Port Alberni Salmon Festival 2025: Fishing, Fun & Prizes Await

Celebrate Coastal Culture at the 2025 Salmon Festival, Port Alberni

Every year, the Alberni Inlet becomes the stage for one of British Columbia's most iconic fishing events—the Port Alberni Salmon Festival. This Labour Day weekend, from August 30 to September 1, 2025, the beloved celebration is back and bigger than ever, promising anglers a shot at $15,000 in grand prizes and a whole weekend of unforgettable community vibes.

A Legacy of Line-Tugging Glory

Hosted by the Alberni Valley Tyee Club, the Salmon Festival has been hooking hearts for decades. Its history runs deep: back in 1982, Art Berlinski pulled in a jaw-dropping 60-pound, eight-ounce Chinook—a record that still echoes through BC’s fishing circles. While recent years have seen smaller catches (the 2023 winner weighed in at 23 lbs 4 oz), the thrill of reeling in that next legendary fish keeps the docks buzzing.

The 2025 edition continues the tradition with renewed energy, thanks to a re-launch that brings back some long-missed features, including the famous beer tent, live entertainment, and a mouth-watering traditional salmon dinner.

The Main Event: The 3-Day Salmon Derby

This year’s 3-Day Salmon Derby kicks off on Saturday, August 30 and runs through Monday, September 1, with all the excitement centered at Tyee Landing (3300 Harbour Rd, Port Alberni). For just $50 per rod, registered anglers can cast their lines in the hopes of landing the biggest fish and walking away with serious bragging rights—and a serious cash bonus.

🎣 Daily Cash Prizes:

• $5,000 – 1st place
• $2,000 – 2nd place
• $1,000 – 3rd place
• Plus daily hidden cash draws—so even if you’re not top three, you could still score big.

🏆 Grand Prize:

• $15,000 for the largest salmon of the derby (includes a $10,000 bonus on top of the $5,000)

Anglers also have the chance to claim the Gary Rooke Memorial Award, with $250 awarded to the largest hatchery Chinook.

How to Enter & What You Need to Know

To compete, each entrant must complete a registration form and fish within designated boundaries—from the Somass River mouth beacon to a line drawn between Cape Beale and Amphitrite Point.

Key rules:

• One rod and reel per ticket
• Fishing hours: 6:00 am–8:00 pm (Sat/Sun), 6:00 am–3:00 pm (Mon)
• No night fishing
• Fish must be weighed the same day it’s caught at official weigh-in stations
• Derby ticket holders must accompany their fish to the station

Remember, weigh-ins take place at the main hub—Tyee Landing at Fisherman’s Harbour—with auxiliary stations available at China Creek, Poett Nook, Upnit Lodge, and Bamfield (these qualify only for hidden draws).

Beyond the Derby: A Full Festival Experience

But the Port Alberni Salmon Festival isn’t just about casting lines—it’s about community, celebration, and coastal culture. The event is family-friendly and welcoming to all, even if you're not fishing.

You’ll find:

• Live music and entertainment to get the party going
• The much-anticipated beer tent to cool off and connect with fellow anglers
• A classic salmon dinner, showcasing the very best of West Coast flavors
• Kids’ activities and plenty of space to relax by the water

Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing that 60-pound legend or just tagging along for the local flavor, the festival is an experience that blends sport, storytelling, and small-town charm in one of Canada’s most picturesque fishing towns.

Getting There

Port Alberni is nestled on Vancouver Island’s stunning central coast. Easily accessible from Nanaimo and Victoria, it's a scenic drive that winds through forests and along mountain-lined roads. Tyee Landing, the heart of the festival, is conveniently located just off Harbour Road and offers ample space for anglers and festivalgoers alike.

Make the Most of Labour Day Weekend

Labour Day is meant to be savored—and there’s no better way to soak up the end of summer than with a rod in your hand, salmon on the line, and live music in the background. With big cash prizes, local traditions, and unforgettable community spirit, the 2025 Port Alberni Salmon Festival is shaping up to be a can't-miss event.

Grab your derby ticket, prep your tackle box, and make your way to Tyee Landing for a weekend where stories are told, records might be broken, and the salmon are biting.