Alberni Outpost Adventure Centre

The service was pretty bad the day I went with 5 adults and my daughter. Aug 4, 2012. We booked a double and three singles for a full day rate @ 2pm. There seemed to be a lot of people around, friends of the staff, one of which was kinda nice and helpful– but not staff.
Sean, the staff member who was notably unhelpful and borderline rude, treated us like a bunch of unwelcome guests crashing a BBQ. (which I think we were, so maybe he was just getting hungry)
One different staff member showed up and helped me carry the last two kayaks to the water, without the air of disdain from unhappy youth. Thank you! Sorry I missed your name, I was in a rush to get into the water and very annoyed at Sean.
The rental fee difference from 2 – 3 hour to full day was $ 20. We pulled in just before 9pm so we enjoyed those kayaks for a while.
My sister stated that in the past, the service at this place was outstanding. The employees would always help you to the water and make sure you were comfortable with the pfd’s. When you returned, they would help you from the water and carry the kayaks back for you.
Oh, to fall so far!
Alberni Outpost is close to Newcastle Island, which is a wonderful and easy place for novice kayakers to explore. When you are kayaking back at sunset it is obscenely beautiful on the water. This is what gives this business a 3 star rating and not a 2 star.
If the service was ok, it would give this place a 4 star rating.
If management is able to get back to its stellar benchmark, this place would be a 5 star rating easily and a must for any visitor to Nanaimo.
I recommend kayaking here, but bring some water bottles which you can refill at the campsite on Newcastle and pack a picnic. And write a review. I want to know if we just caught them on the worst day of the year or something.