vancouver Island’s McLean Mill Marks 100 Years
Founded in 1924, McLean Mill is one of the last intact steam-powered sawmills in Canada. Its weathered cedar buildings, rust-red boilers and belt-driven equipment offer a rare snapshot of the province’s early 20th-century logging heyday—a period that fueled British Columbia’s economy and literally built communities up and down the Island. “We’re already seeing a busier June, with international visitors choosing the Island as their destination,” Elliot Drew, director of operations for the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce, told the newspaper. That influx is expected to swell through late summer, not only because of the mill’s centennial programming but also because travelers are chasing quieter, nature-steeped corners of Vancouver Island beyond the well-trod hubs of Victoria, Tofino and Nanaimo. McLean Mill’s location—surrounded by lakes, old-growth trails and the region’s blossoming cideries—makes it an easy side trip on the popular Pacific Rim highway route.
Self-Guided Tours Debut for DIY Explorers
To ease potential crowding—and give visitors flexibility—the historic site has rolled out a self-guided route mapped across the core milling complex and adjoining forested grounds. QR codes and interpretive panels explain how raw logs became dimensional lumber, what workdays looked like for mill families and how the operation shaped Port Alberni’s street names and neighborhoods. A “stamp tour” aimed at kids turns that history lesson into a scavenger hunt: youngsters hunt for rubber-stamp stations, collecting impressions that highlight everything from the steam donkey engine to the blacksmith shop. The activity, included in admission, keeps restless legs busy while parents linger over machinery displays or pause for photos in front of the towering burner stack.
Centennial Summer Hours and Prices
• Operating days: Seven days a week from July 2 through early autumn. • Daily hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (confirm closer to arrival, as shoulder-season times may shift). • Admission: CA$10 for adults, CA$5 for students and seniors, free for children six and younger. • Season pass: CA$15, granting unlimited entry for the rest of 2024—a bargain for repeat visitors or locals hosting out-of-town guests. Budget-conscious travelers should note that McLean Mill is not part of Parks Canada’s Canada Strong Pass promotion because it operates without federal funding. If you hold the Strong Pass, it will not waive or discount entry here, so plan accordingly.
Why McLean Mill Matters to Travelers
History buffs aren’t the only ones who benefit from a stop at the site. The working nature of the displays—pulleys clacking, steam whistles occasionally sounding during special demonstrations—makes the experience visceral, a contrast to traditional static museum halls. Photographers gain industrial-chic backdrops framed by rainforest, while families appreciate the stroller-friendly boardwalk and picnic spots along Kitsuksis Creek. For visitors road-tripping to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, McLean Mill offers a well-timed leg-stretch roughly midway between Nanaimo’s ferries and Tofino’s beaches. The nearby Harbour Quay, Sproat Lake and Hole-in-the-Wall waterfall can all be stitched into the same day.
Traveler Tips and FAQs
How do I get there? From Highway 4, turn north onto Beaver Creek Road in Port Alberni and follow signs for McLean Mill (about 10 minutes). Adequate free parking sits near the entrance. Is public transportation available? Port Alberni’s city bus network does not currently run to the mill, so your best bet is a rental car, taxi or cycling the 8-kilometer Log Train Trail right to the gate. Are guided tours still offered? Yes, staff-led tours run on select weekends and during special events such as Steam Festival days. Check the online calendar when booking. Can I bring my dog? Leashed dogs are welcome outdoors. Only service animals are permitted inside buildings. Where can I eat? A seasonal café inside the mill’s cookhouse serves light fare and locally roasted coffee. Picnic tables and potable water are available if you’d rather BYO snacks.
Nearby Add-Ons for an Overnight Stay
• Sproat Lake Provincial Park: Swim, paddle or spot the World War II-era Martin Mars water bombers. • Cathedral Grove: Marvel at 800-year-old Douglas firs in MacMillan Provincial Park, 20 minutes east. • Alberni Valley Craft Beverage Trail: Sample ciders and small-batch spirits at Twin City Brewing and surrounding tasting rooms. • West Coast Wildlife Centre: Learn about black bear and cougar rehabilitation before heading farther west.
Takeaway for JetsetterGuide Readers
A century after its first plumes of steam curled above the Alberni Valley, McLean Mill is reinventing itself for a new generation of curious travelers. The centennial summer package—flexible self-guided paths, playful stamp hunts and a CA$15 season pass—combines history with affordability at a time when many Canadian attractions are raising prices. If your summer plans touch Vancouver Island, budgeting two to three hours at McLean Mill provides both a cultural counterpoint to coastal adventures and an authentic glimpse into the sawdust-scented roots of British Columbia’s economy. For updated schedules and event listings, visit the official McLean Mill website or call the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce visitor centre before you hit the road.
