Scenic Shoreline Walks
Explore Campbell River's beautiful waterfront on foot. From the 5km Rotary Seawalk to tide pool exploration at Willow Point, discover oceanfront paths with stunning views, wildlife, and public art.
Campbell River Shoreline Walking
Campbell River offers some of Vancouver Island's most scenic shoreline walks, from the impressive 5km Rotary Seawalk connecting downtown to Tyee Spit, to the stunning sunset views at Rebecca Spit Provincial Park on Quadra Island.
Whether you're seeking accessible paved pathways, tide pool exploration, or quiet natural beaches, you'll find walks for all abilities and interests. Watch for bald eagles, seals, sea lions, and even orcas from shore!
Accessibility note: Rotary Seawalk and Discovery Pier are 100% wheelchair accessible with smooth paved surfaces. Other walks range from easy beach trails to rocky tide pools requiring sturdy footwear.
Best Shoreline Walks
Rotary Seawalk
Downtown Campbell River to Tyee Spit
Campbell River's premier waterfront trail! This beautifully paved pathway stretches from downtown to Tyee Spit, offering stunning views of Discovery Passage, the cruise ship terminal, and Discovery Islands. Perfect for walking, cycling, or jogging.
Highlights
Facilities & Parking
- Benches throughout
- Public washrooms (downtown)
- Interpretive signs
- Picnic areas
- Downtown parking lots (multiple locations)
- Discovery Harbour Marina
- Tyee Spit parking lot
Distance
5 km (3.1 miles) one-way
Duration
1-2 hours (round trip 2-4 hours)
Surface
Fully paved and wheelchair accessible
Best Time
Year-round, sunrise and sunset are spectacular
Accessibility
100% wheelchair accessible, smooth paved surface
Rebecca Spit Provincial Park
Quadra Island (10-minute ferry from Campbell River)
A stunning 2km sandy spit on Quadra Island with beach access on both sides. Rebecca Spit is famous as Campbell River's best sunset viewing spot and offers easy walking on soft sand with incredible ocean views.
Highlights
Facilities & Parking
- Pit toilets
- Picnic tables
- Beach access both sides
- Forest trails
- Free parking at park entrance (limited spots)
Distance
2 km (1.2 miles) sandy spit
Duration
1-2 hours
Surface
Packed sand and beach
Best Time
Sunset (year-round), low tide for beach exploration
Accessibility
Moderate - sandy trails may be challenging for wheelchairs
Willow Point Reef Walk
Willow Point, Campbell River
A natural beach and reef area perfect for low-tide exploration. Discover tide pools filled with starfish, crabs, sea anemones, and other marine life. This is an educational and exciting walk for families and nature enthusiasts.
Highlights
Facilities & Parking
- Splash park nearby (summer)
- Playground
- Picnic areas
- Washrooms
- Willow Point Park parking (free)
Distance
Variable - explore at your own pace
Duration
1-3 hours depending on tide
Surface
Beach sand, rocks, and reef (slippery when wet)
Best Time
Low tide (check tide tables before visiting)
Safety Note: Rocks can be slippery. Check tide tables and watch for incoming tide.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible - rocky terrain
Discovery Pier Area Walk
655 Island Highway, Campbell River
A short but scenic accessible walk along the historic Discovery Pier. Watch cruise ships dock, try shore fishing (no license required!), and enjoy views of Discovery Passage. Great for families and those wanting a quick waterfront stroll.
Highlights
Facilities & Parking
- Washrooms
- Bait shop
- Rod rentals
- Interpretive signs
- Benches
- Large free parking lot
Distance
600 feet (pier) + surrounding waterfront
Duration
30 minutes - 1 hour
Surface
Fully paved and accessible
Best Time
Year-round, check cruise ship schedule for vessel arrivals
Accessibility
100% wheelchair accessible
Tyee Spit
End of Rotary Seawalk, Campbell River
The northern terminus of the Rotary Seawalk, Tyee Spit extends into Discovery Passage offering panoramic views of the Discovery Islands, mountains, and marine traffic. Excellent for bird watching and peaceful waterfront walking.
Highlights
Facilities & Parking
- Picnic tables
- Benches
- Interpretive signs
- Free parking at Tyee Spit lot
Distance
1.5 km spit (part of Seawalk network)
Duration
1-2 hours
Surface
Paved pathway with gravel beach access
Best Time
Year-round, early morning for bird watching
Accessibility
Paved pathway accessible, beach access not wheelchair-friendly
Oyster River Shoreline
Oyster River, 15 minutes south of Campbell River
A quieter, more natural beach walk south of Campbell River. Oyster River offers a peaceful shoreline with driftwood, natural beach, and fewer crowds. Perfect for those seeking solitude and beachcombing.
Highlights
Facilities & Parking
- No facilities - natural area
- Limited roadside parking
Distance
Variable - beach exploration
Duration
1-2 hours
Surface
Natural sand and gravel beach
Best Time
Year-round, weekdays for solitude
Safety Note: No facilities. Pack water and snacks. Respect private property.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible - natural beach terrain
Tide Information
Check Tide Tables Before Visiting
For tide-dependent walks like Willow Point Reef Walk, checking tide tables is essential. Low tide reveals tide pools and more beach area, while high tide covers most of the reef.
Plan to arrive 1-2 hours before low tide for the best tide pool exploration. This gives you time to explore before the tide starts coming back in.
View Campbell River Tide TablesUnderstanding Tides
Low Tide (Best for Reef Walks)
- • Tide pools fully exposed
- • More beach area accessible
- • Best for marine life viewing
- • Arrive 1-2 hours before low tide
High Tide
- • Most reef covered by water
- • Less beach area visible
- • Good for waterfront walking
- • Watch for incoming tide!
Pro Tips for Shoreline Walking
Check Tide Tables for Reef Walks
Willow Point Reef Walk is best at low tide when tide pools are exposed. Plan your visit 1-2 hours before low tide for the best experience.
Wear Appropriate Footwear
Paved trails (Seawalk, Discovery Pier) are fine for running shoes. Rocky beaches and reefs require closed-toe shoes with good grip.
Bring Binoculars for Wildlife
Eagles, seals, sea lions, and orcas are often spotted from shore. Binoculars enhance the experience significantly.
Best Light for Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the best light. Rebecca Spit is famous for sunsets, while Tyee Spit offers beautiful sunrise views.
Combine Walks with Other Activities
Seawalk connects to Discovery Pier (fishing), Willow Point has a splash park nearby, and Rebecca Spit is part of a Quadra Island adventure.
Local's Tip: Best Walk Combinations
- • Full Seawalk Experience: Start at Discovery Pier, walk to Tyee Spit (5km), return for 10km total
- • Quadra Island Day Trip: Rebecca Spit walk + Heriot Bay beach + ferry ride
- • Family Fun Day: Morning Willow Point reef walk + afternoon splash park
- • Sunset Walk: Rebecca Spit (best!) or Tyee Spit for incredible sunset photography
See Campbell River's Shoreline from the Water
After walking the shore, experience it from our boat! Wildlife tours, fishing charters, and eco-tours show you the coastline from a whole new perspective.
