Located on Vancouver Island's east coast, this coastal city is known for salmon fishing, whale watching, and hiking through the old-growth forests of Elk Falls Provincial Park.
Campbell River sits on Vancouver Island's east coast, where you can watch orcas breach from the public pier, walk across a 60-meter-high suspension bridge above Elk Falls, or spot grizzly bears fishing for salmon with First Nations guides. The city stretches between the peaks of Strathcona Provincial Park and the waters of Discovery Passage, where wildlife viewing and fishing draw visitors year-round.
Getting to Campbell River
Campbell River is a 3-hour drive north of Victoria on Vancouver Island's east coast. Flights arrive at Campbell River Airport from Vancouver International Airport several times daily. If you're coming from the mainland, take BC Ferries to Nanaimo, then drive north on Highway 19 for 1.5 hours.
Marine Life and Fishing
You can catch all five species of Pacific salmon in Discovery Passage throughout the year. Fish for Chinook salmon from March to September, or target coho from June through September. Visit the Discovery Passage Aquarium (May-September) to handle local marine creatures in touch tanks. The 150-meter-long public fishing pier doubles as a viewing point for orcas and sea lions.
Parks and Natural Areas
Walk across the suspension bridge at Elk Falls Provincial Park for views of the 25-meter waterfall cascading into the canyon below. Follow the 4-kilometer Canyon View Trail through stands of Douglas fir trees. Strathcona Provincial Park has 40+ hiking trails, including the 15-kilometer Bedwell Lake Trail to alpine lakes and a challenging 6-hour climb up Mount Albert Edward.
First Nations Culture
The Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ peoples, including the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum, and Klahoose First Nations, maintain their traditional practices in this region. Join Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours (May-October) to learn about indigenous food gathering and art while watching bears catch salmon in traditional territories.
Local Museums
Walk through a reconstructed 1920s float house at the Museum at Campbell River, complete with period furniture and daily items. Examine a 1940s logging truck and early logging equipment in the forestry exhibit. At the Maritime Heritage Centre, step aboard the restored BCP 45 fishing boat—the same vessel that once appeared on Canada's five-dollar bill.
