Things to Do in Campbell River
Beyond the fishing: trails, beaches, wildlife, and adventures for your whole trip.
Campbell River isn't just the "Salmon Capital of the World" - it's surrounded by old-growth forests, pristine beaches, and incredible wildlife. Whether you're traveling with family, looking for rainy day activities, or want to explore on non-fishing days, there's plenty to discover.
Outdoor Adventures
Campbell River is gateway to some of Vancouver Island's best trails, parks, and natural wonders.
Elk Falls Provincial Park
- 60m suspension bridge - Vancouver Island's highest
- 3 waterfalls - Elk (27m), Moose (12m), Deer (1.5m)
- Three Falls Loop - 3.7km, easy-moderate
- 15 min from Campbell River
Free admission. Open year-round. Best in morning for fewer crowds.
Beaver Lodge Lands
- 520 hectares of urban forest
- 50+ trails for all skill levels
- Beaver dam viewing platforms
- Excellent birdwatching
Free. Perfect for morning walks or easy family hikes.
Ripple Rock Trail
- 5km return moderate trail
- Old-growth Sitka spruce
- Seymour Narrows viewpoint
- World's largest non-nuclear explosion site
Learn about the 1958 blast that removed a navigation hazard. Great viewpoint.
Strathcona Provincial Park
- BC's oldest provincial park
- Lower Myra Falls - 2km easy walk
- Paradise Meadows alpine hiking
- 45 min drive from Campbell River
Full-day trip. Bring lunch, plenty of water, and check weather.
Snowden Demonstration Forest
- 100+ km of mountain bike trails
- All skill levels - beginner to expert
- Free access
- Hiking trails also available
Bike rentals available in Campbell River.
Canyon View Trail
- 2.9km easy trail
- Connects to Elk Falls
- River canyon views
- Family-friendly
Good option if Elk Falls is crowded.
Quadra Island Adventure
Just a 10-minute ferry ride from Campbell River, Quadra Island offers hiking, Indigenous culture, stunning beaches, and a slower pace of island life.
Getting There
BC Ferries from downtown Campbell River to Quathiaski Cove. $1-6/person, hourly departures. Avoid 8-9am and 5-6pm commuter rushes.
Must-See Attractions
- โข Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre - Indigenous art & potlatch collection
- โข Cape Mudge Lighthouse - Historic lighthouse since 1898
- โข Rebecca Spit Provincial Park - 2km sandy spit, best sunset spot
Best Hikes
- โข Chinese Mountains - 1.5 hours, panoramic views
- โข Newton Lake - 2 hours, swimming at end
- โข Rebecca Spit - 1 hour easy walk
- โข Beeches Mountain - 2.5 hours, challenging
Quadra Island Tips
- Bring a vehicle or rent bikes
The island is spread out. Bike rentals available at the ferry terminal.
- Check ferry schedule
Last ferry back is around 10-11pm. Don't miss it!
- Eat at Heriot Bay Inn
Historic pub with great food and ocean views.
- Rebecca Spit for sunset
Best sunset spot on the island. Bring a picnic.
Half-day or full-day? Half-day works for Rebecca Spit + Heriot Bay. Full day needed to explore hiking trails and cultural centre.
Rainy Day Activities
Campbell River gets rain. Here's how to make the most of it.
Museum at Campbell River
First Nations history, logging heritage, and the Ripple Rock explosion exhibit. Gift shop with local art.
470 Island Hwy โข $8 adults
Discovery Passage Aquarium
Touch tanks with local marine life - sea stars, anemones, crabs. Great for kids. Small but educational.
Downtown Campbell River โข $10 adults
The Reef Indoor Playground
Huge indoor play structure for kids. Climbing, slides, ball pits. Parents can relax with coffee.
Perfect for ages 2-12
Strathcona Gardens
Aquatic centre with waterslides, wave pool, hot tub. Also has ice skating (check schedule).
480 Island Hwy โข $7 adults
Maritime Heritage Centre
See the BCP45 fishing boat (from Canada's $5 bill!). Boat-building heritage, local fishing history.
621 Island Hwy โข Free-$8
Beach Fire Brewing
Campbell River's first craft brewery. Great beer, pub food, laid-back atmosphere. Perfect rainy afternoon.
1395 Ironwood St
Beaches & Swimming
Ocean water is cold (8-16ยฐC), so locals swim in freshwater lakes. Here are your best options.
Miracle Beach Provincial Park
- Best sandy beach on Vancouver Island
- Tide pools for exploring
- Nature centre and trails
- 30 minutes north of Campbell River
Parking fee applies in summer. Go at low tide for best beach area.
McIvor Lake
- Warm freshwater lake swimming
- Small beach area
- 5 minutes from town
- Local favorite on hot days
Gets crowded on hot summer days. Arrive early for parking.
Willow Point Splash Park
- Free splash pad for kids
- Open May-Labour Day
- Adjacent playground
- Picnic tables nearby
Willow Point Park on Island Highway South.
Rebecca Spit (Quadra Island)
- 2km sandy spit
- Best sunset spot in the area
- Good beachcombing
- Requires ferry to Quadra
Bring a picnic. Pack warm - it cools quickly at sunset.
Family Activities
Keep the whole family entertained between fishing trips.
Discovery Pier
Free shore fishing from the pier. Rent gear locally or bring your own. Great for kids learning to fish.
Downtown waterfront โข Free
Holly Hill Petting Farm
Feed baby animals including wallabies! Yes, wallabies. Kids love it.
South of Campbell River โข $
Quinsam Salmon Hatchery
Free tours. Watch salmon spawning Aug-Oct. Educational and unforgettable.
4217 Argonaut Rd โข FREE
Wildlife Viewing Calendar
May-July: Eagles at Stuart Island
Aug-Oct: Salmon spawning, grizzly viewing
Year-round: Seals, sea lions, porpoises
Dining & Nightlife
Local favorites for seafood, craft beer, and a good meal after your charter.
Seafood
- Crabby Bob's
Fresh crab, fish & chips, casual waterfront
- Quay West Kitchen
Upscale seafood, Discovery Passage views
- Harbour Grill
Steaks & seafood, waterfront patio
Craft Beer & Pubs
- Beach Fire Brewing
Campbell River's first craft brewery, great atmosphere
- Heriot Bay Inn (Quadra)
Historic pub, live music, ocean views
- The Dogwood Pub
Local hangout, sports on TV
Breakfast & Casual
- The Ideal Cafe
1940s diner, famous eggs benedict
- Dicks Fish & Chips
Institution since 1971, cash only
- Tropical Ice Cream
Huge portions, local favorite
Cook Your Catch!
Several restaurants will cook your fresh-caught salmon for you. Ask your captain for current recommendations - this changes seasonally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about things to do in Campbell River.
What should we do in Campbell River if it rains?
Campbell River has plenty of indoor activities! Visit the Museum at Campbell River, Discovery Passage Aquarium, or Maritime Heritage Centre. Families love The Reef indoor playground and Strathcona Gardens with its waterslides and skating rink. Many restaurants and breweries are perfect for a rainy day lunch.
Is Quadra Island worth visiting?
Absolutely! Quadra Island is a 10-minute ferry ride from Campbell River and offers excellent hiking, the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre, Cape Mudge Lighthouse, and beautiful beaches at Rebecca Spit. It's perfect for a half-day or full-day trip when you're not fishing.
Where can we swim near Campbell River?
McIvor Lake (5 minutes from town) offers warm freshwater swimming - much warmer than the ocean. Miracle Beach (30 minutes north) has the best sandy beach on Vancouver Island with tide pools. The ocean hovers around 8-16ยฐC, so most prefer freshwater lakes for swimming.
What's the best hike near Campbell River?
Elk Falls Provincial Park is a must-see with its 60-meter suspension bridge (Vancouver Island's highest), three waterfalls, and the 3.7km Three Falls Loop trail. For easier walks, try Beaver Lodge Lands with 520 hectares of urban forest and 50+ trails.
Are there activities for kids in Campbell River?
Yes! Kids love Discovery Pier for shore fishing, Holly Hill Petting Farm (they have baby wallabies!), The Reef indoor playground, Willow Point splash park (summer), and the free salmon hatchery tours at Quinsam River. During salmon season (Aug-Oct), watching salmon spawn is unforgettable.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Book your fishing charter, then fill the rest of your trip with adventure!
