Campbell River on Vancouver Island is well-known for mild temperatures, particularly for staying warmer than elsewhere in Canada during the winter months. Come summer time, the exact opposite is true. Summer temperatures generally average around mid 20°Cs during the day and drop down over night. These conditions make Campbell River a welcoming option for travellers looking for coastal adventures without overheating.
With warm days for beach and forest adventures and cool evenings for coastal beach fire gatherings, Campbell River offers respite for travellers looking to beat the summer heat.
The Best Swim Spots and Water Tours in Campbell River
Seek out one of our many waterways, from rivers and lakes, to waterfalls and the ocean, for a refreshing dip. Swim in the ocean in Campbell River is from the beach at Ken Forde Park. There is also Stories Beach and Saratoga Beach to the south. Time on the oceanfront frequently provides a refreshing coastal breeze.
A paddle by sea kayak, a sailing trip, or local wildlife and cultural tour can make the most of the ocean spray and the wind. Beyond Sailing offers sailing courses and multi-day excursions into the Discovery Islands and as far as Desolation Sound.
Campbell River Whale Watching, Wild Waterways Adventures, and Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours are just a handful of the tour operators that take guests out from Campbell River into Discovery Passage and beyond to look for wildlife and appreciate the stunning coastal views from the water. Kayakers can join several tour operators departing from Campbell River or Quadra Island, or pick up a kayak to paddle in the Campbell River estuary.
The Best Recreational Lake Spots and Camping in Campbell River
Those who prefer to submerge in freshwater should head to McIvor Lake with its family-friendly sandy sloping beach. Families also thoroughly enjoy the Willow Point Splash Park and the shade of the Natural Playground and swimming pool at Centennial Park.
Many lakes are accessible just north of town via Gordon Road (please drive slowly through residential areas), for swimming, picnicking, camping, and canoeing, and paddle boarding. When you’re not enjoying the delights of your campsite, enjoy the shady canopy of our lush temperate rainforest as it provides a rejuvenating break from the sun and wind. Snowden Demonstration Forest is accessed from many of the lakes and campgrounds just north of town, like Loveland Bay Provincial Park.
Closer to town, the abundant trails of Beaver Lodge beckon with many creeks woven throughout. Trails also head out from the riverfront spots at Quinsam Campground to meander along the respite of the Quinsam River, or across the road to the Campbell River and up to Elk Falls Provincial Park with its spectacular waterfalls.
Cool Evenings and Ice Cream on the Oceanfront
Thanks to our coastal setting, Campbell River frequently cools down in the evening all summer. Enjoy the reset of a walk along the waterfront and head to Discovery Pier for a delicious cooling ice cream while watching the surging tides and wildlife among them. Grab a meal from one of our tasty restaurants, whether its sushi, pizza, Vietnamese, or something else, and take it to a picturesque sunset beach spot at Dick Murphy Park or Ken Forde Park.
