Located at the mouth of the Discovery Passage that connects the Johnstone Strait to the Salish Sea, Campbell River and the Discovery Islands (the ancestral territories of the Laich-Kwil-Tach and Coast Salish First Nations) are perfectly situated for all manner of west coast Canadian experiences in nature. The narrow channels and fast-moving tides create ideal conditions for whales and other marine wildlife to converge and feast on the nutrients provided by the waters. In particular, Orca (killer whales) and Humpback Whales are sited near daily in this part of the world. And with organizations like Campbell River Whale Watching and Wildcoast Adventures, viewing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is possible in a number of ways.
Day to Day
Day One – Arriving on the Coast
Getting to Campbell River
Whether by flight or ferry, the trip into Campbell River alone is a leisurely adventure in and of itself. Riding BC Ferries from Vancouver to the harbour city of Nanaimo leaves you with a casual 2-hour drive along the Island Highway. Flights directly to Campbell River from Vancouver are also available through Pacific Coastal Airlines. And starting in July 2026, Harbour Air will begin regularly scheduled direct flights from downtown Vancouver to the shores of Campbell River via seaplane, turning the journey into a flightseeing tour of its own. Finally, the nearby Comox Valley Airport also offers access to the region with a quick, 45-minute, seaside drive.
Getting to Know the City
Ease into the first day of your trip to Campbell River by taking some time to get your bearings. Head down to Discovery Pier, Canada’s first purpose-built saltwater fishing pier, to get your first real look at the Discovery Passage while keeping an eye out for dorsal fins and blows. Or head to the legendary Tyee Spit at the mouth of the Campbell River estuary for your chance to see salmon jumping, seals playing, eagles flying overhead, and maybe even a pod of whales passing through. And to learn more about the region you’ll spend the next week exploring, head to the Museum at Campbell River for an immersive journey through the Indigenous history of the region, European colonization, and the lumber and fishing industries that first put this place on the map. And of course, the downtown shops and restaurants are ready and waiting should you want to sample some local cuisine or pick up some locally made, artisanal keepsakes.
Stay Your Way
Before setting off on the kayak expedition of a lifetime, take some time to rest and relax in your own style. For the ultimate in luxury and comfort, the Naturally Pacific Resort features idyllic guest rooms, spa, 18-hole golf course, Carve Kitchen + Meatery, and beautiful grounds & gardens. Or stay right on the water at the historic Painter’s Lodge and enjoy your morning coffee while watching boats (and maybe even some whales) pass by. Or stay in the heart of the action at the Comfort Inn & Suites or Coast Discovery Inn, both steps from the shops, restaurants, and marinas of downtown.
Day Two – Getting on the Water
Fueling Up for the Day
Before getting your first taste of ocean exploration, make sure you fuel up with a taste of something a little more mouthwatering. Ideal Cafe is a perfect spot for a classic west coast breakfast fit for any logger or fisherman. Or if you’re after a different cup of tea, Stonehouse Teas is a local institution with over 120 in-house blended teas to choose from. Finally, for decadent pastries that would be at home in any trendy patisserie in Europe, Freya – Nordic baking & kaffe has you covered.
Your First Taste of Infinite Coast Exploration
In anticipation of your upcoming kayaking expedition, what better way to get acquainted with the region than spending a full day out on the water? Make your way down to the Discovery Harbour Marina and to the big red float house where the experts at Campbell River Whale Watching await to get you prepared for a day of whale watching on the Salish Sea and Discovery Passage.
As a leader in sustainable and ethical wildlife viewing, Campbell River Whale Watching operates with a strict viewing code of conduct based on the latest research into the well-being of marine mammals. Through their forest protection partnership along the BC coast, every guest also helps protect at least one square meter of old-growth forest, supporting long-term conservation of vital habitats.
This tour focuses on observing orca in their natural habitat, and with the luxury of time, chances of seeing them are significantly higher. Along the way, guests may also observe humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, Steller sea lions, harbour seals, and occasionally black bears along the shoreline. While there’s no guarantee to see all of these animals on every tour, Campbell River Whale Watching takes pride in each of their tours and takes every opportunity to show guests everything that is possible during their tour.
Guided by trained naturalist captains, you’ll explore from either a Zodiac (up to 12 guests) or a Covered Boat (up to 12 or 30 guests), with plenty of opportunities to learn about the diverse wildlife we observe. A packed-lunch, snacks, & refreshments are all included as part of the day. Looking for something shorter? Campbell River Whale Watching also offers 4-hour and 6-hour whale watching tours—perfect for every kind of adventurer and schedule.
Dinner on the Dock
Cap off your coastal experience with food harvested from the very same waters you just finished exploring. For a quintessential west coast meal, More on the Shore is a dockside eatery pumping out fresh and crispy fish & chips with a delicious selection of homemade ice cream sandwiches. Or if you’re more into shellfish, the new Crabby Café (an offspring of the legendary Crabby Bob’s Seafood) has nearly every variety of wild, sustainably produced seafood that the Salish Sea has to offer. Either option will put a smile on any seafood lover’s face.
Day 3 – Setting off to Orca Camp with Wildcoast Adventures
Boat Ride to Camp
Start your journey to Orca Camp with Wildcoast Adventures. Meet the water taxi at Campbell River Whale Watching at 7:30am.The 2.5-hour journey passes through the Discovery Passage and the infamous ‘Seymour Narrows’, the site of the 1958 Ripple Rock explosion (featured in the Museum at Campbell River). Sightings of porpoises, dolphins, and whales are common even before reaching camp.
Nestled on the oceanfront of Johnstone Strait and adjacent to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, a key protected area for Northern Resident Killer Whales, Wildcoast Adventure’s Orca Camp offers a true glamping experience in prime killer whale territory. Though wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, this unique location provides some of the best opportunities for shore-based orca viewing, as whales are often seen swimming past the camp.
Comforts at the camp include safari tents with real beds and warm duvet bedding, a warm shower, ocean front wood-fired hot tub and sauna, and the serene ambiance of crackling fires and gentle ocean waves. After settling in, an afternoon kayak orientation will prepare you for your first paddle, followed by a hot meal of custom coastal cuisine crafted by a gourmet chef.
From the moment you arrive, the camp’s location and thoughtful amenities create the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and connection with nature, making it an ideal base for exploring this spectacular orca habitat.
Day 4 – The True Adventure Begins
A Full Day of Kayaking
A full day of kayak adventure along the stunning coast awaits. Your morning can begin with an optional sunrise paddle, followed by a hearty breakfast at camp. Once on the water, you’ll explore the intertidal zones and remote waterways, with the chance to spot wildlife along the way. A picnic lunch on a secluded beach offers a perfect mid-day break, and you may also venture inland to a beautiful waterfall, where the brave can take a dip in the glacial waters.
Back at camp, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the glamping amenities, take a short hike through the old-growth forest, or simply relax before a gourmet dinner. After dinner, embark on a sunset paddle, followed by the warmth of a cozy fire. With no nearby city lights, clear nights provide spectacular stargazing, making for a perfect end to an unforgettable day immersed in nature and the beauty of Johnstone Strait.
Day 5 – Passage Crossing
Crossing the Johnstone Straight
Day 6 – Return to Campbell River
Last Day at Camp
Back in The River City
Returning back to the dock between 3:30-5:30 pm, guests continuing their stay in Campbell River will have the opportunity to check into their accommodations before an evening in the City. A dinner at the local, award-winning Beach Fire Brewing or Session Taproom + Kitchen will make for the perfect setting to relive the last week of escapades on the coasts of Campbell River and the Discovery Islands. Wherever your next adventure takes you, the memories made on your journeys here will stay with you for a lifetime.
