Campbell River, on the east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, is a metropolis stuffed with nature. Within the midst of gorgeous landscapes such because the Discovery Passage, historic forest groves and Mount Washington, Campbell River gives many alternatives for out of doors play! Campbell River is in the course of the island and is straightforward to get to. In case you are planning a highway journey to Vancouver Island, you’ll come throughout the Campbell River. So, plan a stopover, take in the scent of cedarwood and salty air, and participate in some memorable Canadian out of doors actions.
get to Campbell River, BC
By automobile: Campbell River is a 3.5 hour drive north of Victoria BC. Take the Trans Canada Freeway, which then merges onto Freeway 19 to Campbell River. For those who choose scenic drives that comply with the coast, head round Parksville on Freeway 19A and meander to the Campbell River.
By Automotive and Ferry from Vancouver: Routes embody North Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay); South Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to South Nanaimo (Duke Level) and South Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Swartz Bay (Victoria).
By Automotive and Ferry from Washington State: Routes embody Port Angeles WA to Victoria BC and Anacortes WA to Sidney BC.
By airplane: There are direct flights from Vancouver and Seattle to the Campbell River Regional Airport. A flight from Vancouver takes roughly 45 minutes.
Listed below are some nice causes to cease by and revel in what Campbell River has to supply.
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1. Go whale watching from Campbell River (April to October)
I’ve to begin with my prime decide of outside actions! For me, whales trump all the pieces else. My daughter and I made a decision to do the 6 hour tour with Campbell River Whale Watching Excursions. The 6 hours included an outside lunch on a public dock. There’s a small rest room on the Zodiac boat.
I extremely suggest this tour. Possibly subsequent time I am going to even e-book an 8 hour journey. We saved a watch out for orcas, each resident and transient pods, Pacific white-sided dolphins, humpback whales, sea lions, and seals. After all we additionally searched the treetops and the sky for eagles.
The panorama on this a part of Canada is spectacular. There’s a sense of area when the salty breeze and the solar mirrored within the glowing water rush via the water. The islands tackle a blue hue.
We walked up the Discovery Passage which is a part of the route the cruise ships take to Alaska. We drove via small bays and discovered about slack tides and tide differentials.
There have been 4 different tour boats on the transfer on the identical time and the guides had been all in radio contact. What a collaborative manner of working so that every one prospects, whatever the chosen tour firm, can participate in whale sightings. The guides timed it properly in order that not more than two boats went across the whales.
We had been thrilled to have three separate humpback whale sightings and to have the ability to establish one of many six whales as Apollo. The orcas averted us that day, however we noticed seals and watched a bunch of sea lions chatting wildly.
On the finish of the journey, our glorious information confirmed us on the map the place we had gone, which corridors and which islands we had seen. It is extra addicting. The open water. The seek for whales. I felt like I used to be going to get again on the boat instantly.
Professional ideas:
- Grizzly bear excursions are additionally supplied.
- Eagle Heaven takes place in Could and June when 300 bald eagles come to eat the North Pacific hake. It is called a spectacular pure marvel to look at.
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2. Cross the Elk Falls suspension bridge
One other spotlight of Campbell River is the Elk Falls suspension bridge. This exercise doesn’t happen on the water, however within the air! The stroll from the parking zone to the suspension bridge takes about 10 minutes over a forest path and down a couple of stairs. The dashing Elk Falls are greater than spectacular, together with the magnificent bushes and inexperienced ferns. Are you courageous sufficient to stroll the Elk Falls suspension bridge that spans Elk Falls Canyon? Take your time crossing and benefit from the breathtaking views of the falls and canyon.
Professional tip: The suspension bridge is situated in Elk Falls Provincial Park And Protected Space. There are mountain climbing and mountain bike trails and a campsite.
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3. Go salmon fishing
Campbell River is called the “Salmon Capital of the World” and other people have been touring right here to get on the water and fish for salmon for years. Right here in Campbell River, rivers and oceans meet, so you’ll be able to fish in recent or salt water. Strive your hand at fly fishing alongside the Campbell River for chinook, coho, chum and pink salmon. Or hire a fishing constitution with knowledgeable information who will take you on an inshore fishing expertise.
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4. Catch a fish on the Discovery Fishing Pier in Campbell River
The Discovery Fishing Pier in Campbell River may be very picturesque. It’s Canada’s first and longest public saltwater fishing pier. It is a widespread spot for fishermen of all ages. Rod holders line the wood railing, tables for cleansing fish and benches invite you to take a seat and anticipate a chunk! Gear leases, bait, fishing licenses, and ice cream can be found from the concession sales space on the pier. The concession is open from Could to October.
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5. Mount Washington Alpine Resort
This all season resort is an hour’s drive from Campbell River. Soar within the mountains and benefit from the Canadian winter season. Pack up and go snowboarding, snowboarding, cross-country snowboarding, snowshoeing or snowmobiling. Right here you’ll be able to actually repair your winter actions. In the summertime months, the Mount Washington Alpine Resort is a dream for mountain bikers. How do you are feeling about ziplining with an exquisite view over the Comox valley and touchdown on the roof of the alpine hut? If the Eagle’s Flight Zip Tour is not for you, there are chairlift rides and loads of mountain climbing trails. Maintain a watch out for the Vancouver Island marmot, an endangered species that’s making a comeback within the space.
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6. Take a kayak tour
Campbell River is a good base for a kayaking journey between the Discovery Islands. Protected canals, secluded bays and seashores make a kayak tour right here an unforgettable expertise. Just a few years in the past I went on an organized 3 evening journey with Coast Mountain Expeditions. Paddle the west coast waters with guides, sleep on tiny islands, and have meals ready for you for a real west coast expertise.
Professional tip: There are various kayak outfitters within the space. Or, head to Quadra Island and spend a day kayaking via the bays.
7. Seashore Fireplace Brewing and Nosh Home
After considered one of your out of doors adventures, go to the stylish Seashore Fireplace Brewery with its very inviting and energetic environment. There are lengthy wood communal tables between tables for 2, good for bigger teams and assembly different vacationers or locals. The principle breweries are supplied together with some enjoyable flavors like Moscow Mule Ale and small batches like Pineapple Salsa Blonde Ale. Order a novel ale and meal and take in the cool Campbell River environment.
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8. Rotary Sea Stroll
For a simple and enjoyable exercise in Campbell River, comply with the Rotary Seashore Sea Stroll alongside the coast. The Rotary Sea Stroll is a 5.4 mile paved path that’s nice for mountain climbing, biking, and rollerblading. Admire the views of Discovery Passage and Quadra Island. Maintain a watch out for seals, orcas and bald eagles.
Lodging in Campbell River
Painter’s Lodge (Painter’s Lodge Vacation and Fishing Resort) is an attractive, massive lodge proper on Discovery Passage throughout from Quadra Island. We stayed right here and loved the wonderful view. Hire a kayak or play tennis throughout your keep and dine on web site.
April Level is his lodge on Quadra Island, accessible by a brief boat shuttle from Painter’s Lodge pier. It’s identified for excellent views from each angle!
Constructed within the Forties as a fisherman’s home, Dolphins Resort gives spectacular views over Discovery Passage. Hire considered one of 13 non-public cabins for a romantic, al fresco trip! A few of the cabins have their very own whirlpool.
Professional ideas:
Listed below are two extra stops to your highway journey.
- Not removed from Campbell River, on the town Courtenay, is the lovable little ice cream parlor referred to as Blue Spruce. It is a nice cease for any ice cream lovers within the group as there are gluten-free ice cream cones and vegan ice cream. I’ve tried each and I am pleased to offer him two thumbs up!
- A really worthwhile stopover, a few 40 minute drive from Campbell River, is the historic village of Cumberland, proper within the coronary heart of the Comox Valley. Cumberland, a coal mining city from 1888 to 1966, has one of the picturesque foremost streets I’ve seen in BC. You would possibly assume you are strolling via a film set as you move colourful historic homes. The road is lined with a bakery, eating places, bike outlets, a normal retailer and plenty of cafes. We acquired an awesome cup of Java from the Cumberland Grind Espresso & Smoothie Bar and explored the village with espresso in hand.
Extra adventures on Vancouver Island:
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