Maritime Discovery Centre and Hutcheson Maritime Gallery

Maritime Discovery Centre and Hutcheson Maritime Gallery are on the working waterfront at 2750 Harbour Rd. The maritime history of the Alberni Inlet, Barkley Sound and the west coast are documented in these two buildings. The Discovery Centre, designed as a lighthouse, exhibits the history of lighthouses and life on the lights, including the heroic attempt by a keeper's wife to rescue a ship in distress.

The Gallery offers exhibits on navigation, coastal vessels, the 1964 tsunami, ship models and a display of outboard motors. A boom boat and 1890's steam launch are displayed outdoors, along with panels illustrating the history of the harbor and its industries.

Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.