Hole in the Wall

Markus overjoyed getting to see the Hole in the Wall at Port Alberni

About the Hole in the Wall

Length: 1.2km
Traffic: Moderate
Route Type: Out & Back

On a recent stay at Qualicum Beach, we made a quick stop into the wild beauty of Port Alberni to conquer the Hole in the Wall hike, seeking an adventure that would let Markus stretch his legs and something unique for our love for nature. Nestled in the heart of Vancouver Island right on the edge of Port Alberni, the Hole in the Wall hike is renowned for its intriguing and unique rock formation.

Parking

Let us start off by telling you about the where to park. A lot of the instructions we found online told us that you'll either have to park right off of the highway or on the other side of the highway close to where the Coombs Country Candy store is. If either of those options sound a little dangerous, it's because it is. I suppose we lucked out because there was parking for us just off of the highway, but understand that you're pulling off from the highway onto a shoulder, which could be difficult if there's traffic behind you. Also, if it weren't for the other cars that were parked there when we arrived, we likely wouldn't have known where to stop.

We say all this because after stopping there and walking down 5-10 minutes, we came across a dirt lot where it would appear that some other cars parked to do this hike. The road was unmarked and while doing our research, we recall you might have to pass through private property, so we point this parking lot out, but will also mention that we didn't take it ourselves. Regardless, it feels like a safer option than parking right off the highway.

X marks the spot of the random dirt parking lot

Trail to Hole in the Wall

At the trailhead where we started just off of the highway, there's a steep drop to get to the trail. Since it is a bit of a touristy stop, it was busier than we thought it would be, which may not be ideal for dogs who might be uncomfortable in crowded settings. With Markus' reactivity in mind, it was generally fine as the path wound its way through lush forests and along the riverbank.

Hole in the Wall marker at the beginning of the trail in Port Alberni

The path itself was a little muddy, which was caused by water in the area. We will say that there were some tighter areas and we didn't come across a few dogs. There were a couple times we felt hurried to find a spot to step off and let another owner and their off-leash dog pass. There were also dogs off leash at the end of the hike where everyone was congregating to take photos of the hole in the wall, but there were more areas to step aside there and owners were quick to leash up their dogs.

As we approached the renowned Hole in the Wall rock formation, we were amazed by the stunning sight that unfolded before us. The rugged beauty of the rocky passage, although it was drilled by humans to let water pass, was awe-inspiring. The natural archway offered a glimpse into the power of geological forces. While we admired the scenery, we appreciated that there was room to step aside, granting us the opportunity to let other hikers pass without causing any stress for Markus.

Markus walking up the path from the Hole in the Wall

Our Recommendation for Reactive Dogs

While the Hole in the Wall offers up a unique view in nature, it's also hard to recommend for reactive dogs because the trail presented some challenges that might not align perfectly with a reactive dog's comfort levels. While Markus managed the path winding through the lush forests and along the riverbank relatively well, there were points where the narrower trail and slight mud made things a tad tricky.

Encounters with off-leash dogs along the way required us to step off hurriedly, which could potentially trigger anxiety in reactive dogs. Upon reaching the famous Hole in the Wall formation, we marvelled at its beauty, yet noted that even here, the presence of off-leash dogs mingling with hikers might be overwhelming. While there were moments to step aside, the overall environment might not be the most comfortable for reactive dogs seeking a calm and peaceful adventure.

Markus following the trail and enjoying the lush greenery

What we liked about the trail

The hole in the wall was really cool to see
The hike itself wasn't too difficult except for the steep drop in the beginning if you're parking off of the highway