McLean Mill National Historic Site

McLean Mill is a preserved sawmill complex with around 35 buildings and structures forming a complete working community scattered across the grounds. The mill itself still runs on steam power and demonstrates how timber was processed in the early 20th century.

The family-owned R.B. McLean Lumber Company operated the mill from 1926 to 1965, capturing a full era of timber harvesting in the region. The site gained national historic designation in 1989 to protect this chapter of industrial heritage.

The location reveals how communities formed around logging operations, with residents depending on the mill for work and survival. The buildings still show the bonds between workers, their families, and the forest that shaped their daily routines.

The site is quite large, so allow time to walk through the various buildings and workshop areas at a comfortable pace. Plan your visit on a dry day since much of the grounds are outdoors and pathways can become muddy in wet weather.

This is the only operating commercial steam sawmill in Canada where visitors can watch actual wood being cut in real time. The experience shows directly how physically demanding the work was, making it far more vivid than reading about it.

Location: Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District

Website: http://alberniheritage.com/mclean-mill/welcome-mclean-steam-sawmill

GPS coordinates: 49.31080,-124.82700

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:03