Domestic travellers from all over Canada head to British Columbia year-round to experience incredible landscapes and coastal wildlife; enjoy mountain, ocean, and water sports; and immerse themselves in cultural storytelling and Indigenous perspectives.
Campbell River’s Striking Location and Landscapes
A stay in Campbell River puts access to mountains, ocean, lakes, and forests on your doorstep. Our oceanfront location provides sweeping views out over the water, with frequent sightings of seals, whales, and other marine mammals, to the mainland’s Coast Mountains. Meanwhile, to the west, the snow-capped peaks of Strathcona Provincial Park can be seen from spots across the city.
Scattered throughout our lush forest surroundings are waterfalls that will take your breath away. Many are easier to find and fully on the map, like Elk Falls with its photo-worthy cascade and suspension bridge right in Campbell River, but there are plenty more along with potholes and lakes tucked away in the city’s outer edges. With 100s of kilometres of trails accessible, we remind visitors to always head out prepared for wildlife encounters and areas without cell service.
An Island Escape Without Your Passport
Dreaming of a beach vacation? Campbell River is home to sandy beaches and crystal clear waters—a true island escape without the needing your passport! Pack your beach towels, your bucket and shovel, and even your snorkel. Soft sandy beaches can be found at McIvor Lake, Stories Beach (along with some pebbles), and Saratoga Beach. For the experienced snorkeller, freediver, or scuba diver, several dive spots exist within Campbell River, like Argonaut Wharf for the experienced diver and Willow Point Reef. A stop at the Discovery Passage Aquarium provides information on some of the sea creatures you might spot.
You can add breathtaking tours and experiences iconic of island escapes right from the downtown marinas, like whale watching tours with expert guides, sunset boat rides that blend wildlife and culture, kayak trips, and multi-day sailing adventures with Beyond Sailing.
Round off the quintessential island vacation with an ice cream at Discovery Pier (watch out for wildlife from here), a cocktail at Session Taproom + Kitchen, or a meal near the water’s edge at Quay West Kitchen, Riptide Marine Pub, Moxie’s or Dolphin’s Resort.
A Different Style of City Life
Campbell River’s city residents thrive on a pace of life that is completely opposed to the, at times, frantic energy of most major cities. The quick access to nature, the calm of the ocean hugging the entire length of the city’s eastern edge, and the walkability of our downtown core with its eateries, arts and cultural hubs, summer outdoor festivities, farmer’s market, and independent stores make it easy not to feel the need to rush. It’s likely a major contributor to Campbell River securing the highest life satisfaction rating in British Columbia from its residents.
