Campbell River on Vancouver Island is known for its spectacular nature, abundant wildlife, and a wide variety of outdoor activities that can be done there.
The landscape surrounding Campbell River is stunning, from majestic snow-capped mountains, dense, green forest, and picturesque fjords, it isn’t hard to see why Campbell River is one of the best places to visit in British Columbia!
With so many things to do in Campbell River, it can be hard to put together a feasible itinerary. That's why we’ve written this guide including some of the best activities this unique area has to offer. Let's dive in!
Things to do in Campbell River
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).
Campbell River frequently asked questions
What is Campbell River BC known for?
Campbell River BC is known for its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures! It's a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, whale watching, and hiking, as well as its rich cultural history.
Its vibrant downtown is home to many unique shops and attractions, and its waterfront is a great spot to enjoy a beautiful sunset or take a leisurely stroll.
Campbell River is also known for its vibrant art and music scene, with many festivals and events throughout the year.
With abundant marine life (whales, seals, sea lions, orcas, and other magnificent sea creatures) as well as other wildlife such as bald eagles, deer, wolves, and bears (read more below), Campbell River is the perfect place for wildlife viewing.
Plan your Canada trip like a pro with these tools:
✈️ Find the best flight deals with Kiwi.com.
? Rent a campervan for your Canada road trip (or a car via Rentalcars.com).
? Arrange your Canada working holiday with Global Work & Travel.
? Plan your journey with the Canada Lonely Planet.
?️ Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com.
? Join the best tours in Canada via Get Your Guide or Viator.
?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing.
When to visit Campbell River
The best time to visit Campbell River on Vancouver Island is between May and September. During this time, the weather is mild, the days are long and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Personally, I feel early June or late September is a good time to visit Campbell River as it can get busy during the summer months.
That being said, there are lots of events and festivals that take place in the summer. You can visit the Campbell River Music Festival, the Campbell River Salmon Festival, and the Vancouver Island MusicFest.
Can you see whales in Campbell River?
Yes, you can see whales in Campbell River! The area is known for its amazing whale-watching opportunities, as it's located near the entrance to the Strait of Georgia in British Columbia.
In the summer months, you can take a boat tour to see orcas, humpback whales, and other species. There's even a chance to spot gray whales (also known as grey whales), with the migration taking place from April to October.
Are there black bears in Campbell River?
Yes, there are a lot of black bears on Vancouver Island and they're also present in the Port Alberni area. If you're planning a visit to Port Alberni, make sure to follow the safety guidelines for bear encounters.
Are there grizzly bears in Campbell River?
No, grizzly bears are not native to Campbell River. However, there have been occasional sightings over the years of grizzlies passing through the area.
It is important to remember that grizzly bears are powerful and potentially dangerous animals. Keep your distance should you ever come across one and carry bear spray just in case.
How to get to Campbell River, Vancouver Island?
Campbell River is located on Vancouver Island and you either have to take a ferry or a plane to get to the island.
By ferry
From Vancouver, you've got several ferry options:
- Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (4 km north of Nanaimo): 1 hour 40 minutes
- Tsawwassen to Duke Point (12 km south of Nanaimo): 2 hours
- Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay (about 30km north of Victoria): 1 hour and 35 minutes
You can also take a ferry from Powell River (on the Sunshine Coast) to Comox.
Campbell River is a 45-minute drive from Comox, a 1 hour and 40-minute drive from Nanaimo, and a 3-hour and 15-minute drive from Swartz Bay.
You can find more information about BC ferries, their timetable, and prices here. I really enjoyed the ferry ride as it's a beautiful route and if you're (very) lucky you may even spot a killer whale along the way.
There are ferries from the U.S.A. to Vancouver Island as well, departing from Port Angeles and Seattle.
By plane
Both Victoria as well as Nanaimo have local airports and there are direct flights to and from Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto.
For those looking to make a spectacular entrance, you can fly to Vancouver Island via seaplane as well, it’s only a scenic 20-minute flight from downtown Vancouver.
How to get from the ferry/airport to Campbell River?
I highly recommend renting a car, it's the best way to explore Vancouver Island because it enables you to travel at your own pace and visit more remote locations.
You can also rent a campervan. Please note that campervans can only be picked up in Vancouver.
If you are planning to stay in Canada for a longer period of time, consider buying a car instead of renting one.
How to get around Campbell River?
The easiest way to get around Campbell River is by car (except for the downtown area). Many of the trailheads are difficult or downright impossible to reach without your own wheels.
Plus, there are several other attractions that are a bit further afield but definitely worth a visit. Having your own wheels gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want and explore the best places in and around Campbell River!
Where to stay in Campbell River?
There are several accommodation options in Campbell River. If you're looking for a nice place to stay, check my recommendations below.
| Hotel | Distance to downtown | Price | Review score | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown's Bay Resort | 18 km | 389 CAD | 9.2 | Click here |
| Comfort Inn & Suites | 0.7 km | 189 CAD | 8.7 | Click here |
| Chateau Riverside | 2.1 km | 232 CAD | 8.9 | Click here |
Note: if you're visiting in high season, it's recommended to book ahead, especially for the months of July and August. The prices mentioned in the tables above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Use ‘click here' to see the latest prices on Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.
Are you camping on Vancouver Island? In this post, you can find 10 great free and paid campgrounds.
What to do in Campbell River: map
Click here for the interactive map.
Top places to visit in Campbell River
1. Spend a day at Elk Falls Provincial Park
Whether you bring a tent, a campervan, or just some picnic supplies to indulge in at one of the picnic tables in the park, you’ll get a front-row seat to some of the finest nature in the world at Elk Falls Provincial Park.
There are plenty of hikes in the park that will bring you past popular swimming holes as well as a newly developed adventure park.
Follow the easy Millenium Trail through the forest and feel dwarfed by the sky-high trees. Admire the waterfalls and walk over the vertigo-inducing Elk Falls suspension bridge.
This 60-meter-long suspension bridge hangs 60 meters above the canyon floor so please be careful when you cross this bridge…
2. Explore Quadra Island
Quadra Island is a large island just off the eastern coast of Vancouver Island. It's the main community of the Discovery Islands. These islands are located in the Georgia Strait between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia.
Dotted with picturesque bays, gorgeous hikes, and welcoming locals, Quadra Island is an outdoor enthusiast's haven.
You’ll need to hop onto a ferry from Campbell River to get to the island and once there you can use a taxi, bike, or car to get around (book your rental car here).
3. Hike around Strathcona Provincial Park
Canada is famed for its extensive protected parks, and Strathcona Provincial Park is the oldest provincial park in BC.
250.000 hectares of glaciers, forests, and waterways await those visiting Strathcona park making it a premier hiking spot near Campbell River.
The rugged wilderness demands a full day to be explored, or if you’re a hardy outdoor enthusiast – even a couple of days.
Hikes range from mild afternoon strolls to challenging treks for experts. The Elk River Trail (21km), Crest Mountain trail (11km), and Bedwell Lake trail (15km) are great options.
Prepare well for each of these trails, you’re hiking in the wilderness and it’s crucial you know what you’re doing.
4. Visit the Discovery Passage Aquarium
Celebrating the diverse aquatic life that calls Campbell River and the area home, the Discovery Passage Aquarium is a unique experience that allows hands-on learning and exploration of fascinating marine animals.
Get up close and personal with starfish, eels, and even mischievous octopuses all while learning from the knowledgeable staff about the behaviors, lifestyle, and fun facts of these creatures.
Read about opening hours and tickets here.
5. Peruse boutique shops in downtown Campbell River
If you want to take a break from all the outdoor activities, and do some shopping and urban exploration instead, head to the city's downtown.
Browse the local businesses and enjoy the laid-back shopping scene of Campbell River. It's the perfect place for finding gifts, souvenirs, and uniquely Canadian trinkets.
6. Boat around the Strait of Georgia
The Strait of Georgia is what the sea passage sitting between Vancouver Island and mainland southern British Columbia is called and provides a great area for boating and other water activities.
This large waterway has hundreds of islands, islets, and fjords that make for a wonderful sightseeing day on the waters.
7. Take a day trip to Port Alberni
Campbell River is a good base from which to explore some of the other gems of Vancouver Island. One of these is the Salmon Capital of the World, Port Alberni.
Located about one-and-a-half hour’s drive away from Campbell River, Port Alberni is a quaint fishers city complete with docks, boats, and plenty of interesting sights and activities to fill a day.
8. See a sea of Salmon at the Quinsam Hatchery
Adjacent to the Quinsam River, the Quinsam Hatchery is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts because of the salmon that fills the river and the occasional black bears known to frequent the area during hatching season.
The Quinsam Hatchery facility has a ton of educational content while the area surrounding the hatchery has some pretty hiking trails that visitors can walk along.
However, do keep in mind that during the fall months, black bears like to stay in the area to catch salmon.
9. Go on a whale watching tour
Vancouver Island is renowned for its whale sightings, and Campbell River is a coastal city, granting you easy access to whale-watching tours and experiences.
There are a ton of tours that operate out of Campbell River, ranging from all-day expeditions to half-day trips, making this a popular activity to do while in Campbell River.
10. Stroll along the Rotary Beach Park Sea Walk
Located just south of Campbell River, Rotary Beach Park is a lovely oceanfront park that boasts walking paths, wood carvings, and stunning ocean views.
The Rotary Sea Walk Pathway is popular with both locals and tourists alike to stroll along as there are various points of interest, gorgeous panoramic views of the landscape and ocean, and some park benches you can sit at and enjoy the view from.
11. Explore Miracle Beach Provincial Park
Miracle Beach Provincial Park features camping sites, picnic areas, and a large stretch of sandy beach. It's a great place for families, especially when there's a low tide.
The formation of tide pools makes for a wonderful afternoon spent observing the fascinating aquatic life caught inside the pools.
12. Go mountain biking at Snowden Demonstration Forest
If you’re an avid mountain biker, then you’ll enjoy the challenging trails that zigzag along the Snowden Demonstration Forest.
Dense forests, rocky outcrops, and technically difficult trails make for a great time for experienced mountain bikers looking to better their skill.
13. Stay at the fishing resort Painters Lodge
Painter's Lodge is a charming fishing resort set in Campbell River that features spectacular views as well as a private dock.
The resort offers fishing expeditions and tours and the property itself is decked out with tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool and hot tubs.
This is the perfect accommodation for avid fishers looking to focus on being on the water rather than on land. Check availability here.
14. Spend an afternoon on the Discovery Fishing Pier
This gorgeous pier located within Campbell River is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon.
Walk along the boardwalk taking in the stunning views of the landscape before settling down at one of the fishing points where you can spend the afternoon fishing off the pier.
There is a concession stand nearby that offers all the gear for fishing as well as tasty treats to enjoy.
15. Do the Ripple Rock Hike
The Ripple Rock Hike is a lovely and easy walk (9.8 km out and back) that takes you to a historical site on Vancouver Island.
The hiking trail overlooks the spot where the 1958 Ripple Rock Blast occurred which had been at the time, the largest explosion in the world that wasn’t nuclear.
The trail also has several points of interest and makes for a very interesting hike for nature lovers and historians.
16. Visit the Museum at Campbell River
If you appreciated the history of Ripple Rock, then you’ll also enjoy the exhibits at the Museum at Campbell River.
Detailing the First Nation tribes that have occupied the Campbell River area for thousands of years, the displays are gorgeous and intriguing.
There are also exhibits dedicated to other important moments in the history of Campbell River, including a short film about the Ripple Rock Explosion.
17. Eat at Dicks Fish & Chips
Located across from the Discovery Fishing Pier, Dicks Fish & Chips is a staple restaurant beloved by both locals and tourists alike.
Try out some authentic West Coast Fish & Chips at reasonable prices perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
18. Try out the iconic Ideal Café
A kind of hole-in-the-wall place where you know the food is going to be delicious, Ideal Cafe is a popular place to eat in Campbell River, and rightly so.
With a variety of food items that are classic to America and Canada, Ideal Café serves up a delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner for even the pickiest of eaters.
19. Indulge your tastebuds at the Harbour Grill
While visiting any new destination, it’s practically a rule to go out for a nice dinner during at least one evening of your trip.
Harbour Grill is the perfect spot to do just that. This seafood and steakhouse grill serves up beautiful dishes of meat and seafood that will have your tastebuds watering from the aroma alone.
20. Enjoy a tasting at the Shelter Point Distillery
If you’re a liqueur connoisseur, then visiting the Shelter Point Distillery for luxuriant taste testing will surely be a highlight of your itinerary.
Set within 380 acres of farmland, see what goes into making some of the finest single malt and single grain whiskeys in Canada.
Campbell River things to do: in conclusion
From wildlife tours to outstanding hikes and adventures, there is plenty to do while in Campbell River.
Whether you stay for a weekend or a month, you are guaranteed to leave with a deep appreciation for the gorgeous land of Western Canada and all the spectacular gems waiting to be discovered in and around Campbell River, British Columbia.
If you've got any questions, leave a comment below or send me a message. For more Vancouver Island travel tips, check these posts:
- 10 best hotels in Victoria
- 20 things to do on Pender Island
- 20 things to do in Ucluelet
- 50 things to do on Vancouver Island
Also read my other Canada articles for more travel inspiration.
