Campbell River is an ideal destination for responsible marine wildlife watching as well as all kinds of unique ocean-going adventures during a visit to our coastal city. Below you’ll find some of the diverse activities our ocean tour operators provide.
Pick your experience from the incredible variety of Campbell River boat tours. From Indigenous cultural adventures and thrilling zodiac rides through ocean rapids to historical explorations and unique fishing charters in the Salmon Capital of the World, there are unforgettable things to do in Campbell River for every type of traveler.
People, Water, Land: Living Culture with Homalco Nation
Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours not only provide incredible wildlife watching moments in their traditional lands and waters, but also a chance to deeply immerse in millenia-old knowledge and living cultural practice. Embark on the People, Water, Land tour to visit their uninhabited village site at Aupe, weave your own cedar bracelet, and be drawn into vibrant Homalco storytelling.
Coastal Histories by Boat Tour
Every summer, the Museum at Campbell River partners with Campbell River Whale Watching to take history buffs and culturally-curious visitors on a series of historic tours to marine-access destinations. Explore tales of lust and heartbreak on the Romance on the Rapids tour, or set sail through Desolation Sound and the Discovery Islands accompanied by stories of Indigenous village sites, complex trade routes, early settlers, the fervor of gold rush, and more. Some of the tours incorporate a lunch stop in beautiful settings like Blind Channel Resort.
Seek the Exhilaration of Tidal Rapids
Local tour operators including Campbell River Whale Watching, Wild Waterways Adventures, Eagle Eye Adventures, and more incorporate tidal rapids into their wildlife tours.
Campbell River Whale Watching’s Ocean Rapids Zodiac Adventure tour takes visitors on an exhilarating ride through several prominent rapids like Seymour Narrows and Hole in the Wall by by fast-paced Zodiac boat. Look for wildlife as you go between each location. Hold on tight as you bounce, turn, and flow your way through the water and whirlpools. Be exhilarated by some of the world’s fastest tidal waters.
Join a Working Boat Tour
The M.V. Aurora Explorer is a working freight landing craft that opens its doors to dynamic travellers seeking a one-of-a-kind experience. Join Marine Link Tours visiting isolated village sites, luxurious lodges, and working forestry camps scattered throughout the coast. Witness the diversity of working life in these remote destinations.
This off-the-beaten-path tour follows a spontaneous schedule depending on who needs what and when, the tides, and the weather! Depart from Campbell River and traverse the Inside Passage into two areas: the Discovery Islands or the Broughton Archipelago and up around Port Hardy. Prepare for the unexpected, the stunning vistas of ocean, mountains, forest, and majestic inlets, and first class meals whipped up by the ship’s chef.
Fishing Charters in the Salmon Capital of Canada
Campbell River is the Salmon Capital of Canada and there are plenty of fishing charters leaving from our docks on any given day. But there’s not just salmon to fish here, there’s also everything from spot prawns and crab to ling cod, rockfish, and halibut depending on seasonal fisheries. Don’t forget to secure your fishing license before you head out.
Try Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, or Sailing in Campbell River
Tucked under the sanctuary of the ocean’s surface, a whole other world awaits. Some of the best cold water diving in the world exists around Vancouver Island. Join a scuba diving tour with Oceanfix.ca Dive Centre, or delight in a custom adventure through the Discovery Islands with snorkelling included with the aptly-named S.S. Fun Ship, based out of Quadra Island.
If you’re an experienced freediver, snorkeller, or scuba diver you can also access the water by boat charter, or a sailing charter with Beyond Sailing from Campbell River or Cedar Seas Sail Co. from Quadra Island. Beyond Sailing also offers 4-day, 5-night Learn to Sail in Campbell River courses.
