Campbell River has a variety of attractions and activities to offer visitors and residents. Please find a sample below.
Activities
Auction - Campbell River Auctions Ltd.,
Phone: 250.287.3939
Every Thursday night starting at 6 pm the auction takes place.
Bingo – Chances Campbell River, 111 St. Ann’s Road,
Phone: 250.286.1442
Bowling - Crystal Lanes, 1661 16th Avenue,
Phone: 250.286.1177
5 and 10 pin bowling. 5 pin automatic scoring. Bumper bowling available. Licensed lounge and restaurant.
Canoeing & Kayaking
Phone: 1.877.286.5705 (Visitor Centre)
Excellent Lakes for canoeing in the Campbell River area. Explore the Discovery Islands through kayaking day trips and multi-day tours.
Diving
Phone: 1.877.286.5705 (Visitor Centre)
Campbell River is home to one of the best diving areas in the world.
Disc Golf (Frolf)
Phone: 250.923.7911
At the Sportsplex you can wander the beautiful wooded trails while testing your aim. The 18-basket course is approximately 3.6 km and you can rent your discs from the Sportsplex.
Ice Skating - Brind’Amour Arena at Strathcona Gardens
Phone: 250.287.9234
Library, 1240 Shoppers Row
Phone: 250.287.3655
Galaxy Movie Theatre, 250-10th Avenue
Phone: 250.286.1744
Showcase 5 Movie Theatre, 100-489 South Dogwood Street
Phone: 250.287.3233
On the Rocks Climbing Gym, 1980B Island Highway
Phone: 250.287.7625
At On The Rocks, they offer climbing options for beginners to intermediate climbers. For top-ropers, lead climbers and boulderers.
Sportsplex offers Squash, Racquet Ball, Wallyball, Beach Volleyball, Gym, Skate Park
Phone 250.923.7911
Contact the Campbell River Sportsplex for fun fitness opportunities.
Swimming
Outdoors - McIvor Lake, Morton Lake, Buttle Lake, Stories Beach, Miracle Beach, Saratoga Beach, Loveland Lake, Brewster Lake and so many more! Ask at the Visitor Centre about the Campbell River Recreation Maps.
Outdoor Pool - Centennial Pool 4th Avenue.
Phone: 250.923.7911
Open July & August.
Indoor Pool - Strathcona Gardens Complex.
Phone: 250.287.9234
Closed during the summer months.
Tennis - Centennial Park, Willow Point Park, Pacific Playgrounds
Areas of Interest
Miracle Beach Park
Located 28 km South of Campbell River on Highway 19 off of Miracle Beach Road. This park offers excellent family recreation. There are washrooms and a change facility in the picnic area. Besides the broad sandy beach there are many walking trails and a nature house for your enjoyment. A group picnic and barbecue area is available. Daily campfire talks & events are available throughout the summer. 193 vehicle and tent campsites.
Mitlenatch Island and Bird Sanctuary
Mitlenatch Island’s plant life, marine life, history and climate are unique. It hosts the largest seabird colony in the Strait of Georgia. Birds such as Glaucous Winged Gulls, Pelagic Cormorants, Pigeon Guillemots and Black Oystercatchers use this island for breeding grounds. During the Spring and Summer the island’s meadows are studded with an abundance of flowers and colorful plants. Although you can tour the island during the day you are not permitted to camp overnight. Keep a look out for the Seals and Sea Lions that call Mitlenatch home.
Rotary Beach Trail
The path begins at the Hidden Harbour Condominium complex (2 blocks south of 1st Avenue) to Willow Point, walk along the shoreline on a man made path overlooking Discovery Passage. Approximately 4 1/2 km in length. Cycles, strollers and rollerblades welcome. Wheelchair accessible. Pedal Cars available for rent.
Willow Creek Nature Trail and Conservation Area
This leisurely walk is approximately 11/2 hours. It makes a circular route around Willow Creek, with several bridges and benches along the way. Located off of Erickson Road, just past Fairmile Road.
Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek Heritage Property
Phone: 250.286.6646
Kingfisher Creek trails wander through the forest and estate of the late Roderick Haig-Brown. The trails are well kept with benches, bridges, and picnic tables. The restoration of Kingfisher Creek exemplifies the philosophy of Roderick Haig-Brown by maintaining and enhancing the fish and wildlife resources, natural setting and social values of the Haig-Brown property and the Kingfisher Watershed. For self-guided tours the brochure produced by the Greenways Land Trust gives an excellent overview of the trails.
Canyon View Trail
BC Hydro’s Canyon View Trail offers a comfortable 1 to 1 1/2 hour hike on a well maintained trail winding along the banks of the Campbell River. You will cross the tailrace deck for a superb view of adult salmon in the summer and fall months. A short climb beside the penstocks will take you to the top of the canyon and the pipeline bridge which affords a spectacular view of the pristine waters below. Located off Highway 28.
Elk Falls Provincial Park
The Elk Falls Provincial Park is located approximately 6 km North West of Campbell River on Highway 28. View the spectacular canyon, falls and John Hart Dam. Contains stand of virgin Douglas Fir with picnicking area and 122 vehicle/tent campsites located 2 1/5 km from Campbell River on the Quinsam River. Some areas of this park are wheelchair accessible.
Strathcona Park
Located 59 km North West of Campbell River on Highway 28. Strathcona Park is the oldest provincial park in British Columbia with 500,000 acres of wilderness providing fresh water swimming, picnicking, extensive system of hiking trails, boating, fishing and camping. There are two developed campgrounds with a total of 161 sites. For further information ask at the Visitor Centre for a brochure on Strathcona Park.
Ripple Rock Trail
Located approximately 15 minutes North of Campbell River on Highway 19. The trail was built by the Rotary Club and offers an excellent hike to where you can view Seymour Narrows and Maud Island. An intermediate hiking trail through the forest leads to the cliff overlooking Seymour Narrows. Approximately 4km (11/2 hours) one way. Not recommended for small children. Do not leave any valuables in your vehicle.
Attractions
CR & District Public Art Gallery, 1235 Shoppers Row
Phone: 250.287.2261
Enjoy changing displays which feature local and visiting artists. The Gallery has a beautiful gift shop of local handcrafts and a studio offering classes and workshops for all ages year around.
Tidemark Theatre, 1220 Shoppers Row
Toll Free: 1.800.994.0555 or 250.287.7465
The Tidemark Theatre is a 450 seat live theatre presenting both professional and community plays, concerts and musicals. Our lobby features a free monthly art display coordinated by the Campbell River Community Arts Council showcasing some of Campbell River’s finest artists. Why not see what’s on stage tonight?
Discovery Pier, Downtown Campbell River
Phone: 250.286.6199
Canada’s first salt water fishing pier is located next to the Government Wharf downtown Campbell River. The Pier extends 150 feet from the shore, is 600 feet long and the pier provides access to high quality recreational fishing. Everyone fishing must have a valid fishing license. Ideal setting for sightseeing and evening strolls. Open 24 hours a day, the pier is fully lit and has built-in rod holders, bait stands, fish cleaning tables, covered areas, picnic tables and benches. The concession is open 7:00am - dusk May to October and provides rod and tackle rentals, licenses and snacks. They are famous among the local residents for their ice cream cones! We are wheelchair accessible.
Pier Street Historic Mile, Campbell River Walking Route
Following its motto "Celebrating our roots as we grow our future", the Pier Street Association showcases the history of Campbell River on location in creating a "Historic Mile". Campbell River's history is made visible on 21 information panels, each containing a historical photo and a brief chronicle of the pictured area. These panels are located in the area surrounding the birthplace of Campbell River. This "Pier Street Historic Mile", for citizens and visitors alike, stretches from the Museum at Campbell River to the Robert Ostler Park. A walking tour guide is available at the Visitor Centre, the Museum, and at Pier Street stores.
Seymour Narrows Rest Area
Located approximately 15 minutes north of Campbell River on Highway 19. View the spectacular Seymour Narrows and learn of the famous Ripple Rock explosion. Don’t forget your binoculars. Wheelchair accessible. Note: check the tide guide first to be sure to catch the churning tides in action.
Community Parks & Recreation Areas
Saratoga Beach - A popular family beach, located 20 minutes south of Campbell River off of Saratoga Beach Road with a beautiful white sandy beach and an excellent view of the mainland mountains.
Stories Beach - An excellent day beach, 15 minutes south of Campbell River with great swimming and windsurfing.
Willow Point Park - Located at the corner of Penfield and Parkway, entrance to the park is located off South Alder Street. The park offers four regulation tennis courts with a practice court, four baseball diamonds and a children’s playground. Willow Point Park also has squash courts, basketball gym, a universal gym, aerobics and an outdoor volleyball court. For more information call the Sportsplex at (250) 923-7911.
Rotary Beach Park - An ideal rest area 5 minutes South of Campbell River. The park provides picnic tables, washrooms and a superb isolated rock pool. The park looks out over the Discovery Passage.
Centennial Park - Located at the corner of Alder and Fourth Avenue. A seasonal, well supervised outdoor swimming pool and parent supervised toddlers wading pool. Picnic tables, seasonal washrooms and tennis courts. A deluxe playground for kids. For more information regarding the pool please call (250) 287-9984.
Sequoia Park - Located just a few blocks south of the downtown core; an enormous Sequoia tree looks over the Discovery Passage. A stairway leading down to the waters edge allows you to reach natural caves formed in the embankment. A beautiful park to view Cape Mudge First Nations Village and lighthouse on Quadra Island. An excellent vantage point to view cruise ships passing by. Also the location of the Campbell River and Ishikari, Japan, Sister City 10th Anniversary Ceremonial Torii Gate.
Robert V. Ostler (Foreshore) Park - A large grassy area with picnic tables and jungle gym provide an excellent family area. Located in the centre of Campbell River along the shoreline of the Discovery Passage.
Nunns Creek Park - A preserved wooded area with a well packed walkway. Baseball diamonds, playground and skateboard park. Located on 16th Avenue behind the Ironwood Mall.
Gardens
Victorian Garden Gate Manor B&B and Gardens in Sayward, 448 Community Road, Sayward
Phone: 250.282.3776
Come and enjoy beautiful gardens filled with rhodo’s tucked warmly beneath the flower-filled hillside, where you will find an abundance and variety of flora to satisfy even the most demanding gardener’s expectations. Splashed with colour from the painter’s palette, this garden welcomes you to discover many floral secrets. In June & July when the roses are in full tilt and the delphiniums are reaching for the heavens, you’ll discover that this is what gardening is all about. Tea and dessert can be served in the Gazebo by reservation only. A proud member of the Vancouver Island Garden Association.
Golf Courses
Sequoia Springs Golf Course, 700 Peterson Road
Phone: 250.287.4970
A Challenging 18-hole golf course with picturesque gardens and lush fairways. The greens are reputed to be the best on the Island. Average time to play is three and a half hours. The clubhouse is designed with a southern flair that makes it ideal for meetings, banquets and weddings. 18 holes – Par 70
Storey Creek Golf Club, McGimpsey Road
Phone: 1-866-923-3674 or 250.923.3673
A Course in Nature. Carved out of a dense mixed forest, Storey Creek is truly a course in nature. Steeping into its rhythm, you’ll play your game in the company of wildlife – pausing as a family of deer cross the fairway or as a young eagle preens in a freshwater pond. 18 Holes - Par 72. A championship course designed by Les Fuber.
Saratoga Beach Golf Course, 2084 Saratoga Road
Phone: 250.337.8212
9-hole golf course
Museums
The Museum at Campbell River, 470 Island Highway,
Phone: 250.287.3103
The modern, international class Museum at Campbell River brings to life the people of northern Vancouver Island, from ancient cultures to recent history. Vibrant and interactive exhibits unfold the rich heritage of the First Nations peoples and development of unique coastal lifestyles. A small theatre offers historic film footage of the legendary “Ripple Rock” explosion in nearby Seymour Narrows. History outdoors, accessible anytime, includes a wooden cod fishing boat, a logging steam donkey, and a west coast indigenous plant garden with a spectacular marine view. Also: extensive archives; a Museum Shop specializing in First Nations artwork, regional books and locally crafted items; programs year round.
Maritime Heritage Centre
Phone: 250.286.3161
By the Discovery Fishing Pier, Downtown Campbell River. Home of the BCP45; which was used by Canadian Mint for the $5 bill. We are wheelchair accessible.Tours take place Mondays to Fridays from 10 am to 3:30 pm in the summer and 10 am- 2 pm during the winter months.
Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre,
Cape Mudge on Quadra Island
Phone: 250.285.3733
The Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre holds the collection of original Kwakwaka’wakw artifacts and forms one of the finest exhibits on the North West Coast. The Gift Gallery offers a fine selection of Artwork, prints and carvings of many talented local artists, as well as books, cards, jewellery and clothing.
Cortes Island Museum & Archives, 957 Beasley Road Manson’s Landing
Phone: 250.935.6340
Explore the historic building and beautiful heritage garden. Exhibits featuring Cortes Island’s social and natural history, pioneer kitchen, Von Donop Logging Shed, Archives Collection and Museum Store.
Ski Mountains
Mount Cain
Phone: 1.888.668.6622
At Mt. Cain the snow falls hard and deep. Nothing disturbs it all week long. On weekends, skiers and boarders craving a powerful and unique winter experience… head for this secret snow stash! At Mount Cain there are no crowds, no glitz, and no glamour. Instead, you’ll discover a welcoming staff, 1500 vertical feet of awesome snow, carefully groomed cruisers, amazing glades and open powder runs. An old style lodge awaits you with a wood stove and wholesome food. Mount Cain is open daily during the Christmas School Holiday (except for December 24th & 25th) and otherwise on Saturdays and Sundays.
Mount Washington Ski Resort
Phone: 1.888.231.1499 or 250.338.1386
Alpine and Nordic skiing just 40 km south of Campbell River. Ski rentals and repair, sports retail shop, ski school, general store, lounge, restaurant and much more are available. During the summer months Mount Washington is the gateway to Paradise Meadows in Strathcona Provincial Park. Mount Washington also features lift access mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, mini golf, horseback riding, Sunday Brunch in the Raven Lodge and so much more!
Tours
Quinsam Salmon Hatchery, 4217 Argonaut Road
Phone: 250.287.9564
Located off of Highway 28. Observe juvenile salmon all year, or returning salmon from mid-August to mid-November. This self guided tour is open to visitors seven days a week from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. A number of facilities are available including the display room containing information on the life cycle of salmon and the hatchery techniques. Public washrooms and picnic sites are available and nature trials branch off nearby affording the opportunity to explore the Quinsam River. Wheelchair accessible.
Haig-Brown BC Heritage Property
Phone: 250.286.6646
The Haig-Brown House and Property commemorates the late Roderick and Ann Haig-Brown and their philosophies of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Located on the banks of the Campbell River, the property consists of 2.5 acres of formal gardens, orchards and trails surrounded by 18 acres of woods, streams and wetlands. Visitors are welcome to explore well-kept walking trails furnished with benches, bridges and picnic tables. Group tours of the house and property can be booked through the Campbell River Museum. The site manager welcomes drop-in visitors and will also show the house but to ensure a tour please call the house ahead of time.