PORT ALICE

• CAPAC
• Latitude: 50.4242
• Longitude: -127.487
• West Coast Canada
• Marina in Canada

Location: Canada

Port Alice is a small coastal community located on the northern end of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It is part of the Regional District of Mount Waddington. Here's a detailed description and specifications of Port Alice:

Location:

• Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 50.3869° N latitude and 127.4194° W longitude.
• Proximity: Situated on Neroutsos Inlet, the port is relatively close to the larger town of Port Hardy, which is about 55 kilometers to the northeast.

Infrastructure:

• Berths and Docks: Port Alice has a few small docks that are used primarily by local fishing boats, recreational vessels, and occasionally, small commercial vessels. The port was historically significant for its pulp mill operations.
• Cargo and Storage Facilities: There are limited cargo-handling facilities. The port was initially developed to support the timber and pulp industry. However, with the closure of the pulp mill, its cargo-handling operations have diminished.
• Navigation Aids: The inlet and bay are equipped with navigational aids and buoys to assist vessels in navigating the waters safely.

Operations:

• Primary Functions: Nowadays, Port Alice serves primarily as a hub for local fisheries, tourism, and recreational boating rather than major commercial shipping.
• Industrial Use: Historically, Port Alice was an industrial town, primarily driven by the pulp mill, but this is no longer in operation, affecting the industrial traffic and port's activity.

Accessibility:

• Road Access: Port Alice is accessible by road via Highway 30, which connects to Highway 19, the main highway on Vancouver Island.
• Marine Access: The port is accessible to small to medium-sized vessels via Neroutsos Inlet, with no significant restrictions for draft and beam, suitable for the local marine activities it supports.

Services:

• Repair and Maintenance: There are limited facilities for vessel repair and maintenance focused mostly on small vessels and fishing boats.
• Supplies and Provisions: Basic supplies and provisions are available in the town of Port Alice, but major provisioning would require a trip to larger nearby communities such as Port Hardy.

Environmental and Regulatory:

• Environmental Considerations: The surrounding areas include pristine natural environments, with measures in place to protect the local marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
• Regulatory Oversight: The port and its operations are subject to regulation by local and federal Canadian authorities, including Transport Canada and the Coast Guard for navigation and safety regulations.

Economic Impact:

• Tourism: Port Alice has seen a pivot towards eco-tourism and recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and nature tours, which benefit from the scenic coastal environment.
• Community: The port serves the local community by supporting fishing activities and providing access to water-based recreational pursuits.

Notes on Current Usage:

• The port's current usage is minimal compared to its historical peak when the pulp mill was operational. This has shifted the community's focus towards other economic activities, leveraging the natural beauty and recreational potential of the region.

Future Prospects:

• Development Potential: There are opportunities for the development of marine tourism and small-scale commercial activities. This might include expanding fishing operations, recreational boating facilities, and eco-tourism ventures.
• Challenges: The port's remote location and the closure of significant industrial operations pose challenges for large-scale development, necessitating investment and strategic planning for its future prospects.

Overall, Port Alice stands as a hub of regional historical significance with potential for future growth in tourism and local fisheries, capitalizing on its natural beauty and coastal resources.