Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Highway 4 west from Port Alberni meanders through unspoiled mountain wilderness, and
you won't find a gas station or store for at least a couple of hours. The highway skirts the
north shore of large Sproat Lake, whose clear waters draw keen anglers. Along the high-
way,campingat
Sproat Lake Provincial Park
is$21pernight,butthereisalsoapopular
beachside day use area. Provided they're not out squelching a fire, you can also see the
world'slargestwaterbombers—MartinMarsFlyingTankers—tieduphere.Originallyde-
signed as troop carriers for World War II, only four were ever built and only two remain,
both here at Sproat Lake. Used to fight wildfires, these massive flying beasts—36 meters
(118 feet) long and with a wingspan of more than 60 meters (200 feet)—skim across the
lake, each filling its tank with 26,000 liters (7,200 gallons) of water.
At 91 kilometers (56.5 miles) from Port Alberni, Highway 4 splits, leading eight kilo-
meters(fivemiles)southtoUclueletor34kilometers(21miles)norththroughPacificRim
National Park to Tofino.
