Campbell River’s wild surroundings and vibrant community spark a sense of adventure in all who come here. Now is the perfect time to trade a visit to overcrowded tourist locations for Campbell River’s charm and dynamic ecosystems. By taking the road less travelled, there’ll be less waiting for awe-worthy photos, more opportunities to check off your must-sees and to dos, and most importantly: a stress-free holiday.
No matter whether you’re after a beach vacation, time in the mountains, or want to deep dive into the intriguing science, flora, and fauna of a rainforest, these are some of our favourite alternatives and suggestions.
Campbell River is a Diving and Paddling Destination
Freediving, snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, whale watching tours … did you know, you can do all these incredible ocean activities from Campbell River?
Go snorkelling at Willow Point Reef, join Oceanfix.ca Dive Centre for a scuba dive in waters made crystal clear by the cold, learn to sail or take a multi-day excursion into the otherworldly Great Bear Rainforest with Beyond Sailing, or embark on a guided tour to whale watch from kayak or boat with the likes of Campbell River Whale Watching, Homalco Wildlife and Culture Tours, and Wildcoast Adventures.
Marvel at some of the world’s strongest tidal currents in Discovery Passage. End your day with an ice cream at Discovery Pier or a beach fire along the shoreline to marvel at some of the world’s strongest tidal currents. Campbell River is waiting to capture your imagination as the ultimate ocean activity destination.
Campbell River is a Gateway to Mountain Adventures
We can’t deny the majestic beauty of towering snow-capped peaks, but while everyone’s clamouring for the perfect photo in front of some of North America’s largest, we can’t help but feel they’re missing the deep connection that time in the mountains cultivates.
Enter Strathcona Provincial Park. Trails like Marble Meadows, Bedwell Lake, and Crest Mountain reward passionate hikers with quieter trails, panoramic mountain views (sometimes down to the sea), alpine lakes to cool off in, and swaths of wildflowers in the alpine meadows. For the avid adventurer, mountaineering and climbing routes exist within the park. Spend the night, or a few, to take it all in, especially those jaw-dropping sunsets and sunrises from the summit. Stock up in Campbell River before you hit the road—we’re the last community before the Elk Portal gateway into the park—and celebrate your accomplishments with a cold brew at Beach Fire Brewing on your way home.
Come winter, our mountain culture continues to flourish with Mount Washington just a 30-minute drive away from Campbell River. This small but mighty mountain has had some of the best snowfall in North America, while retaining its small mountain laid-back charm.
Campbell River is Immersed in Rainforest Travel Options
Rainforests have long held intrigue and not just for scientists. They’re frequently packed full of rare and biodiverse species, are lush with beautiful foliage, and have their very own soundscape of flowing water, bird song, and intriguing calls from mammals and amphibians. Campbell River is part of BC’s unique coastal temperate rainforest and we’re just a short boat ride from the astonishing Great Bear Rainforest; many local operators head there each day.
Visit Campbell River and experience a place teeming with serenity and science. Beaver Lodge Forest Lands, right in the city limits, is where bats, owls, bears, frogs, bats, and birds can be found. The Great Bear Rainforest is home to wildlife like whales, bears, wolves, mountain goats, sea otters, otters, and salmon. Eye-catching flora like trilliums, bleeding heart, Fairy Slipper, and Jurassic-looking giant ferns and horsetail line the trails (fun fact, Jurassic Park was filmed north of here!).
Aside from tour operators, local organization Greenways Land Trust hosts events and workshops in the heart of our forest ecosystem on everything from owls and native flora to bats.
