Campbell River is a significant stop along the Infinite Coast, an incredible journey that shares the spectacular coastline of British Columbia with guests. A coastline where ocean, mountain, and forest converge, spanning from Vancouver Island in the south all the way to the coast of Northern BC. The Infinite Coast journey, designed by Destination BC, takes in the mesmerising ecosystems, wildlife, stories, and local people that make this route so special.
Campbell River is perfectly positioned as a base to explore the mid-to-north Vancouver Island portion of the Infinite Coast, as well as being a gateway to the southern edges of the Great Bear Rainforest portion. Right on the oceanfront, you’ll have sweeping views of both the Coastal Mountains and the mountains of the Vancouver Island Ranges, with Strathcona Provincial Park just a short drive away.
Ocean Activities from Campbell River
Campbell River is intertwined with thriving rainforest and glacier-fed rivers, and the Discovery Islands are just a short ferry away. This proximity to the ocean, and so many inlets and islands, makes Campbell River a fantastic place to embark on adventures throughout this section of the Infinite Coast. There’s plenty of water activities accessible from multiple downtown marinas, with tours even reaching the major inlets of the mainland like Bute Inlet and Toba Inlet, and Desolation Sound.
Choose a slower pace and connect deeply with the stories and landscape of this region by embarking on a trip under sail or your own paddle power. Choose a sailing excursion or book a boat charter with Beyond Sailing or join a single day or multi-day kayak expedition with Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventures or Wild Waterways Adventures.
A slightly faster pace allows you to fit more into a day while still prioritizing connection to people and place. Small boats provide fishing charters, wildlife watching and cultural tours, and excursions to neighbouring islands, waterfalls, and breathtaking tidal rapids.
Day Trips in the Discovery Islands
Day trips to the Discovery Islands are also incredibly accessible with Campbell River as your base camp. The ferry to Quadra Island departs from downtown regularly, and only takes ten minutes to cross Discovery Passage. Don’t be surprised if you occasionally have to slow down for whales though; this is life on the Infinite Coast! From Quadra Island, there is another ferry onward to Cortes Island, and more tours and water taxis to some of the other, smaller Discovery Islands, and nearby Desolation Sound.
Experience Deep Cultural Heritage
Campbell River is found within the territory of the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ Peoples: the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and Kwiakah Nations. It is also home to members of the Homalco First Nation. Begin your journey here by visiting cultural spaces, Indigenous-owned businesses, and downloading a copy of the Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ First Nations Guide to Campbell River. Listen to knowledge keepers and guides on a trip with Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours. Check the events calendar for cultural happenings and festivities, like Indigenous Peoples Day events each year on June 21.
Other aspects of Campbell River’s heritage stories can be uncovered in cultural venues like the Campbell River Museum, the Maritime Heritage Centre, and the Campbell River Art Gallery, along with more intimate spaces like the Haig-Brown Heritage House and Sybil Andrews Cottage.
Ready to start planning your stops along the Infinite Coast today? Book your accommodation in Campbell River and take a look at our Travel Information page to plan your journey by car, float plane, aeroplane, or ferry.
