Elk Falls Provincial Park
Location: 2 km out of Campbell River along Hwy 28, turn right at Brewster Lake Road for the Elk Falls parking lot.
Lose yourself in nature and the overwhelming power of the Elk Falls from the swinging suspension bridge above. After the waterfall, wander through the six kilometres of serene old growth forest trails and feel dwarfed by the sky high trees. Nestled in nature, Elk Falls will leave you in awe of west coast woodlands. While visiting, be sure to check out the John Hart Dam Interpretive Centre.
Quinsam River Salmon Hatchery
Location: 4217 Argonaut Road
As one of Canada’s largest salmon rearing facilities, the Quinsam Hatchery has been in operation since 1974 playing a vital role in restoring natural spawning runs to the Campbell and Quinsam Rivers during the fall months. The highlight for visitors is the fish floor inside the hatchery’s interpretive centre: it is a glass floor covering a re-creation of the nearby rivers with salmon, trout and other native aquatic species. Providing visitors with information about the salmon life cycle and conservation, the hatchery is open 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.
Tyee Spit/ Dick Murphy Park
Location: 3200 Spit Road
This walk along the Discovery Passage and the Campbell River Estuary boasts great views of Quadra Island, wildlife and cruise ships in the summer. From July 15th to September 15th witness a Campbell River tradition: The Tyee Club rowers and anglers trying to catch a salmon over 30lbs in a wooden rowboat. Take a detour down to the rocky beaches and dip your toes in the chilly Pacific Ocean for a true local experience. Catch a bit of the sunset from the viewing platform on the estuary side of the spit.
Discovery Fishing Pier
Location: 655 Island Highway
Take a walk along the beautiful Discovery Pier, a popular spot for anglers of all ages. The Pier provides great views of Quadra Island and the Discovery Passage, and is one of Campbell River’s most unique attractions. Open 24 hours a day, the Pier is wheelchair accessible and fully lit. It has built-in rod holders, bait stands, fish cleaning tables, covered areas, picnic tables and benches. The concession stand provides rod and tackle rentals, licenses, and is famous for their delicious ice cream cones and wraps. The concession is open 7:00 am to dusk, May to October.
Maritime Heritage Centre
Location: 621 Island Highway
Discover the area’s rich fishing history at the Maritime Heritage Centre. Behold the fully restored motor vessel BCP 45, a table seiner made famous on the Canadian five dollar bill in the 1970s. Now a national historic site, guests are allowed to hop aboard the restored table seiner and explore the cabins below deck. In addition to the BCP 45, the Centre also has an eclectic collection of maritime artifacts that range from model ships to navy paraphernalia.
Big Rock
Location: South of the 50th parallel along the Sea Walk
The Ligwiłdax legend speaks of a grizzly bear that claimed he could jump from Quadra to Vancouver Island. The Great Spirit told the bear he would turn to stone if he touched the water. The bear jumped across the strait and reached the island but, his back paw landed in the water. As warned, the bear turned to stone.
Public Art
Location: Throughout the city
Immerse yourself in Campbell Rivers growing art scene. Seek out the expanding collections of murals in the downtown area or delve into the latest exhibit at the Campbell River Art Gallery. Enjoy the variety of carvings and driftwood sculptures that can be found scattered around the City. If looking for more of the theatrics check out what is happening at the Tidemark Theater or Rivercity Players.
Ripple Rock Hike
Location: Off highway 19 about 16km North of Campbell River
This popular hiking trail overlooks the site of the famous 1958 Ripple Rock blast, which was the largest non-nuclear explosion in the world at the time. While the detonation was dangerous, the trail is the opposite. At 4 kms long, this moderate trail provides scenic viewpoints overlooking Menzies Bay and the Seymour Narrows. A favourite of locals, historians and visitors, this trail is one of the must-do-hikes on Vancouver Island.
Museum at Campbell River
Location: 470 Island Highway, at 5th Avenue
Explore vibrant and contemporary exhibits of First Nations cultures, sit behind the wheel of an early logging truck, and learn about early days of recreational and commercial fishing at the award-winning Campbell River Museum. While visiting, be sure to take in the short film on the Ripple Rock explosion, in the Van Isle Theatre.
Rotary Sea Walk
Location: Island Highway, spanning from Waterfront Hill to Willow Point Hill
This paved 10 kilometre lane running alongside the shoreline offers flat and convenient access to spectacular views of the Discovery Passage and Quadra Island. Walkers, bikers and strollers are common on the pathway that runs along the beachfront and winds to iconic local hubs like the fiftieth Parallel marker, Rotary Beach Park, and cafes. A highlight for photographers is Big Rock, a massive, painted rock with many legends to its origin, sitting in the chilly waters reaching towards the path.
Whale Watching
Location: Campbell River Visitor Centre: 1235 Shoppers Row
April – October
Campbell River’s residents are more than just the people. Iconic Canadian wildlife roams the land, seas and skies around the city. It’s entirely possible that on a lucky day, you could spot a breaching whale, a bear devouring salmon or a pair of bald eagles flying above. An excellent way to witness these amazing creatures is on an excursion with one of our many knowledgeable tour operators.
Visit Wildlife
Greenways Loop
The newest addition to the Campbell River riding scene is the Greenways Loop. This scenic 28 km loop skirts the perimeter of the city on nature trails, pathways, sea walk, bike lanes, and the road shoulder. It gives riders a glimpse of the ocean views, nature trails and urban life as they traverse around our beautiful city.
For more biking trails visit Biking
Guided Fishing + Tyee Pool
Over the years Campbell River has earned the nickname “Salmon Capital of the World” because our waters are home to all five species of Salmon. In the summer months, the waters of the Discovery Passage are dotted with small fishing boats all trying their luck. Getting out on the water with a local guide is the best way to get the most out of your fishing experience, they will provide you with all the gear needed and take you around to all the local hotspots. It is recommended to book a fishing charter in advance.
For a list of operators visit Fishing
