The Alberni Pacific Railway (APR) is a heritage steam railway based in Port Alberni, British Columbia, with roots in the region’s rich logging and industrial history. The railway operates on a portion of the former Esquimalt and Nanaimo (E&N) Railway line, originally built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 20th century to support Vancouver Island’s forestry and shipping industries. The Port Alberni subdivision was completed in 1912, and the 1912 CPR station remains a central feature of the APR’s operations.
APR was founded in 1984 by the Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society (WVIIHS), a non-profit group dedicated to preserving industrial artifacts and railway heritage. The society restored the “Two Spot” Shay locomotive, which made its inaugural run in 1984, marking the beginning of APR’s excursion services along the waterfront. In 1996, the railway introduced Locomotive No. 7, a 1929 Baldwin 2-8-2ST steam engine, which became the backbone of operations to the McLean Mill National Historic Site, a restored steam-powered sawmill.
The railway’s route spans approximately 6 miles, winding through forested landscapes and past historic logging sites. Excursions typically begin at the restored CPR station and travel to McLean Mill, offering passengers a 40-minute journey through the Alberni Valley. APR’s rolling stock includes restored Canadian National cabooses converted into passenger coaches, as well as diesel locomotives like the Alco RS3 and WWII-era No. 11, used as backup motive power.
APR faced operational challenges in the late 2010s, including mechanical issues with No. 7 and funding constraints. In 2018, boiler tube failures sidelined the locomotive, prompting a multi-year restoration effort by volunteer boilermakers. After extensive repairs, No. 7 was recertified in 2021 and returned to service in 2024, marking a major milestone for the railway. The railway also resumed waterfront operations and seasonal events like the Santa Train, reinforcing its role as a community attraction.
Today, the Alberni Pacific Railway stands as a testament to volunteer dedication and industrial heritage preservation. Operated by the WVIIHS, it continues to educate visitors about Vancouver Island’s logging history while offering nostalgic steam journeys. The railway’s success reflects the passion of local enthusiasts and the enduring appeal of historic rail travel in British Columbia.
This history was generated using AI and draws on publicly available sources including the Alberni Pacific Railway official site, Wikipedia, McLean Mill National Historic Site, and the Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society.
