Free Things to Do & Events around Campbell River

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

🏖️ 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.

🌉 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.

🎣 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.

🎨 Browse Public Art, Carvings & & Murals – Campbell River has several murals, public art installations, driftwood carvings & amazing sculptures around town that you can explore on foot.

🏛️ Walk the Museum Grounds – Campbell River’s award-winning museum has plenty on display outside including a well-labeled botanical garden of local plants.

🥾 Go Hiking or Biking – So many trails from beginner to advanced. A good, easily accessible spot to start is Beaver Lodge Lands.

🪨 Try Rockhounding – Find some cool rocks at the river, beaches, and streams around Campbell River. Explore the Rock Shop and annual the Rock Show.

⛱️ 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.

🚶‍♀️ 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.

🦅 Bird Watching – The estuary areas, Tyee Spit, and various parks offer excellent opportunities to spot local and migratory birds.

📚 Visit the Campbell River Library – Often hosts free events, workshops, and has a beautiful space to relax and read.

🍄 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.

🌲 Nature Photography – With all the stunning scenery, trails, and wildlife, Campbell River is perfect for amateur photographers looking to practice their skills.

🏁 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.

🥕 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.

🎵 Music in the Square – Spirit Square hosts free outdoor concerts all summer long. See the schedule below for dates and times.

💃 Dance Lessons – The city is putting on a variety of dance lessons in the summer. From line-dancing to salsa… so many cool options.

🕺 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.