Port Alberni, the largest service centre in the area, is the perfect stop for groceries, coffee, gas, and other road trip essentials. Keep in mind that cell phone signal becomes spotty beyond Port Alberni.
Despite its mid-Island location, Port Alberni is technically an oceanside city! It sits at the head of the Alberni Inlet, which stretches 40km from Barkley Sound on the Pacific Ocean.
For scenic views of the city and the inlet, make the short (5 minute) detour to Alberni Harbour Quay.