 Driving in Campbell River, Josh McCulloch photo
Car TravelThe double-lane Highway 19 allows drivers to speed along at a maximum 110kmph/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.
Nanaimo is 153km/93mi to the south, while drivers from Victoria can expect to reach Campbell River in a little over three hours barring no pit stops along the way. Skip the highway by meandering along the wonderfully scenic Oceanside Route (Highway 19A). It hugs the coastline beginning in Parksville and extends right into the heart of downtown Campbell River. Car rentals are available from several operators in town.
Ferry Travel BC Ferries provides vehicle and foot passenger service on a frequent basis year-round to terminals in Nanaimo, Port Hardy, and Schwartz Bay (near Victoria). Island visitors from the U.S. often arrive via the Black Ball Ferry (Port Angeles, WA. to Victoria) or Washington State Ferries (Anacortes, WA. to Sidney, BC).
Public TransportationThe 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 Canada 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 the Oyster Bay Resort).
Air TravelDomestic and some international flights via Air Canada, WestJet, Transat, Pacific Coastal, 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. See Flightseeing for more blue skies options.
Pick up a 16-page map book at the Visitor Centre (1235 Shopper's Row). 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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