Mount Arrowsmith: A Historic Landmark Poised to Shape Port Alberni’s Adventure Tourism Future

Driving into Port Alberni, B.C., the towering presence of Mount Arrowsmith dominates the skyline. This iconic mountain has long been a defining feature of the Vancouver Island community, located roughly 200 kilometers northwest of Victoria.

Once a booming hub of fishing and resource industries, Port Alberni has faced economic challenges in recent years with the closure of mills and the decline of its once-thriving fishing sector. Now, local leaders are turning to Mount Arrowsmith and the surrounding natural landscape to anchor a new vision for the city: adventure tourism.

Deep Cultural Roots

The mountain’s significance predates European settlement by centuries and is deeply rooted in the oral histories of the Tseshat and Hupačasath First Nations, both part of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth. Known to them as Kuth-KahChulth, meaning “that which has sharp pointed faces,” the mountain plays a central role in their culture and history.

For the Tseshaht, the mountain served as a protector during a great flood nearly a thousand years ago, providing high ground for their people. "Her name was a jagged face. She laid down and saved our people from the great flood," explained Darryl Ross, the Tseshaht Nation’s manager of natural resources.

The Hupačasath also tell stories of the Thunderbird and the Whale, in which the mythical Thunderbird dropped a captured whale on the mountain’s peak. Some elders say a whale carcass discovered by archeologists on Mount Arrowsmith was explained not by a flood but by this ancient tale, a testament to the enduring power of their oral traditions.

Beyond mythology, Mount Arrowsmith also serves as an essential geographic and ecological marker, denoting the eastern boundary of the Alberni Valley and feeding water into the Somass River watershed, a lifeline for the region.

A Future in Adventure Tourism

While Mount Arrowsmith’s history is profound, its potential to shape Port Alberni’s future is equally significant. The mountain boasts a network of hiking trails located just a short drive from the city, making it an accessible destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Pat Deakin, Port Alberni’s manager of economic development, says the city is embracing its natural assets as part of a broader strategy to establish itself as a destination for adventure tourism.

“We’re focusing on kayaking, water sports, sport fishing, and trails,” Deakin said. “The unceded territory of the Tseshat and Hupačasath is an incredible gift, and we’re inspired by it.”

Port Alberni has partnered with organizations like Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprises (KORE) to further develop the city’s outdoor sector. Recently, the city implemented the Municipal Regional District Tax (MRDT) on short-term accommodations, with funds earmarked for expanding outdoor recreation infrastructure, including new trails.

A Path Forward

As the community looks to reimagine its economy, Mount Arrowsmith stands as both a symbol of the past and a beacon for the future. With its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural features, and opportunities for adventure, the mountain offers a way to revitalize Port Alberni while honoring the traditions and stories that have shaped the region for generations.

“It’s more than just a mountain,” Deakin said. “It’s the heart of a community ready to embrace what’s next.”