There are so many free activities to do around town!
This guide will first tell you about my favorite activities you can do almost anytime, and the next section features a detailed & frequently updated calendar of today’s and upcoming free events and things to do.
Best Free Activities & Things to Do
ποΈ Beachcombing & Tidepooling – A fantastic activity for any age. Check the tide tables and be mindful. Willow Point Reef is a good spot on extra low tides.
π Check out the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge – Considered a “must-see” feature of Vancouver Island, Elk Falls is even more spectacular when seen from above on our suspension bridge.
π£ Walk the Discovery Pier – Get an awesome view of the ocean and Quadra Island, and maybe see people land a salmon at our famous pier. note: while free, you will really want to spend a few dollars at the pier’s Ice Cream stand.
π¨ Browse Public Art, Carvings & & Murals – Campbell River has several murals and public art installations around downtown that you can explore on foot.
ποΈ Walk the Museum Grounds – Campbell River’s award-winning museum has plenty on display outside including a well-labeled botanical garden of local plants.
π₯Ύ Go Hiking or Biking – So many trails from beginner to advanced. A good, easily accessible spot to start is Beaver Lodge Lands.
πͺ¨ Try Rockhounding – Find some cool rocks at the river, beaches, and streams around Campbell River. Explore the Rock Shop and annual the Rock Show.
β±οΈ Explore Rotary Beach Park – Right on the ocean, south of Campbell River City Parks and Trails, this park features chainsaw carvings and connects to the famous seawalk.
πΆββοΈ Walk the Rotary Seawalk – A 6 km paved walkway that follows the shoreline of the Discovery Passage with picnic tables, viewing benches, and sandy beaches along the way.
π¦ Bird Watching – The estuary areas, Tyee Spit, and various parks offer excellent opportunities to spot local and migratory birds.
π Visit the Campbell River Library – Often hosts free events, workshops, and has a beautiful space to relax and read.
π Forage for Mushrooms & More – Campbell River is a fantastic area to learn the art of living off the land and foraging free yummy things to eat.
π² Nature Photography – With all the stunning scenery, trails, and wildlife, Campbell River is perfect for amateur photographers looking to practice their skills.
π Free Racing Events – Just a few KMs south of Campbell River, the Saratoga Motorsports speedway puts on a few free shows each year, including their “Trunk or Treat” Halloween season closer with a fantastic fireworks display.
π₯ Farmer’s Market – While there’s plenty to buy, it’s also ok to just show up and enjoy the free live entertainment each Sunday.
π΅ Music in the Square – Spirit Square hosts free outdoor concerts all summer long. See the schedule below for dates and times.
π Dance Lessons – The city is putting on a variety of dance lessons in the summer. From line-dancing to salsa… so many cool options.
πΊ Boogie Nights Dance Parties – Sunday evenings downtown Campbell River will actually have something going on this year. Amazing!
Free Things to Do Schedule
Here’s a schedule of free events in Campbell River over then next few months.
Caribbean Night at Spirit Square
Spirit Square Campbell River 1287 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC, CanadaJoin the Caribbean celebration with Caleb Hart & Sonic Alley. Fun filled with music and dance awaits.
Paris Pick Live Music at Spirit Square
Spirit Square Campbell River 1287 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC, CanadaDonβt miss Paris Pickβs high-energy show to enjoy retro yacht pop and fun summer vibes!
Autocross Afternoon at Saratoga Speedway
Saratoga Speedway 2380 Macaulay Rd, Black Creek, BC, CanadaDonβt miss free bleacher seating and thrilling Autocross action at the speedway!
Line Dancing in Spirit Square
Spirit Square Campbell River 1287 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC, CanadaGet ready to dance your way through summer with the Step-In Line Dancers, who bring the excitement of country music to downtown!
Salsa Lessons at Spirit Square
Spirit Square Campbell River 1287 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC, CanadaSpice up your summer with salsa! Enjoy lively Tuesday classes at Spirit Square.
Sunset Cinema: Movies in the Park
Robert Ostler Park 922 Island Hwy, Campbell River, BC, CanadaWatch Moana 2 outside with friends and family... popcorn, a great movie, and summer fun all rolled into one relaxing evening!
Kids Day at the Museum!
Campbell River Museum 470 Island Hwy, Campbell River, BC, CanadaFree puppet shows and hands-on stations highlight a family afternoon at the museum, with more kids events running all summer.
Time Well Wasted: Live at Spirit Square
Spirit Square Campbell River 1287 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC, CanadaLive horns, powerhouse singers, and your favourite hits await! Make your summer night special with Time Well Wasted in concert.
Family Friendly Dance Party @ Spirit Square
Spirit Square Campbell River 1287 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC, CanadaJoin the fun at Spirit Square on Sunday nights for dancing, music, activities, and summer memories with friends.
Free Preschool Play Gym
Community Centre 401 11th Ave, Campbell River, BC, CanadaJoin in for free preschool playtime every Monday at the Community Centre Gym!
Line Dancing in Spirit Square
Spirit Square Campbell River 1287 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC, CanadaCome enjoy these free & friendly line dancing sessions each Monday at Spirit Square this summer. π€
Free Yoga in the Park Sessions Start Today!
Robert Ostler Park 922 Island Hwy, Campbell River, BC, CanadaJoin in on Yoga in the Park! Experience different styles with certified instructors in a stunning outdoor venue!
Yoga in the Park
Robert Ostler Park 922 Island Hwy, Campbell River, BC, CanadaCome downtown for Yoga in the Park! Experience fun routines led by certified instructors.
Latin Night Downtown Campbell River
Shoppers Row 1287 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC, CanadaDance the night away at this fun-filled, free events with the vibrant Latin rhythms.
Big Little Lions Live in Campbell River
Spirit Square Campbell River 1287 Shoppers Row, Campbell River, BC, CanadaCatch the award-winning folk pop duo Big Little Lions and enjoy heartfelt songs, feel-good harmonies, and a night of live music!