Tsunami of 1964

It was Good Friday of 1964 that the largest earthquake of our century rocked Alaska, heaving up the ocean floor 15 meters and sending a series of seismic waves along the West Coast of Vancouver Island and down through Oregon and California. The first wave hit Port Alberni late at night as most people slept. Due to the heroism and quick thinking of many of our Valley’s citizens most people were alerted and evacuated before the onset of the much larger second wave, preventing any cassualties. To find out more about the Tsunami visit the museum to access our research files and large photograph collection. A permanent exhibit has been installed in the Hutcheson Gallery of the Port Alberni Maritime Discovery Centre - the centre is open seasonaly June to August.

“The Great Alberni Valley Tsunami” is the title of the first Museum Note, a small publication detailing the Tsunami and is full of photos and facts. This booklet is available for purchase from the Alberni Valley Museum.