Book Now
Skip to main content
250-202-8324
Hiking trails near Campbell River BC
Outdoor Adventures

Hiking Trails Near Campbell River

From suspension bridges to alpine meadows, discover Vancouver Island's most spectacular trails.

Campbell River is surrounded by world-class hiking trails through old-growth rainforest, past thundering waterfalls, and up to stunning alpine meadows. Whether you want an easy family walk or a challenging mountain trek, you'll find incredible trails minutes from town.

Elk Falls Provincial Park hiking trail
Must-See

Elk Falls Provincial Park

3.7km loop Easy-Moderate 1.5-2 hours 15 min from Campbell River

The crown jewel of Campbell River hiking. The suspension bridge spans 60 meters above the canyon with breathtaking views of Elk Falls thundering below. The Three Falls Loop takes you past all three waterfalls through pristine old-growth forest. Go early morning to beat the crowds.

Trail Highlights

  • 60m suspension bridge - Vancouver Island's highest
  • 3 waterfalls: Elk (27m), Moose (12m), Deer (1.5m)
  • Three Falls Loop trail - 3.7km
  • Old-growth forest
  • Canyon viewpoints
  • FREE admission

Parking

Large parking lot at main entrance. Can fill up on summer weekends - arrive before 10am.

Trail Tips

  • • Bridge gets busy 11am-3pm in summer
  • • Combine with Canyon View Trail for extended hike
  • • Stay on marked trails - steep cliffs present
  • • Wheelchair accessible to bridge viewpoint
View Map Official Info
Beaver Lodge Lands hiking trail
Urban Forest

Beaver Lodge Lands

50+ trails Easy 30min-2 hours 5 min from town

Campbell River's backyard wilderness. This massive urban forest network offers trails for all abilities, from short nature walks to longer forest loops. Watch for beavers at dawn/dusk near the viewing platforms. Perfect for a quick morning walk or afternoon forest bathing.

Trail Highlights

  • 520 hectares of urban forest
  • 50+ interconnected trails
  • Beaver dam viewing platforms
  • Excellent birdwatching
  • Dog-friendly
  • FREE access

Parking

Multiple access points along Dogwood Street and Hamm Road. Small parking areas, rarely full.

Trail Tips

  • • Trail maps available at main entrances
  • • Wear boots after rain - trails can be muddy
  • • Mosquitos in summer - bring bug spray
  • • Best beaver viewing at dawn or dusk
View Map Official Info
Ripple Rock Trail hiking trail
Historic

Ripple Rock Trail

5km return Moderate 2-3 hours 20 min north

A journey through history and nature. This trail winds through magnificent old-growth Sitka spruce to reach the Seymour Narrows viewpoint. Learn about the 1958 Ripple Rock explosion - the world's largest non-nuclear blast that removed a deadly navigation hazard. Time your visit with strong tidal flows for dramatic water movements.

Trail Highlights

  • Old-growth Sitka spruce forest
  • Seymour Narrows viewpoint
  • Historic Ripple Rock blast site
  • World's largest non-nuclear explosion (1958)
  • Ocean views
  • FREE access

Parking

Small parking area at trailhead off Highway 19. Limited spaces - carpooling recommended.

Trail Tips

  • • Check tide tables for best viewing
  • • Bring binoculars for wildlife watching
  • • Slippery when wet - good footwear essential
  • • Watch for cruise ships passing through narrows
View Map Official Info
Canyon View Trail hiking trail
Easy Walk

Canyon View Trail

2.9km Easy 1 hour Connects to Elk Falls

A gentler alternative to the Three Falls Loop with stunning canyon views. This trail runs along the Campbell River gorge, offering dramatic perspectives of the river cutting through rock. Perfect for families with younger kids or those wanting a shorter hike. Can be combined with Elk Falls for a longer adventure.

Trail Highlights

  • River canyon viewpoints
  • Connects to Elk Falls Park
  • Family-friendly
  • Relatively flat
  • Old-growth forest
  • FREE access

Parking

Use Elk Falls parking lot and follow connector trail, or park at Canyon View Road access.

Trail Tips

  • • Good option if Elk Falls is crowded
  • • Watch children near cliff edges
  • • Can be done as out-and-back or loop with Elk Falls
  • • Less busy than main Elk Falls routes
View Map Official Info
Strathcona Provincial Park hiking trail
Provincial Park

Strathcona Provincial Park

Multiple trails Easy to Advanced 2-8 hours 45 min from Campbell River

British Columbia's oldest provincial park offers incredible alpine hiking for all levels. The Lower Myra Falls trail is an easy 2km walk suitable for families. For more adventure, explore Paradise Meadows with its stunning alpine flowers (July-August peak bloom) and pristine mountain lakes. Full-day trip recommended.

Trail Highlights

  • BC's oldest provincial park (1911)
  • Lower Myra Falls - 2km easy walk
  • Paradise Meadows alpine hiking
  • Forbidden Plateau trails
  • Mountain lakes and alpine meadows
  • Camping available

Parking

Paradise Meadows parking lot fills fast on summer weekends. Arrive early or visit midweek.

Trail Tips

  • • Bring layers - weather changes quickly
  • • Pack lunch and plenty of water
  • • Check trail conditions before going
  • • Bears active - make noise and carry bear spray
  • • Paradise Meadows best July-August for flowers
View Map Official Info
Snowden Demonstration Forest hiking trail
Mountain Biking

Snowden Demonstration Forest

100+ km trails Easy to Expert 1-4 hours 10 min from town

A mountain biker's dream with over 100km of trails for all skill levels. Also excellent for hiking with well-maintained forest trails. Lost Lake Loop is a family-friendly favorite. The trail network is extensive - grab a map at the entrance or download the Trailforks app.

Trail Highlights

  • 100+ km of trails
  • Mountain biking paradise
  • All skill levels welcome
  • Hiking trails also available
  • Lost Lake Loop popular
  • FREE access

Parking

Main parking at entrance off Jubilee Parkway. Additional access points throughout.

Trail Tips

  • • Download Trailforks app for trail maps
  • • Bike rentals available in Campbell River
  • • Trails shared - hikers yield to bikes
  • • Great for trail running too
  • • Can be wet and muddy in winter/spring
View Map Official Info
Stay Safe

Hiking Safety & Preparation

What to bring and know before hitting the trails.

Essential Gear

  • • Proper hiking boots (not runners)
  • • Rain jacket - weather changes fast
  • • Water - 1L minimum per person
  • • Snacks or lunch for longer hikes
  • • First aid kit
  • • Charged phone for emergencies
  • • Map or downloaded trail app

Wildlife Safety

  • • Make noise while hiking
  • • Never approach wildlife
  • • Carry bear spray on remote trails
  • • Keep dogs on leash
  • • Pack out all food waste
  • • If you see a bear, back away slowly
  • • Report aggressive wildlife to BC Parks

Trail Etiquette

  • • Stay on marked trails
  • • Hikers yield to bikers on shared trails
  • • Pack out everything you pack in
  • • Keep noise levels respectful
  • • Don't pick flowers or disturb nature
  • • Give way to uphill hikers
  • • Leave only footprints

Emergency Preparedness

Tell someone your hiking plan. Cell service can be spotty on remote trails. In an emergency, call 911. For non-urgent trail issues, contact BC Parks. Always check weather and trail conditions before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about hiking near Campbell River.

What's the best hiking trail near Campbell River for beginners?

Elk Falls Provincial Park is perfect for beginners. The walk to the suspension bridge is relatively flat and paved, taking about 20 minutes each way. For a longer beginner-friendly hike, try Beaver Lodge Lands with its easy, well-marked trails through beautiful forest.

Do I need bear spray for hiking in Campbell River?

For trails close to town (Elk Falls, Beaver Lodge, Canyon View), bear encounters are rare but possible. For Strathcona Park and more remote trails, carrying bear spray is highly recommended. Always make noise while hiking and never hike alone in remote areas.

When is the best time to hike near Campbell River?

May through October offers the best hiking weather. July-September is peak season with warmest, driest conditions. For wildflowers in alpine areas like Paradise Meadows, visit mid-July to early August. Winter hiking is possible on lower elevation trails but expect mud and rain.

Are dogs allowed on hiking trails in Campbell River?

Dogs are allowed on most trails including Beaver Lodge Lands and Snowden Forest (on leash). BC Provincial Parks like Elk Falls require dogs on leash at all times. Check specific trail regulations before going, and always clean up after your pet.

How difficult is the Elk Falls suspension bridge hike?

The walk to the suspension bridge is easy and mostly paved, suitable for most fitness levels. The bridge itself is sturdy and safe but can feel bouncy with many people on it. The full Three Falls Loop is moderate difficulty with some elevation gain and uneven terrain.

Explore on the Water Too!

After your hike, join us for a fishing charter or wildlife tour to see Campbell River from a different perspective.

Book Your Adventure Call 250-202-8324
// Build trigger 1770115577 // v10 deploy 1770118492