A visit to Campbell River is complete with a stop at the iconic Discovery Pier. One of the best land-based locations to spot marine wildlife, grab an ice cream, try your hand at saltwater fishing, and take in the sky as it fills with the colours of sunrise.
If you’re unable to stop by the pier yourself, are curious to catch a glimpse of what’s on offer on Campbell River’s coastline before you visit, or maybe even keep tabs on a spot you’ve fallen in love with on a prior visit… The City of Campbell River has come up with an innovative new way to take in the sights of the Discover Pier on any given day, at any time.
Three brand new live webcams placed around Discovery Pier have created the best way to see Campbell River’s coastline, marine mammals, and passing marine vessels from the comfort of your own home. Here are their three locations and what you might see by watching each of the live camera feeds.
Campbell River Live Webcam
Facing to the north, this webcam encompasses part of Campbell River—specifically Discovery Marina (where you can take water taxis, tours, and grab a bite at Crabby Bob’s)—and the Discovery Pier. Here you’ll be able to focus on the pier itself—watch locals and visitors fish and see the bustle of tourists in the summer. Keep an eye on the slim body of water between the marina wall and the pier itself, although small it has been known on rare occasion to even have orcas pass through; a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. When they do, there is truly no better vantage point to watch orcas without disturbing them from a land-based position.
Discovery Pier and Quadra Island Live Webcam
Facing out towards the north of Quadra Island, this webcam provides the best view to watch the two iconic BC Ferries maneuver across the fast-moving body of water that is Discovery Passage; no mean feat. It’s also a great vantage point to watch boaters leaving the marinas to the north of town, whether your eye seeks sailboats, local non-profit research vessels, or the occasional impressive pleasure yacht. Here is the best angle to glimpse whether any of the Discovery Pier’s fishermen catches a fish, as they usually gather on the east side of the pier, and watch out for the cruise ships headed to Alaska.
Discovery Passage Live Webcam
The final live webcam on the Discovery Pier faces the south—the best view of the three webcams of Discovery Passage itself, framed by Quadra Island on one side and Campbell River on the other. This live webcam is the best choice to watch the sunrise over the water, and also excellent for keeping an eye out for all sorts of marine wildlife—from diving birds and seals to orcas and humpback whales. An especially fun time to watch is during marine-based annual activities, such as the infamous 360 VanIsle sailing race which has often chosen Discovery Pier as its finish line for one of the segments.
