Campbell River is the perfect destination to nurture health and wellness. With a variety of day spas and wellness retreats offering rejuvenating hydrotherapy experiences, the city sets the stage for relaxation. Beyond its wellness spaces, Campbell River’s breathtaking natural surroundings invite visitors to embrace the healing power of nature—whether it’s through serene forest walks, the calming rhythm of ocean waves, or the invigorating thrill of a cold water dip.
Read on to design your personal retreat in Campbell River, rooted in nature and topped off with spa experiences to treat yourself.
Try Hydrotherapy or a Hot-Cold Circuit in Campbell River
Both nature and our spas offer the chance to immerse in the rising trend of hot-cold therapy circuits. Head to Stories Beach or Ken Forde Park for a cold dip followed by a warming beach fire or enjoy the soft sand and sloping gradient of the beach at McIvor Lake. Head to Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex afterward for public access to the steam room, pool, and sauna, or book Elements Luxury Loft and Spa by the Sea as the accommodation for your stay to include a sauna for six people to warm up in. Mobile sauna bookings to bring the sauna to your accommodation are available from Island Sauna in Black Creek.
For a more luxurious approach, head to Naturally Pacific Resort for a decadent massage or body treatment followed by time in their detoxifying, anti-inflammatory mineral pool and “experience showers” that spark the senses with a unique blend of hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, sound, and colour therapy. Massage, facials, and holistic treatments like reflexology and reiki are also available at Plume Holistic Medi Spa. They are also opening Campbell River’s first Nordic Spa in winter 24/25.
Forest Bathing and Nature Therapy in Campbell River
To truly immerse in the essence of Campbell River’s natural surroundings, you’ll want to spend time exploring our extensive trail systems. Why not try your hand at forest bathing? Or take a notepad and paint kit to cultivate a deep presence and notice all the little details of your chosen landscape. Move your body, breathe in the fresh air, reflect on the changing seasons, and listen for birdsong—all of which are proven to be good for our mental and emotional health.
For the uninitiated (or simply to tap into local knowledge), Wild Waterways Adventures offers guided forest bathing excursions to an incredible ancient cedar in the Great Bear Rainforest, beginning with a boat trip for the chance to spy marine mammals en route.
Find the Balance Between Luxury and the Outdoors
To blend luxury with the elements, why not pick a spa treatment and then take a walk along the waterfront? Head to Dick Murphy Park to soak in the sunset hues over the ocean, forest, and mountains. Take a seat at Rotary Park or find the Adirondack chairs along the Rotary Seawalk. Pack a nourishing picnic sourced from Healthyway Natural Foods, their in-house cafe, Cedar St Eats. Tasty, vibrant takeaway options also include colourful fresh plates, soups, bowls, and deli sandwiches from Nhau Vietnamese Kitchen & Bar, More Eatery, Session Taproom + Kitchen, and Daves’ Bakery.
Finish the day with a cozy beach fire with friends. The benefits of watching a real fire, and listening to its crackle, have been proven to include stress reduction, lowered heart rate, and increased relaxation. Popular beach fire spots include Stories Beach, Ken Forde Park, and Dick Murphy Park in the city limits and Saratoga Beach further south.
