Vancouver Island encompasses breathtaking old-growth forests, vibrant river ecosystems, sweeping sand and pebble beaches, mountain peaks, ridges, valleys, and alpine lakes, and a series of smaller islands of its coast. Vancouver Island is a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts hoping to see bears and whales, birdwatchers, surfers, trail users like runners, mountain bikers, and hikers, and those intrigued by the region’s dynamic past and present, including Indigenous culture and pioneering industry in remote places.
And positioned on Vancouver Island’s east coast is Campbell River, a destination that offers travel and adventure opportunities for all.
Campbell River stands out as a must-visit destination on Vancouver Island, offering iconic experiences like the dramatic Elk Falls Suspension Bridge, the scenic Discovery Pier, and the oceanfront Rotary Sea Walk. Visitors can also dive into the city’s rich history at the Campbell River Museum, Maritime Heritage Centre, and Haig-Brown Heritage House, or use it as a gateway to explore the serene Discovery Islands.
Trails for Hiking, Walking, and Running
In Campbell River, hikers and walkers enjoy the trails around the city’s namesake Campbell River, like the Canyon View Trail, and the Millennium Trail that extends to Elk Falls. For those seeking more challenging terrain, the Ripple Rock trail traverses rocks and roots through lush, dynamic forest to a lookout over the explosion site. Campbell River is also the gateway to Strathcona Provincial Park with its alpine meadows, spectacular peaks and ridges, and waterfalls.
Goldstream Provincial Park in Victoria is another Vancouver Island provincial park popular for its trails. Tofino entices those eager to explore the wild west coast, while Cape Scott and San Josef Bay in the North Island, along with coastal multi-day hikes like the West Coast Trail and the Nootka Trail, and the Juan De Fuca trail near Victoria, are coveted by adventurous hikers from all over the world.
Be Enthralled by the Wildlife
Campbell River is a prime destination for wildlife watching on Vancouver Island. Several tour operators depart from Campbell River’s marinas every day into the Discovery Islands and the Great Bear Rainforest in search of marine mammals like orca, whales, and dolphins, bears, and birds. Kayak tours and land-based wildlife watching are a slower, quieter way to view wildlife. Tofino and Ucluelet are also popular spots for a vacation focused on wildlife watching, with tour operators departing from the docks.
Vancouver Island’s Best Attractions
When you’re not marvelling at the wildlife, visit some of Vancouver Island’s best attractions. In Campbell River, the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge is a photo-worthy hotspot, while the Museum at Campbell River and Campbell River Maritime Heritage Centre tell the dynamic stories and discoveries of the region and its residents. Ocean enthusiasts like to visit the Discovery Passage Aquarium, which is particularly family-friendly, with the promise of an ice cream or hot drink on the Discovery Pier afterward, looking for whales.
Further south, the Malahat Skywalk offers a view to behold from its spiral tower across the forest canopy and Saanich Inlet. In Victoria, the Royal BC Museum is well worth a stop, while the Butchart Gardens entice visitors with the beauty of its seasonal flower displays.
Easy Access to Appreciating Nature
One of the biggest delights of Vancouver Island is the ease with which travellers can access nature year-round, regardless of whether you’re an avid hiker or biker. You don’t have to go far from a community centre or even get out of your car to witness the splendour of the ocean, temperate rainforest, expansive beaches, waterways, and wildlife.
In Campbell River, check out the views from the oceanfront Highway 19A, the Rotary Seawalk, and Dick Murphy Park on Tyee Spit. Meanwhile, kayakers, SUPers, divers, and swimmers will enjoy the quiet spaces and easy access of Stories Beach, McIvor Lake, Willow Point Reef, and Ken Forde Park and boat ramp.
Elsewhere on the Island, nature enthusiasts relax into the peaceful embrace of the Discovery Islands and Southern Gulf Islands, and the quiet, tucked away charm of Tofino and Ucluelet. Waterfalls and giant old-growth trees are another draw of Vancouver Island—mostly accessible within a short walk from the car, such as Englishman River Regional Park and Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park.
