Located on the shores of Vancouver Island, Campbell River is a veritable wonderland for anyone wanting to experience the pure epicness of Canada’s rugged west coast. Situated between the mountains & old growth forests of Strathcona Provincial Park (the oldest Provincial Park in all of British Columbia) and the raging tides & speckled islands of the Discovery Passage, Campbell River is a land nestled in nature. And while there is so much to experience in nature, in the heart of the city there is a luxurious resort oasis that makes for the perfect place to stay, relax, recharge, and play in between your adventures in the wilderness.
Keep reading below for your ultimate experience in Campbell River.
Day to Day
Day One – Arrivals and Happy Beginnings
Check In to Your Room at 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, driving range, and much more, 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
Campbell River is one of the best places in the world to observe marine wildlife. The fast-moving waters and narrow channels of Discovery Passage create the perfect conditions for spotting orcas, humpback whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Steller sea lions, eagles, and more. As an award-winning, carbon-neutral tour operator and a leader in ethical whale watching, Campbell River Whale Watching is one of the destination’s premier wildlife tour operators and offers a variety of unforgettable experiences.
Choose from 4-hour, 6-hour, or full-day tours on either a covered vessel with indoor seating and an outdoor viewing deck or a zodiac-style boat for an exhilarating open-air adventure. In the fall (September-October), when the salmon return to the rivers, Campbell River Whale Watching also offers grizzly bear viewing tours in Bute and Toba Inlets – some of the best bear-watching destinations in the world.
For an even deeper connection with nature, the Full-Day Whale Watching & Kayaking Combo Tour – offered in partnership with Wildcoast Adventures blends the thrill of marine wildlife viewing with the tranquility of paddling through stunning coastal waters. Wildcoast Adventures also offers multi-day sea kayaking expeditions and Orca Camp, an unforgettable glamping experience in Johnstone Strait, all departing from Campbell River or nearby Quadra Island.
No matter which adventure you choose, you’ll be traveling with companies committed to sustainable tourism, wildlife conservation, and creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences on British Columbia’s wild coast.
Dinner at Carve Kitchen + Meatery
After having a taste of what Carve can offer at breakfast, it’s time to indulge in 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 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 Freyja: the croissant story 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 breakfast downtown, walk sections of the shoreline, take in the ocean scenery, and check out the amazing works created 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 of the Driftwood Creations off your list as you make your way south towards the day’s main event…
Soar High Like Eagles Do
You’ve experienced the beauty of the Discovery Islands and Passage from the water, now prepare to witness even more magnificent scenery from a breathtaking aerial perspective. Head towards the Campbell River Airport, where you’ll find 49 North Helicopters ready to whisk you away on your Comox Glacier Tour. This tour showcases a spectacular flight over our stunning landscape, taking you towards the majestic Comox Glacier. You’ll be treated to incredible views of rugged mountains, pristine alpine environments, and the awe-inspiring expanse of the glacier itself. Keep an eye out for potential wildlife sightings from above as you soar through the coastal skies. Enhance your experience with a mountaintop landing for a delicious gourmet snack amidst the dramatic natural beauty before your return flight to Campbell River.
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 Resort, 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.
Rejuvenate at the Resort
With many fabulous amenities at 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 fire tables 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 Immersion Spa 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.
