Like every major community on the island, it is served by a modern highway system and a full range of transportation options (apart from passenger train service). Campbell River is also a featured stop along several scenic driving routes.
The double-lane Highway 19 allows drivers to speed along at a maximum 110kph/68mph amidst light traffic from Parksville/Qualicum Beach north past Courtenay and Comox. Hollywood action chase sequences have been filmed along this scenic ribbon of tarmac north of the Comox Valley.
Ferry Travel
BC Ferries provides vehicle and foot passenger service on a frequent basis year-round to terminals in Nanaimo, Port Hardy, and Swartz Bay (near Victoria). Island visitors from the US often arrive via the Black Ball Ferry (Port Angeles, WA to Victoria) or Washington State Ferries (Anacortes, WA to Sidney, BC).
Public Transportation
The Campbell River Transit System blankets the town with bus routes, many of which converge on Tyee Plaza near the Visitor Centre downtown. Public transit links head south to Oyster River, and it's possible to carry on to the Comox Valley for a low fee. There is no service on statutory holidays.
Island Coach Lines (which hooks up with Greyhound bus service) makes regular stops in Campbell River. The bus terminal is at 509 13th Avenue, across from the courthouse two blocks east of the downtown Shopper's Row retail strip. The Campbell River Connector shuttle bus delivers visitors from Comox Valley Airport to area lodgings (i.e., Painter's Lodge and Oyster Bay Resorts).
Air Travel
Domestic and some international flights via Air Canada, WestJet, Transat, Pacific Coastal Airlines, and Central Mountain Air fly regularly into the Comox Valley Airport (1250 Knight Road, Comox; use exit #117 off Highway 19). This modern facility is 40 minutes south of Campbell River.
The town's own airport (2000 Jubilee Parkway) hosts daily flights to Vancouver through Pacific Coastal Airlines and Central Mountain Air. Kenmore Air schedules flights here from Seattle during the peak tourist season. Flightseeing tours are also available.
Pick up a 16-page map book at the Visitor Centre. It includes a street map and index for Campbell River along with maps of neighboring Quadra Island and the Strathcona Provincial Park/Gold River/Sayward region. The annually updated Campbell River Visitor's Choice publication also includes a set of useful maps.
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