As a coastal city, many of Campbell River’s best adventurous tourism offerings revolve around time on, in, or near the water. The first week of June sees the city’s oceanfront burst into life for Ocean Week, culminating in a quintessentially Campbell River combination event: the Tourism Season Opening & World Ocean’s Day Festival.
Expect family-friendly, hands-on activities, discounted rates with tour operators, and activations that give back to the beautiful ocean that surrounds our city. Come for the week from June 2nd to make the best of all the individual activities leading up to the big finale event on June 8th.
Since 1992, countries the world over have celebrated World Ocean Day on June 8th. An opportunity to appreciate, learn from, raise awareness, and protect our oceans through celebrations and collective action. So inspiring is the day that many countries, cities, organizations, and individuals have expanded this day into World Ocean Week, taking place for the first week of June every year. Ocean Week Campbell River is partnering with the Discovery Passage Aquarium and the Maritime Heritage Centre again this year for many of its activities and events. The two venues are the primary destinations for the Ocean Week events.
Youth are invited to attend Sea School on the evening of Wednesday, June 4 to forge a deeper connection with marine science. On Friday, June 6, join a beach clean-up at the picturesque Ken Forde Beach (meet at the boat ramp) from 10am-1pm. On Saturday, June 7, catch the Maritime Market at the Maritime Heritage Centre for all sorts of marine-centric gifts and goods—from local salt to fishing gear and boating supplies. Knot-tying workshops and music will also accompany the market. Make sure to keep an eye out for Larus the ocean festival mascot, who’s eager to gift kids with a fun ocean-themed sticker!
Tourism Season Opening and World Ocean Day Festivities on June 8
The Campbell River World Ocean Day Festival will provide attendees with vendors, music, educational booths, ocean-inspired crafting activities, and much more in the parking lot adjacent to the Maritime Heritage Centre. The Maritime Heritage Centre will be open by donation, while the Discovery Passage Aquarium will be half price entry. The 2025 theme is “It’s All Connected” demonstrating how the Campbell River, Quinsam River, and Campbell River estuary all play a vital role in the health of our ocean, waterways, and community.
For the Tourism Season Opening, hosted by the Campbell River Association of Tourism, visitors can expect land, sea, and air tours at free or discounted rates from 8am to 2pm, along with lots of insider travel tips, giveaways, and local information. Get a taste of just how much variety in the outdoors a stay in Campbell River provides, from whale watching and cultural tours to helicopter and sunset adventures. All tours are available for sign-up on the day, with the majority being bookable at the Maritime Heritage Centre. A full list of participating tour operators is available here.
