Campbell River is surrounded by diverse, neighbouring communities within a scenic three-hour drive. To get a true sense of the region, we encourage you to #MeetOurNeighbours!
Gold River
Head west from Campbell River and the next community you’ll encounter is Gold River; an 87.5 km scenic drive away that we suggest giving additional time to. Gold River is one of the best destinations for river kayaking and caving, but tempts all types of enthusiastic adventurers with its many hiking trails, ocean activities, and mountain biking.
Tahsis
Another 66.5 km west of Gold River (154 km from Campbell River) is the picturesque coastal village of Tahsis. It is best known for its abundant fishing charters and boat access to the infamous multi-day Nootka Island hiking trail. Tahsis also offers plenty of wildlife watching opportunities—from birds and bears to marine mammals—and premier access to west coast kayaking, diving, and paddle boarding without the crowds.
Zeballos
Zeballos is accessed by heading north from Campbell River, and then west near Woss. A 192km 2.5-hour drive along the scenic, winding paved Highway 19, and then a more adventurous logging road (make sure you’re prepared as cell service can be spotty in this area). Zeballos is well worth the travel time—best known for its access to the unparalleled scuba diving, kayaking, and salmon fishing opportunities of Kyuquot Sound. The Zeballos River estuary (a designated Wetland Reserve) also draws passionate bird watchers and fly-fishermen hoping to catch steelhead trout.
Sayward
Also to the north of Campbell River, Sayward is a popular destination with hikers and trail runners—particularly for the H’kusam Klimb; accessible year-round but host to the annual 23km rugged and wild Kusam Klimb race. Sayward is also well-known for its wildlife viewing opportunities from elk and bears to the annual salmon run and bird life in its estuary. Sayward is a 75km, hour-long drive along the paved 19 Highway.
Discovery Islands
Just a ten-minute ferry ride from downtown Campbell River is Quadra Island, and beyond that access to Cortes Island. Both are well-known for their artistic communities, from ceramicists and painters to silversmiths and musicians. Quadra, Cortes, and the Discovery Islands are also incredibly popular for coastal camping, kayaking, and sailing, and the marine wildlife viewing opportunities that come with it. Quadra Island is also one of the best places in our region for rock climbing, particularly at Morte Lake, Chinese Mountains, and Breton Island.
Oyster River and Black Creek
A twenty-minute drive south of Campbell River along the scenic 19A coastal highway brings you to the communities of Oyster River, and then Black Creek. This area is best known for its beach access including the vast sandy beaches of Miracle Beach Provincial Park, the dog-friendly Saratoga Beach, and the Oyster River Nature Park which also takes walkers to the beach. Oyster River and Black Creek are also popular with culinary travellers thanks to the many farm stands, berry farms, and wineries that dot the highway, along with Shelter Point Distillery.
