Our Journey
Over the past 20 years the Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society has restored a number of pieces of railway rolling stock that operated in the Alberni Valley. These include the 2-Spot, a 1912 Shay logging locomotive, the 1928 Westminster Iron Works “Buda” a gas powered switching engine and the 1929 Baldwin 2-8-2T, the “No.7” which pulls the train to the McLean Mill.
The Society was originally formed to restore the Shay logging locomotive “2 – Spot” in 1980. They then turned their attention to the steam donkey from the McLean Mill. The Society has operated a steam and diesel train ride along the industrial waterfront in the City since 1984 operating out of the restored 1912 CPR Station at Argyle and Kingsway. They also took the 2-Spot and the steam donkey to “Steam Expo” in Vancouver in 1986. They love to pull wrenches and tell stories and maybe you’ll meet some of them on the train.
Learn More about the Alberni Valley Heritage Network
Come Ride the Rails on the Alberni Railway.
Until recently you could board the train pulled by our completely restored 1929 Baldwin ex-logging locomotive at the 1912 CPR Station and ride out to the McLean Mill National Historic Site. The track winds through the City of Port Alberni and then the surrounding forests for 35 minutes each way. Recent budget shortages have impacted the ability of the wonderful volunteers to continue to operate this service.
It is our sincere hope that once rail is restored to the Alberni Subdivision we will also be able to help the city and this dedicated group of volunteers to reinstate service to this very important heritage experience!
