Our spectacular coastal location is one of the biggest draws for visitors and locals alike to Campbell River. There’s the chance to spot marine mammals from the shore, the joy of sunrises viewed from our extensive waterfront pathways, and the ease of access for beach days packed with swimming, beach games, sand castles, and even snorkelling. Not to mention enjoying a cozy beach fire with friends is the perfect end to an adventurous day in our city and surrounding trails.
Whether it’s a fun-filled beach day with swimming and sandcastles or a cozy evening around a beach fire, Campbell River provides unforgettable experiences for visitors and locals alike.
Seek Classic Sandy Beaches
Visitors seeking a classic sandy beach to sink their feet into will be drawn to Saratoga Beach. Stock up with picnic ingredients from farm stands or one of many restaurants offering takeaway in Campbell River. Saratoga Beach is dog off-leash friendly so be prepared to make some furry friends. Check the tide timetable to ensure maximum beach time for games of Spikeball and beach bocce, along with sandcastle building and optimal sunbathing space. There is minimal tree coverage on this beach so bring your umbrella or shade. The pristine, clear water and very gradual incline into the water make this a very family-friendly option.
Closer to Campbell River, sand can be found at Stories Beach—particularly at low tide—and also at McIvor Lake which is a popular spot for families, picnickers, and boaters in the summer. There is a separate cordoned-off swim beach (Hill Beach) next to the boating and boat launch area. Camp beside the meandering river at Quinsam Campground in Elk Falls Provincial Park for the quickest access to McIvor Lake or book a stay at Naturally Pacific Resort to end your beach day with an elevated meal and a relaxing spa experience.
Camp Out by the Beach at These Provincial Parks
From Campbell River, there are a handful of beaches worth the day trip or a couple of nights spent camping by the sand. Soak up incredible coastal views and camp out at Miracle Beach Provincial Park, a 25-minute drive south of Campbell River. Miracle Beach is a wide sandy beach perfect for families with the added amenities of hot showers, a playground, and picnic areas. There’s also the educational Miracle Beach Nature House with its interactive displays. A ten-minute ferry ride from central Campbell River takes you to Quadra Island. Head to Rebecca Spit for a relaxed walking loop, swimming in the protected bay, and a day spent with your eyes on the horizon watching for the breach and blow of humpback whales and other marine mammals like orcas, seals, and dolphins. Spend a night or two camping at the We Wai Kai Campground right next door.
Snorkelling and Beach Fires in the City Limits
Campbell River also has excellent beach access right in the heart of the city. Ken Forde Park is very popular with those wanting to cold dip before warming up with a crackling beach fire and the delight of s’mores. Just north of Ken Forde Park is access to Willow Point Reef which beckons snorkellers and freedivers at high tide, and rock pool enthusiasts looking for starfish and other colourful sea creatures at low tide.
Stay at a cottage rental or B&B nearby like Beachway Vacation Rentals or Seaside Cottage, or slightly further north in waterfront accommodations with added amenities like Ramada by Wyndham and the Anchor Inn & Suites.
Dick Murphy Park at Tyee Spit offers beach access with the bonus of an accessible paved pathway—great for scooters and bikes for the kids—and the excitement of watching float planes take off. There is plenty of space for picnickers on both the beach and the park’s grass, and several park benches to take a pause.
Stay at Thunderbird RV Park and Cottages a 5-minute walk away for striking sunsets over the Strathcona mountains and Campbell River estuary. Alternatively, downtown hotels like Coast Discovery Inn and Comfort Inn & Suites are just a 5 to 10-minute drive away.
