Water Sports
Paddle, Sail, Dive or Snorkel the Campbell River Region
Choices are endless in the waters around Campbell River. From Quadra Island, Cortes Island and the outer Discovery Islands, you will discover natural wonders that will stay with you long after you return home.
Paddle to Spectacular Places
Water Sports in Campbell River
Campbell River is the starting point for exploring the spectacular Discovery Islands archipelago. Quadra Island, Cortes Island and the outer Discovery Islands offer a mix of beaches, coves, rocky headlands and countless areas that are best experienced from the seat of a kayak or canoe, or from on top of a stand-up paddleboard.
If you’re a seasoned kayaker or canoe enthusiast, you can self-guide with ease in many areas. If you’re a beginner, there are several kayaking outfitters in the area that make it easy for you to explore and get out on the water with a professional and experienced guide.
If a canoe trip is what you’re after, there is no better place to go than Strathcona Park Lodge, where you can explore easily on your own or book a guide who will take you out on a canoe excursion that is truly unique.
Explore Water Experiences
Take a Dive and Have Some Fun
Travel at Your Own Pace
Kayaking In Campbell River
Although the maze of islands accessed from Campbell River can be a kayaker’s paradise, these islands experience high volumes of water at varying tides. Waters that are forced through small areas can create standing waves and whirlpools, so planning ahead is key. If you’re going out without a guide, make sure you have the proper gear and information, along with strong paddling skills that will ensure you make it through locations like Surge Narrows, Okisollo Channel, or the Seymour Narrows. These areas are for the experienced paddler, but if your skills are less advanced, you can enjoy calm, protected waters in areas like Rebecca Spit Provincial Marine Park on the east side of Quadra Island or the small forested island and bare rocky inlets of the Breton Islands.
Go With The Flow
Canoeing in Campbell River
Campbell River is home to one of the most extensive freshwater canoe routes on Vancouver Island. The Sayward Forest Canoe Route is a multi-day navigational challenge, covering 12 lakes and several portages along a 48 km loop. This journey is not for the faint of heart, it is a trip of a lifetime and comes with the bragging rights to say you did it! For those that are looking for scenic day trips, you can put your canoe in at Upper Campbell Lake, McIvor Lake, or adventure further into the Strathcona Provincial Park and launch at Buttle Lake and other locations. If you’re looking for a day trip, look into the Main Lake Provincial Park routes (also known as Village Bay Lake) on Quadra Island.
There’s So Much To Do On The Water
Find Your Style in Campbell River
The options for fresh and saltwater exploration are abundant in the area, and we encourage anyone planning a trip to contact our Visitor Services team to find out more about kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, floating yoga, paddle tours (sometimes surfing), and so much more. They will have the most current information.
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