Adventure tour companies bring the region's Orcas, grizzly bears, and marine life into camera range on wildlife viewing outings in spring, summer, and fall.
Boating
Visiting boaters can utilize moorage in the deep-water Discovery Harbour Marina near the mouth of the Campbell River. Sailors bunking down at the Coast Discovery Inn tie up at the hotel's own marina. The Quadra Island Port Authority offers public moorage at its Quathiaski Cove and Heriot Bay wharfs. And there is a pretty marina at Brown's Bay just north of Seymour Narrows' surging tides. Boaters who birdwatch linger near Mitlenatch Island, a dry, rainshadow-protected home to the largest seabird colony on BC's west coast (offshore from Black Creek south of town).
More Water Activities
Destiny River Adventures takes groups (family and adult-only) to the Nimpkish River for thrilling whitewater rafting. Swimmers can splash about in town at the year-round Strathcona Recreation Complex (225 South Dogwood) or the outdoor Centennial Pool (4th and Alder). Or dip into frisky cold waters at Buttle Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park or the Campbell River itself (where several local companies enable groups to swim with migrating salmon).
Land Activities
Park the car downtown and explore Campbell River's waterfront on foot. Retail shops, restaurants, and the Campbell River Art Gallery line Shopper's Row beginning at the Tyee Plaza (site of the Visitor Centre). It leads into the Pier Street Historic Mile, a series of early and mid-20th century buildings adjacent to the Government Wharf, Discovery Pier and the Maritime Heritage Centre (home to the historic BCP45 fishing boat).
The latter's parking lot is the site of the Pier Street Farmer's Market, rated as one of Canada's best and held on Sundays from April through October. The Campbell River Museum and its spectacular First Nations collection is one block further south along the South Island Highway. Dedicated hikers can then carry on along the Rotary Sea Walk, a paved oceanfront trail notable for the many striking and/or whimsical carvings along the way. Pamper and purr afterwards in town at the Deru Organica Spa and Eden Street Salon, or at Quadra Island's luxe April Point Spa.
Strathcona, Elk Falls, and other regional parks provide all kinds of outdoor recreation. Golfers can walk the lushly forested 18-hole Storey Creek Golf Club or the nicely groomed Sequoia Springs layout. Clamber up indoor walls studded with hand and footholds at On The Rocks Climbing Gym. On summer weekends, rev up the motor and watch breakneck auto races at Saratoga Speedway south of town in Black Creek.
Day Trips
Catch a ferry to neighboring Quadra Island, a short ride from the downtown ferry dock next to the Coast Discovery Marina. Tour artist studios. Rent a kayak or go diving. Picnic at Rebecca Spit. And visit the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre, a museum and exhibition space operated by the Wei Wai Kai First Nation (aka Cape Mudge Band).
Book passage on the cargo ship MV Uchuck III to Friendly Cove, home of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nations and site of first European contact with English and Spanish explorers. The Uchuck leaves Gold River (a 90-minute drive east of Campbell River) on summer Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Ski, snowboard, bike, or hike Mount Washington depending on the season. Vancouver Island's one major ski resort is an easy 40-minute drive south of town.
Driving Routes
Explore Campbell River and the surrounding area along a BC Ferries, Heritage Discovery, or Coast Cariboo driving route. Learn More about driving routes through Campbell River here: Driving Routes.
Where to Begin
Stop by the Campbell River Visitor Centre in the Tyee Plaza downtown for more information about things to do in town and surrounding Vancouver Island region. Pick up maps of the region and information sheets prepared by the centre's knowledgeable staff.
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