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This webpage documents the E&N Railway's Port Alberni Subdivision on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Including maintenance, projects, operations, and events undertaken by the E&N Division, of the CRHA.

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The Port Alberni Sub is a branch line off the mainline Victoria Subdivision in Parksville and runs 39 miles from here to Port Alberni, BC. The entire line is a very scenic rail journey! Westbound from Parksville, the right of way travels through the areas of Errington, Coombs, Hilliers, and Whiskey Creek before passing through Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park and the scenic ride along Cameron Lake with its many trestles. Once past the lake, the railway is cut high above MacMillan Provincial Park (Cathedral Grove) gradually rising up through the pass and over the Alberni Summit. From here the line passes Summit and Loon Lakes, gradually descending down into the Alberni Valley. There are countless scenic views of lakes, rivers, mountains, and valleys along this corridor.

Currently, the line is being made serviceable once again after sitting dormant for approximately a decade. All E&N trackage on Vancouver Island was previously owned and operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway. The Port Alberni Subdivision was the most westerly point on the CPR still having much Canadian railway heritage and importance. There are many historic sites and artifacts to be found along this railway corridor. The E&N Railway is currently operated by Southern Railway of Vancouver Island, and owned and managed by the Island Corridor Foundation. Alberni Pacific Railway operates a steam excursion on the western portion of the Port Sub from Port Alberni Station to McLean Mill, National Historic Site.

In May 2009, the E&N Division formed a group dubbed the East End Track Gang (EETG) to assume maintenance responsibility for the eastern portion of the Port Sub. The EETG and APR collaborate to remove brush, rock slides, and conduct track inspections and repairs. Initial brushing was completed within one year, all-volunteer, all by hand.

There are future intentions of using the line for a proposed tourist train operation over the summit including potential for reinstated freight service, provided necessary funding is secured for the required infrastructure upgrades.

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Stay tuned for more as the maintenance continues.

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Thanks for your interest!