Discover Campbell River
Campbell River is a hidden gem that feels like a world away from the mainland, despite being just a short ferry ride away.
As someone who had never heard of Campbell River before being invited to explore the area, I was blown away by just how special this small town on the Northeastern side of Vancouver Island truly is. Nicknamed the "Hawaii of Canada" by locals, Campbell River is surrounded by stunning waterfront and towering mountains, and its close connection to the local wildlife and nature is palpable as soon as you arrive.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to experience firsthand the rich culture and history of Campbell River, which is deeply intertwined with the surrounding natural beauty. I went out on the water with Tall Tale Fishing Charters and Coastal Wilderness Adventures, where our knowledgeable boat captains, Steve and Curtis, showed us some of the most breathtaking spots in the area, including a hidden waterfall that fell into the ocean, protected from view by a small cove.
The fishing itself was also an incredible experience, as we caught a salmon large enough to keep and collected a few dozen prawns. We even had the chance to have our catch cooked and served at the Riptide Pub, a true taste of the local culture and way of life.
A day to explore
A few local friends recommended Myra Falls in Strathcona Provincial Park. Located only about an hour’s drive from Campbell River, the falls offer some incredible hiking views. The weather was fairly cold as it wasn’t summer yet. With an air temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 4.5 degrees Celsius, the water was just barely above freezing. Nevertheless, my friend Luke and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to jump in. Out of a group of five, the two guys originally from Alaska were the only ones willing to brave the cold. We jumped in twice, and I would highly recommend waiting until summer! After successfully cooling ourselves off in the water, we headed to Shelter Point Distillery for a tour of their facility. The distillery makes vodka, but is primarily focused on distilling whiskey. Located on Vancouver Island’s east coast, it sits hand in hand with nature on 380 acres of pristine land.
Our final day was, without a doubt, the highlight of the trip. Our first stop was the Discovery Harbour Docks, where we met up with our guide from Big Animal Encounters. We passed massive rock walls and spotted a few dozen sea lions bobbing in the water. On our way back into the harbour we were greeted by a bald eagle watching over us. We then traveled from the water to the hangar and flew with 49 North Helicopters. Our pilots, Bastian and Dirk were extremely excited to show us the forests and islands from above. We flew deeper and deeper into the mountains until the vibrant green of the trees turned to pure white. At this elevation, the temperature allowed for a persistent snow cover. Circling a large snow-covered peak, our pilots scouted for a place to land. We set down on three feet of fresh snow and shut down the engines. Breathtaking views greeted us in all directions as the cloud cover cleared.
Campbell River is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring places I have ever visited. The connection between its people and the environment is beautiful. The people were so welcoming and I felt like I was back in my hometown, surrounded by family every day. I truly can’t wait to come back, explore, and catch up with everyone I met during the trip.
