Cortes Island
Boaters exploring Desolation Sound who seek the protected sanctuary of Gorge Harbour feel it when they pass under mysterious petroglyphs carved into the sheer rock walls of the narrow entrance by ancient travelers. In the centre of the island is a freshwater lake surrounded by improbable white sandy beaches. This is Cortes Island, centered between the spectacular snow-covered peaks of the mainland mountain range and the rugged spine of northern Vancouver Island. Surrounded by clear water, covered by majestic forest, blessed by sunshine and a temperate climate, and certainly one of the most unique and interesting destinations to be found anywhere in North America.
Gold River, located at the west end of Hwy 28, is a scenic hour’s drive from Campbell River. It’s a great base for exploring the surrounding wilderness and rainforest trails or as a starting point for Nootka Sound adventure. The deep-sea dock at Gold River is home port to the MV Uchuck III, Air Nootka seaplane service, and the launch point for kayaks and sports fishing enthusiasts. Gold River is the gateway to some of the most varied and plentiful fishing grounds on the west coast of Canada.
Quadra Island
A short ferry ride across Discovery Passage from downtown Campbell River to Quadra Island is all it takes. Passengers disembark to an idyllic island playground of beaches, lakes, and parks intermingled with luxury lodges, native culture, artisan’s studios, and other interesting places that are friendly and welcoming. visitors can experience native artistry and traditions at the Museum in the Village of Cape Mudge. A collection of old totem poles inspire many of the modern artists whose work is featured. Quadra is also home to many well known contemporary artists, writers, potters and other artisans, and a growing community of Healing Arts practitioners.
Sayward
Naturally welcoming visitors looking for a spot to pull off the highway of life for a few hours or a few days and catch a breath of clean, fresh air. Down-home cooking is served up in friendly cafés. Inviting waterfront campgrounds and cabins await water. Whale watching and wildlife tours are exciting and salmon fishing on the salt water, or fly fishing in the rivers is relaxation, just waiting to happen.
Oyster River / Strathcona
Where many of the other destinations on Vancouver Island center around urban areas, this ‘gateway’ region is so vast it actually stretches from one side of the island to the other. It’s time to discover what “As Wild as You Like” really means: Recreational activities for all tastes and abilities. Kick back on a sandy beach, or do a gut check at the top of a double-black diamond ski run at Mt. Washington Alpine Resort. It’s all here in Strathcona. The majestic wilderness of British Columbia’s oldest (founded 1911) and largest Provincial Park can challenge the most extreme outdoor enthusiast, or delight a senior and grandchild as they take a nature walk together. The summer resorts and campgrounds near Oyster River provide an excellent base for family vacations. With miles of sand beach, golf courses, (par 3, 18 hole, and mini) friendly neighborhood pubs, a stock-car track, great restaurants, trail rides, petting zoos, marinas and excellent fishing all within a few miles, it’s a ‘pearl’ of a place for a relaxing holiday.
Tahsis
Follow the "Tree to Sea Drive" from Gold River to Tahsis where you will find the starting point for lots of outdoor fun. You will be treated to excellent salt water fishing and the opportunity to land some of the largest salmon and halibut caught in B.C. Located right in the heart of spectacular Nootka Sound, Tahsis Inlet, and the surrounding Rugged Mountain Range, this area is becoming well known for underwater dive sites, sea kayaking, caving, hiking, bird watching and wildlife viewing.
Zeballos
Sheltered by towering forest-covered mountains, Zeballos sits at the head of Zeballos Inlet, named after Lieutenant Ciriaco Cevallos who visited the area in 1792 with Captain Alejandro Malaspina. The discovery of gold in Zeballos in the 1920’s resulted in a massive influx of miners and adventurers. The self-guided walking tour of the village’s historical buildings leads visitors to the picturesque Zeballos Heritage Museum where tales of the gold rush and the resulting boomtown are brought to life with pictures and artifacts.