Port Alberni to Bamfield with a TRiple Axle?

[Sharphooks]

So I always used to trailer my boats to Port ALberni and either launch in the Somass or China Creek. This was a few years ago

Now that the Port Alberni to Bamfield road has been spiffed up with rock chips, would any of you guys tow a bigger boat to Bamfield or is it still somewhat sketchy with the logging truck meetings, steep grades, narrow lanes etc?

Thanks for comments from anyone who’s done it since all the improvements

 

[Rain City]

So I always used to trailer my boats to Port ALberni and either launch in the Somass or China Creek. This was a few years ago

Now that the Port Alberni to Bamfield road has been spiffed up with rock chips, would any of you guys tow a bigger boat to Bamfield or is it still somewhat sketchy with the logging truck meetings, steep grades, narrow lanes etc?

Thanks for comments from anyone who’s done it since all the improvements

That thing is paved. I don't know why they call it chip sealed or whatever else because it's a damn road now. I think the bottlenecks and a few puddles caused some issues a while back, but it sure was a breeze when I took it last year.

 

[JWS]

So I always used to trailer my boats to Port ALberni and either launch in the Somass or China Creek. This was a few years ago

Now that the Port Alberni to Bamfield road has been spiffed up with rock chips, would any of you guys tow a bigger boat to Bamfield or is it still somewhat sketchy with the logging truck meetings, steep grades, narrow lanes etc?

Thanks for comments from anyone who’s done it since all the improvements

I’ve done it with a tandem axle trailer a few times. It’s a good road, slow down at the bridge approaches. I try and travel outside of works hours and don’t get in a hurry. I’m sure others can comment better than me, but I think parking in bamfield will be your crux.

 

[Bearded wonder]

The road was in great shape in late April when I took my boat to Bamfield. Take it slow, especially at the bridges and yeah go on the weekend or after hours.

 

[N2013]

The road was in great shape in late April when I took my boat to Bamfield. Take it slow, especially at the bridges and yeah go on the weekend or after hours.

How long was the tow in from Port?

 

[Derby]

The better question is what is the available parking ?

 

[SpringFever2359]

Run the inlet, way more fun than towing

 

[casper5280]

I tow my 5th wheel in and have no problems. As said above slow down for the bridges approaches there are a couple bad ones also the parking is the issue in Bamtown. I personally would run the inlet way nicer drive.

 

[ryanonthevedder]

I'll second the bridges. There's not enough warning leading up to them to get comfortable and its easy to speed on the drive. You'll come around a corner and BAM! there's a single lane bridge coming up. I'm sure its no problem for those that know the road but if you're not a frequent flyer be cautious. Otherwise its a cakewalk.

 

[N2013]

So how long is the drive ?

 

[ryanonthevedder]

I think it took us an hour +/-.

 

[Old Blue]

So how long is the drive ?

Not towing a boat 1 hr and 20 mins from the highway turnoff at PA with no traffic. Add on another 10 mins if during working hours, they were hauling a few weeks ago

 

[kaelc]

The better question is what is the available parking ?

Yes! What’s the parking situation like?

 

[terrin]

So I always used to trailer my boats to Port ALberni and either launch in the Somass or China Creek. This was a few years ago

Now that the Port Alberni to Bamfield road has been spiffed up with rock chips, would any of you guys tow a bigger boat to Bamfield or is it still somewhat sketchy with the logging truck meetings, steep grades, narrow lanes etc?

Thanks for comments from anyone who’s done it since all the improvements

Why not drive up to Port Renfrew drop your boat there and just run up to Bamfield?
It’s probably not much more of a run than from Port Alberni to Bamfield and there are lots of parking options.

 

[daddystoy]

I'm curious about the parking situation as well.
Trailered in last year for the first time after many years of running the canal.
Found parking no problem on the side of the road right next to the campground but not sure if it is so easy to do this anymore.

 

[N2013]

Why not drive up to Port Renfrew drop your boat there and just run up to Bamfield?
It’s probably not much more of a run than from Port Alberni to Bamfield and there are lots of parking options.

That would work too. A lot of ways to skin that cat. Would rather run the canal than around Beale. The tow into Renfrew is awful whichever way you go.

 

[casper5280]

They made the road better and more people drive in and the town is small to begin with. There is also a lot more none fishing people coming in to town. Same thing that happened to Renfrew. Now all these great harder to get to places are gone.

 

[Bearded wonder]

So how long is the drive ?

It took us 11/2 - 1 3/4 hr. Towing. The worst part is the bumps when the bridge meets the road. There is always good bump.
Parking for the trailer and for my truck was no problem, cause it was included in our accommodations. Trailer was left in the lot near the launch. Trucks parked by the gas station.

The only reason we didn’t run the canal is my boat was too small for the guys and the gear.