Quick Area Guide
Campbell River grew from the labour of foresters, miners and fishers. With its breathtaking scenery, nestled beside the Campbell River, surrounded by magnificent mountains and, of course, extensive Oceanside beaches and vistas, Campbell River is a wonderful place to live and work. A vibrant centre for tourism, industry, shopping and the arts, Campbell River is your gateway to adventure. With endless places to explore and discover, the opportunity to ski at Mount Washington, golf at one of the many nearby golf courses, or enjoy countless other outdoor activities all in the same day, Campbell River is the place to be!
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Attractions
Discovery Pier
Canada's first salt water fishing pier is located next to the Government Wharf in downtown Campbell River. Ideal setting for sightseeing and evening strolls, open 24 hours a day.
Mount Washington Ski Resort
World class Alpine and Nordic skiing awaits just 40 km south of Campbell River. Ski rentals and repair, sports retail shop, ski school, general store, lunge, restaurant and much more. During the summer months, try mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, mini golf, horseback riding and more!
Haig-Brown House
This 1923 farmhouse on the banks of the Campbell River is the former home of Roderick and Ann Haig-Brown. Haig-Brown was a world-renowned author, avid fly-fisher, pioneering conservationist and a magistrate. Also offers bed-and-breakfast accommodation.
Eco-Tours, Whale Watching and Fishing
Choose from an array of local fishing charter, whale watching or eco-tourism companies to enjoy a day of world-class salmon fishing, marine wildlife spotting, birding, kayaking or sea canoeing. Or enjoy some beachcombing and a walk along the beach.
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Golf and Tennis
Sequoia Springs
A challenging par 70 public course with picturesque gardens, lush fairways and well manicured greens. The clubhouse is designed with a Southern flair. There is a Garden Patio, Pro Shop and the Sand Trap lounge. A challenge to veterans and a pleasant game for all.
Storey Creek Golf Club
'A course in nature', this semi-private course is surrounded by the nature that makes Campbell River famous. Designed by Les Furber, this amazing golf course is surrounded by great West Coast trees, is a pathway for an abundance of wildlife and has creeks, ponds and manicured gardens. Numerous deer graze the fairways.
Pacific Playground Golf Course
A nine-hole par 4 executive course at Saratoga Beach. This course will challenge you to manage your shot selection and approaches to the green. While not long, accuracy is key if you wish to score well.
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Museums
Museum at Campbell River
Permanent exhibits represent the unique culture and history of Northern Vancouver Island, including logging, salmon fishing, First Nations exhibits, the incredible Ripple Rock Story and the restored heritage boat Soyakaze. The Museum is adjoined by the Archives Research Centre and the Campbell River Museum Shop. The building and view are spectacular - take in the ever changing panoramic view of Discover Passage, take photos and even whale watch! http://www.crmuseum.ca/
Campbell River Art Gallery
1235 Shoppers Row - The gallery's mandate is to stimulate thought, understanding, curiosity, involvement and discussion of contemporary visual arts. Along with exhibits, they offer over 40 workshops, classes and artists' talks. Permanent collections represent Western Canadian artists. They have a reference library and also conduct art classes in schools and at community events like the annual Garden Tour every June. www.crartgal.ca
Maritime Heritage Centre
By the Discovery Fishing Pier, downtown Campbell River, home of the BCP45, the ship used by the Canadian Mint for the bill.
Wei Wai Kum House of Treasures
First Nations art gallery and gift shop dedicated to Kwakwaka'wakw and other Vancouver Island art of the Northwest Coast. Located in the Discovery Harbour Centre, in downtown Campbell River.
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Neighborhoods
Miles and Miles of Ocean Front!
Campbell River is blessed with miles and miles of spectacular and pristine ocean front properties, and lots of easy public access. Most neighbourhoods are located close to seaside walkways, boat launch areas or a marina. Watch the cruise ships sail past as you enjoy a beach picnic or sip a cold beverage from one of our Oceanside restaurants or pubs
Island Life
Experience the laid-back lifestyle from one of the many smaller islands dotting the east coast of Vancouver Island. Ferry service to Quadra and Cortes make them easily accessible, but why not charter a boat, take a water taxi or use your own to check out some of smaller islands accessible only by water.
Shoppers Row and Pier Street
Campbell River's downtown shopping area has many unique shops, seaside restaurants and Discovery Pier for strolling or fishing.
Middlenatch, Discovery Drive, Holly Hills...
Gerogia Park, Maryland Estates, Cambridge Estates, Heritage Meadows, Willow Point, Ash,and Carnegie - are some of the fine neighbourhoods where spectacular ocean front or ocean view homes abound.
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Preserves and Parks
Strathcona Park
Located almost in the centre of Vancouver Island, Strathcona is a rugged mountain wilderness comprising more than 250,000 hectares. Mountain peaks - some perpetually mantled with snow - dominate the park. Lakes and alpine tarns dot a landscape laced with rivers, creeks and streams. Summer in Strathcona is usually pleasantly warm, while winters are fairly mild except for the higher levels, where heavy snowfalls are the norm. From November through March, snowfalls can be expected on the mountain slopes and alpine plateaus. Snow remains all year on the mountain peaks and may linger into July even at moderate elevations. Summer evenings, as elsewhere in the coastal regions of BC, can be cool and rain can be expected at any time of the year. Two areas - Buttle Lake and vicinity and Forbidden Plateau - offer a variety of visitor-oriented developments. The rest of the park is largely undeveloped and appeals primarily to people seeking wilderness surroundings. To see and enjoy much of the scenic splendor requires hiking or backpacking into the alpine regions.
Mitlenatch Island Bird Sanctuary
Located just south of Quadra Island, Mitlenatch Island, meaning calm water all around in Coast , is accessible only by boat. This provincial nature park encompasses 36 hectares of land, 119 hectares of water and contains the largest seabird colony in the Strait of Georgia. The park boundary extends 300 metres (1000 ft) from the shore, protecting all marine life within this area. This park is extremely ecologically sensitive and visitors are not permitted to leave the trails, nor are bikes permitted.
Elk Falls Provincial Park
Elk Falls Provincial Park features a large waterfall and some of the best year-round salmon fishing in Canada. the park is located on two kilometres from downtown Campbell River. The campsites are located off the Quinsam River, which is packed with salmon.
Sequoia Park
Located next to the Campbell River Museum, a large Sequoia tree overlooks the Discovery Passage. The park provides a good vantage point from which to view Cape Mudge First Nations Village and the lighthouse on Quadra Island, as well as passing cruise ships. The ceremonial Torii Gate is also situated in Sequoia Park. A stairway leading down to the water's edge provides access to natural caves formed in the embankment.
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Shopping
Shoppers Row and Tyee Plaza
Campbell River's downtown shopping area has many unique shops, seaside restaurants and Discovery Pier for strolling or fishing. Across the road from the ocean! Take in the fresh sea breezes while you stroll along and visit the many locally owned shops.
Discovery Mall
Built on land reclaimed from the ocean, Campbell River's newest mall is located along the ocean front near the downtown core.
Campbell River Common
Now undergoing extensive renovations, the former 'Ironwood Mall' this is Campbell River's only enclosed mall. The unique central court offers opportunities for special activities throughout the year.
Pier Street Farmers' Market
The Pier Street Association started a new Farmers' Market in the beginning of May 2003 in one of the most beautiful spots of Campbell River. This weekly Pier Street Farmers' Market, located in the parking lot right in front of the entrance to the Discovery Fishing Pier, is surrounded by the stunning scenery of Georgia Strait, Fisherman's Wharf, Discovery Pier, and the new Maritime Heritage Centre.
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Theaters
Tidemark Theatre
Think Pink! Campbell River's 435 seat performing arts centre located at 1220 Shoppers Row. This distinctive pink building with marquee-type signage is the venue for Campbell River's own Rivercity Players and the Showcase Festival as well as local, national, international stars. Check out www.tidemark-theatre.com for current and upcoming performances.
Shoreline Arts Society
'Transformations on the Shore' annual wood carving demonstration on the ocean front transforms driftwood into works of art. This is not your typical wood carving, but truly an artists' forum. Finished works of art are displayed in the community in parks and sponsors' premises for everyone's year round enjoyment. http://www.crshorelinearts.com/
Campbell River Salmon Festival Society
Annual parade, fishing derby, fireworks and logger' sports held at various times throughout the year. Watch a magnificent fireworks display from the water or from the shore on Canada Day. Annual traditional logger sports includes log birling, tree climbing and topping, chainsaw and axe skills, nail driving, choker race, Swede saw bucking and more!
Showcase Festival Society
The goal of the society is to present a classic play and its musical spin-off every season, highlighting the similarities and differences. A joint effort of the Comox Valley and Campbell River, the two communities work together to bring professional performing arts to Vancouver Island. The Society makes the jump from superb local amateur talent to world class professional performers.
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