McLean Mill on Vancouver Island

Located just north of Port Alberni, British Columbia on Vancouver Island, McLean Mill is a former sawmill turned museum and National Historic Site of Canada. Originally operated between 1927 to 1965, the McLean Mill was a family owned business. The site has been open to the public since 2000, and in a greater context, showcases the significance the forestry industry has had on Vancouver Island and across British Columbia.

Complete with old machinery, tools, and rusting vehicles, McLean Mill is one of those unique sites that (in the best way) feels partially restored and partially abandoned. This means a lot of original character is still present here. You'll likely stumble onto a lot that isn't an exhibit or display, which makes the experience far more special in my opinion. An old sawmill proved to be the perfect addition to my expanding Pacific Northwest series.