Set along the wild yet refined shores of Vancouver Island, Campbell River offers a rare kind of luxury—one defined not by excess, but by access. Framed by the soaring peaks and ancient forests of Strathcona Provincial Park and the dynamic waters of the Discovery Passage, this coastal destination pairs untamed landscapes with curated, world-class experiences. From soaring above fjords by helicopter to full-day whale watching in remote waters, indulgent spa rituals, and fine dining inspired by the surrounding sea and forest, Campbell River invites travellers to experience the west coast at its most elevated. Anchored by stays at the award-winning Naturally Pacific Resort, this four-day itinerary showcases a slower, more sophisticated way to connect with nature—without sacrificing comfort, style, or sense of wonder.
Day to Day
Arrivals and Happy Beginnings
Check In to Naturally Pacific Resort
Located high in the heart of the city, with views of the ocean, islands, and mountains, Naturally Pacific Resort is Campbell River’s newest and most luxurious accommodation provider. The guest rooms and suites marry comfort and warmth with elegant design and offer different ways to stay based on your preferences. With on-site spa, fine-dining, pool, hot tub, fitness centre, golf course, and much more, the Naturally Pacific Resort is a fabulous experience in its own right.
Unwind at Velocity Lounge
After getting settled into your room, head down to the Velocity Lounge and swing some clubs as you enjoy craft cocktails, casual bites, and a great atmosphere. Driving range bays open up right from the lounge and are complete with Toptracer™ technology that allows guests to virtually play some of the world’s finest courses or shoot for fish and buried treasure in one of many game options.
Day Two – Adventure & Wildlife Viewing on the Tides
Breakfast at Carve Kitchen + Meatery
Before cruising through the Salish Sea and channels of the Discovery Islands, you’ll want to fuel up with a delicious breakfast at the Resort. Carve Kitchen + Meatery offers an excellent breakfast with items such as house-cured salmon avocado toast, banana bread French toast, a classic eggs benedict, or other great options.
An Epic Day of Wildlife Spotting with Campbell River Whale Watching
The fast-moving waters and narrow channels of the Discovery Passage make Campbell River one of the best areas in the world for spotting Orca, Humpback Whales, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, Stellar Sea Lions, Eagles, and many other local species. As one of the leading wildlife tour operators in the city, Campbell River Whale Watching’s Full Day Whale Watching Tour gives guests the luxury of time to see as much as they can in one single day. This tour also has the option between a covered vessel with indoor seating and outside viewing deck or the zodiac style vessel for those who like being outdoors and want to feel the west coast wind through their hair. No matter how you choose to cruise, your wildlife tour in Campbell River promises a day of unforgettable adventure.
After having a taste of what Carve can offer at breakfast, it’s time to indulge in the Naturally Pacific’s signature dining experience. Executive Chef Ryan Watson has built a phenomenal menu featuring fresh local produce, carefully curated meats, and an assortment of fresh seafood options from the very same waters that you just spent the day exploring. With expert wine pairing from the Naturally Pacific’s in-house sommelier, your dinner at Carve promises to be a true culinary experience that you will not soon forget.
Day 3 – Taking Flight
Breakfast Downtown
Have a more leisurely start to your day and make your way into downtown Campbell River to sample some of the local favourites for breakfast. Stonehouse Teas, a local institution, features a menu of over 120 different types of loose-leaf tea, including a variety of signature blends crafted by chef and owner Christine. Or head to Freya – Nordic baking & kaffe for some mouthwatering pastries made using authentic Scandinavian-style techniques and the finest ingredients curated from all over the world.
(Wood) Land Creatures and (Wood) Sea Creatures
After tea downtown, walk sections of the shoreline, take in the ocean scenery, and check out the amazing works done by Alex Witcombe. Alex is a local artist who started Drifted Creations and creates elaborate sculptures of local animals, entirely from driftwood he collects on local beaches. From Chadwick the Cougar on Tyee Spit, to Sarah the Herrerasaurus & Drift the Humpback Whale in Ken Forde Park, these sculptures must be seen up close to truly appreciate. Check each off the Driftwood Creations off your list as you make your way south towards the day’s main event…
Soar High Like the Eagles Do
You got to experience the scenery of the Discovery Islands and Passage from the water, now get ready to take in all the magnificent scenery from a bird’s eye view. Make your way towards the Campbell River Airport where nearby you will find 49 North Helicopters ready to take you on your Desolation Sound Tour. This tour features a spectacular flight over our vast terrain from the Discovery Islands to Desolation Sound, with a beautiful view of mountains, inlets and a chance to spot wildlife from above. Add in a stop to have a gourmet snack on a secluded beach and be fully immersed in the natural scenery of Coastal BC before taking flight again back to Campbell River.
One Good Flight Deserves Another
Still buzzing from your helicopter tour, make your way back downtown and stop in for a meal and beer flight at Beach Fire Brewing. Born out of genuine love for exceptional beers, artisan eats, and a lively community atmosphere, Beach Fire Brewing has become the social gathering place for an authentic craft beer experience in the heart of Campbell River. And with podium finishes in each of the past 3 years at both Provincial and National brewing awards, sampling from their year-round and seasonal taps is a great way to discover your favourite new brew.
Day 4 – Your Day Your Way
Take A Walk on the Wild Side
After a couple of action-packed days in Campbell River, enjoy the freedom to take a day to do as much or as little as you’d like. Without having to stray too far from the hotel, Campbell River offers a variety of leisurely walks and hikes to immerse yourself in nature. Elk Falls (or Thunder River as the local Indigenous call it), is a beautiful walk through old-growth forest with suspension bridge and viewing platform overlooking the falls themselves.
For a bit more of a rigorous stroll, 15 minutes north of the city is the Ripple Rock trail. This trail will take you through forest along the shores of Menzies Bay to the Ripple Rock Lookout. Watch the tides surge and whirlpools spin through the Seymour Narrows. This stretch of water was so treacherous that in 1958 the Canadian government triggered what was, at the time, the largest non-nuclear explosion ever. This mass demolition of the bedrock under the water made the passage much safer for ships to navigate.
Sample Award-Winning Whiskey
Located just 20-minutes south of Campbell River is the beautiful Shelter Point Distillery. Built in 2011, the distillery features a curated selection of equipment handpicked to produce the highest-quality whisky, including wash and spirit copper pot stills made by Forsyths, a mash-lauter and stainless washbacks made locally by an artisan fabricator on Vancouver Island. The sole focus of Shelter Point is on the execution of the finest expressions of single malt whisky for you to enjoy. Only the highest quality Canadian two-row barley, grown in British Columbia, is selected for malting. Tours and tastings are available throughout the year.
Rejuvenate at the Resort
With many fabulous amenities at the Naturally Pacific Resort, you can relax your way with either a trip to the Immersion Spa, a round of golf at the Campbell River Golf Club, or both!
From body treatments and massage therapy, to facials, manicures, & pedicures, the experts at Immersions will help you discover a harmonious blend of wellness that caters to your every need.
For those who like to relax via a round on the links, the Campbell River Golf Club offers an amazing round at one of the most expertly maintained courses you will ever play. Completely rebuilt in 2017, this 18-hole, par 71 resort-style course seeks to make golf accessible and entertaining for players of all skill levels.
Share Your Stories by the Fire
Cap off your day at the Resort on the outdoor patio with a fire table and full bar service. Reminisce over the whales & other wildlife spotted on your tour with Campbell River Whale Watching. Go through your photos and relive your journey through the clouds with 49 North Helicopters. Dream of the euphoria you experienced during your treatment at Immersions or that long birdie putt you sank on the back 9. Whatever stories you choose to share, they will be fuelling the fire for your next adventure to Campbell River, British Columbia.
