Day to Day
Thursday
Holiday Home
Campbell River is home to a host of unique vacation rentals which offer premium amenities in personalized packages. For your May holiday, we recommend the contemporary cottages at Thunderbird RV Park and Resort. Conveniently located near shopping and dining locations, these holiday homes are available in one or two bedrooms with views of the estuary and ocean and a private hot tub on your deck! Only a five minute drive or 25 minute walk to downtown, the cottages contain everything you need including premium wifi.
Hole in One
Start your holiday on the right foot with a round at the Campbell River Golf and Country Club. Completely remodelled in 2017, this resort-style course offers something for every skill level from novice to expert. The fairways are wide and long which is optimum for less experienced players, though sand and water hazards dot 16 of the 18 holes, and the greens are deceptively tricky for even seasoned pros.
After your game, grab a seat in the Velocity Driving Range & Lounge. Eight private bays are decked out with comfortable seating and high speed Toptracer technology. Watch the game with your friends, play virtual courses all over the world, and analyse your skills with the Toptracer App. Velocity features an extensive menu of fresh seasonal fare, paired with hand-crafted cocktails and happy hour specials Monday to Friday from 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Friday
Hike With a View
Catch the sunrise early in the day from the vantage point of the Ripple Rock Trail. This popular trek overlooks the site of the 1958 Ripple Rock blast: the largest non-nuclear explosion of its time. The trail is four kilometres long out-and-back, and takes approximately three hours to complete. Features include idyllic viewpoints overlooking Menzies Bay and Seymour Narrows. You can find a map of the trail here.
Sweet Treat
You’ve earned a treat! No visit to Ripple Rock is complete without stopping at Robert’s Lake Resort Cafe for one of their famous cinnamon buns. Take your time to pause at this beautiful location and take in the wild surroundings.
Catch of the Day
Catch the big one with Ralph at Campbell River Fishing Charters. Your guided tour will include: bait, tackle, water & soda, rain jackets, pants, and rubber boots. Your boat for the voyage is a 24′ Cruiser equipped with toilet facilities. You can look forward to reeling in species such as Chinook salmon, coho, halibut, lingcod, and rock cod. You can even add crabbing to your to-do list! Ralph will customize your charter to suit your needs – contact him ahead of your holiday to set-up a time and duration that suits you. Be sure to pack necessities for your excursion, including extra warm and dry clothing, rain gear, hat and sunscreen, snacks or lunch, and of course – your camera to snap a photo of your fish!
Need a fishing license? Learn more about what type you’ll require and how to apply for one here.
Fruit of the Sea
After a day on the water, serve the one that got away on a platter at Miki’s Sushi, now with two locations in Campbell River. This local staple cooks excellent Korean fare as well as Japanese classics like tempura, udon, ramen, and sashimi.
Saturday
Tree of Life
Your customized tour today with Wild Waterways Adventures combines an exhilarating boat ride with a hike through an old growth forest, home to an ancient western redcedar named the Tree of Life. Following the hike enjoy a delicious hot lunch provided by Blind Channel Resort.
On your way to Blind Channel you’ll travel through Discovery Passage and the Seymour Narrows Rapids. Every tour is different and the wildlife you see will vary depending on the seasonal migrations of marine mammals. A possible roll call may include whales, dolphins, sea lions, seals, bears, marine birds, and bald eagles.
OPA!
Quench your thirst tonight at Fifty Parallel Tap & Grill, an oceanside social house specializing in Greek Cuisine, delicious appies, pasta, AAA steaks, seafood, hand-stretched pizza, and a terrific selection of Vancouver Island craft beers and ciders. Take a seat on the heated patio for a view of Discovery Passage while you dine, then walk off your meal with a stroll along the Seawalk to Rotary Beach Park.
Sunday
Whale of a Tale
What trip to Campbell River would be complete without a whale sighting? Aboriginal Journeys will guide you on the lookout for orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, black bears, porpoises, eagles, seals, and sea lions. Explore Discovery Passage, Johnstone Strait, Desolation Sound, and the Salish Sea from the comfort of a covered boat with onboard washrooms. Along the way you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of this region from guides who were born and raised here. Be sure to bring your camera for spectacular wildlife on this adventure you will never forget!
One for the Road
On your way out of town, put the cherry on top of your vacation with a special treat from Sarah Makes Cakes, a local confectionary connoisseur! Try the croffle, a yummy waffle/croissant hybrid which comes in Nutella & Cream, Caramel & Cream, Strawberry & Cream, or classic.
Additional Resources
The Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower passes Earth from April 19 to May 28 and peaks on May 5 & 6. Discovered in 1870, it produces an average of 10-30 “shooting stars” every hour. With little light pollution to dull the skies, our city is an ideal location to witness this epic event!
Important Considerations
Whether it’s a whale watching tour, or a hike through old growth forests, it’s important to know what to bring to keep you comfortable on the move. Here is a list of our must-haves for youradventure:
- Local weather report
- Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
- Warm layers (fleece, sweatshirt, tights, warm socks)
- Rain gear (jacket, hat, pants if you’re fishing or trekking)
- Insect repellant – especially if you’re going off-road
- An itinerary you can leave with a loved one or friendly front desk agent if you’re travelling out of cell phone range
- Snacks & bottled water
- Camera – pictures or it didn’t happen!
- Light footwear for the boat – hiking boots are cumbersome on the water.
- Personal items like lip balm, medications, and after-bite.
Calendar Of Events
Saturdays: Eagle’s Lounge Open Jam @ 4:00pm – 7:00pm recurring
Sundays: Session Taproom + Kitchen: Sunday Funday Live Music @ 12:00-17:00 recurring
05/02: Tidemark Theatre: Grass is Green @ 7:30pm ($25.50 – $30.50)
05/04: Tidemark Theatre: Magic Men Australia @ 7:30pm ($59.50)
05/05: Tidemark Theatre: Tsunamis: Stories, History, and Preparedness @ 7:00pm (free event)
05/06: Tidemark Theatre: Blues Odyssey 2023 @ 7:30pm ($60)
05/10: St. Peter’s Anglican Church: Island Voices Chamber Choir @ 7:30pm ($10-25)
05/12: Tidemark Theatre: 101 Dalmatians & The Aristocats (05/12 @ 7:00pm, 05/13 @ 2:00pm & 7:00pm – $16)
05/14: Tidemark Theatre: Kobo Town @ 7:30pm ($32.50/ $37.50)
05/19: Tidemark Theatre: The 60’s Cavalcade of Stars @ 7:30pm
05/25: Tidemark Theatre: Burton Cummings Unplugged @ 7:30pm ($107.50 + tx)
05/26: Tidemark Theatre: The Lonely Band @ 7:30pm ($48.50)
05/27: Painter’s Lodge: Rotary Wine Brews & Blues Festival @ 7:00pm (tickets from $85)
May Day on Quadra Island @ Rebecca Spit
Tidemark Theatre: Fleetwood Magic Tribute Band @ 7:30pm ($47.50)
