Salmon Fishing Trips from Vancouver
Fly 55 minutes from Downtown Vancouver, or take the ferry and drive, to fish for Chinook and Coho in Campbell River, the Salmon Capital of the World.
The quickest salmon fishing trip from Vancouver is the 55-minute Harbour Air seaplane to Campbell River. It lands minutes from Coast Marina, where Fishing Storie Charters runs private guided Chinook and Coho trips. Prices are per boat: $540 for a 4-hour trip for 2, or $1,050 and $1,680 for a half or full day on our 27' Conquest for up to 4 guests.
Getting from Vancouver to Campbell River
Seaplane (Harbour Air)
About 55 minutes
Downtown Vancouver harbour โ Campbell River (Tyee Spit)
Lands minutes from Coast Marina. Fares from about $139 one-way.
Flight (Pacific Coastal)
About 40 minutes
YVR โ Campbell River Airport (YBL)
Then a 10-minute drive to the marina.
Ferry + drive
About 4โ4.5 hours
Horseshoe Bay โ Departure Bay (Nanaimo), then Hwy 19
Book the ferry ahead in summer. It's a scenic drive up the island.
Full route details, parking and the marina map are on our directions page.
How to plan it
Option 1: Arrive the night before (recommended)
Fly or drive up in the afternoon, stay in Campbell River, and be at the dock rested for the morning bite. See where to stay.
Option 2: Same-day afternoon trip (April to mid-October)
Take a morning seaplane, then fish the 5-hour afternoon trip from 3 PM to 8 PM on the Conquest. Stay the night and fly home in the morning.
Option 3: A fishing weekend
Book 2โ5 days with Captain Jason at $1,680 per day. That's the best way to fish different tides and get a good chance at a big Chinook.
Conquest departure times
Departs 6:00 AM in summer, later as daylight shortens (as late as 9:00 AM in DecโJan).
| Season | Departs โ returns |
|---|---|
| Apr 1 โ Aug 31 | 6:00 AM โ 2:00 PM |
| Sep 1 โ 15 | 6:30 AM โ 2:30 PM |
| Sep 16 โ Oct 14 | 7:00 AM โ 3:00 PM |
| Oct 15 โ Nov 30 | 8:00 AM โ 4:00 PM |
| Dec 1 โ Jan 31 | 9:00 AM โ 5:00 PM |
| Feb 1 โ Mar 31 | 8:00 AM โ 4:00 PM |
Departures follow the light. Your exact time shows when you pick a date and is confirmed in your booking email.
Popular trips for Vancouver visitors
Salmon fishing from Vancouver: FAQs
Can I go salmon fishing from Vancouver as a day trip?
Yes, with a seaplane. Fly up from Downtown Vancouver in the morning, fish a 5-hour afternoon trip (3 PM to 8 PM, April to mid-October), and stay the night or fly back the next day. Most guests stay one night before the trip. Mornings are the best fishing, and you aren't racing a flight or ferry.
Why go to Campbell River instead of fishing in Vancouver?
Campbell River is called the Salmon Capital of the World for a reason. Migrating Chinook and Coho funnel through Discovery Passage on their way south, and the fishing grounds are only minutes from the marina. You spend the day fishing instead of running out to open water.
How much is a guided salmon fishing trip?
Prices are per boat, not per person. A 4-hour introductory trip on a 17' Boston Whaler is $540 for up to 2 guests. On our 27' Boston Whaler Conquest, with a heated cabin and washroom, for up to 4 guests: half day (5 hours) $1,050, full day (8 hours) $1,680, and multi-day trips are $1,680 per day.
Do I need a fishing licence?
Yes. Every angler needs a BC tidal waters (saltwater) sport fishing licence, plus the Salmon Conservation Stamp to keep salmon. You buy it online from DFO in about 5 minutes. All rods, tackle and bait are included on the boat.
Will you clean and pack my fish for the trip home?
We clean your catch at the dock and can point you to local processors who vacuum-pack and freeze it for travel. Frozen, boxed fish travels well on the seaplane, the ferry or a flight.
When is the best time for salmon fishing near Vancouver Island?
Summer, July to September, is peak for Chinook and Coho. Winter Chinook fishing runs through the colder months, with fewer boats on the water. Check our fishing calendar for month-by-month details.
More: BC saltwater fishing licence ยท fishing calendar ยท what to bring
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Just 55 minutes from Downtown Vancouver
