Ready to swap city chaos for ocean air and friendly neighbours?
Campbell River might just win you over with its scenery, wildlife, and small-town spirit… but it’s not all sunshine and salmon.
Before you pack your bags, here’s a look at what life here is really like, from someone who’s called the River home for 20 years.
Pros & Cons of Living in Campbell River
Let’s start with the nitty gritty, the cons, before we get swept away by ocean views.
Job Opportunities
We’ve got thriving industries like forestry, fishing, healthcare, and tourism, but if you’re into tech, finance, or anything super niche, options are limited.
Remote work is a popular workaround.
Want steady work? It helps to love salmon or hard hats.
Weather
If you moved to Campbell River for sunshine, let’s just rip that Band-Aid off now.
Summers are pleasant. You’ll get some actual blue sky, and the ocean breeze is worth bragging about. But, the rainy season? It feels like it lasts from October straight through to May.
Sun worshippers tap out fast. Thunderstorms are rare enough that the whole town will text their friends if they hear one. Late March always brings a random hailstorm or two.
Pollen season hits hard: your car turns highlighter yellow, and you’ll debate the life-changing magic of an air purifier.
First soft frost lands right around Halloween… just enough to make those early mornings a little sketchy on the roads. Snow? It shows up to party maybe once or twice a year, then leaves before anyone finds their shovel.
Bottom line: get ready to embrace “damp chic.” If you can’t, this isn’t your climate. 🌧️
Healthcare
Like everywhere in BC, finding a family doctor can take time. Get on the provincial waitlist ASAP.
We have a hospital, overworked but friendly!
Need a specialist? Hope you enjoy scenic (and foggy) road trips to Nanaimo or Victoria. Emergencies in winter? May the odds be ever in your favour on the Malahat. 🚗🗻
If you have big health concerns, look into availability before you move.
Driving & Getting Around
Driving here is a treat — open roads, killer scenery, and zero city stress.
Parking is almost never a struggle, and even in winter, traffic is chill. Watch for black ice when it hovers around freezing; it’s sneakier than you think.
Public transport is basic: local buses and taxis, but no Uber/Lyft yet. Campbell River is bikable, but our hills will build your calves.
Let’s Talk Food
Foodies, you’ll love our local restaurants, top-tier sushi, and eyebrow-raisingly good seafood.
Six grocery stores cover all the essentials, plus farmers markets and local fishmongers mean easy access to just-caught salmon and fresh produce.
If you crave chain restaurants, big malls, or fast food, you’ll have to take a drive — or lean into home cooking.
Nightlife (Or Not)
We’re not exactly the Vegas Strip.
The club and major bars have closed (RIP Quinney, Voodoo, Coachman), and nightlife is mostly live music at brewpubs, comedy nights, and the odd casino DJ.
But if you like chill nights with friends and live bands, you’ll fit right in.
Nature & The Outdoors
If you love the outdoors, get ready to pinch yourself. Forests, mountains, beaches — it’s all here, and rarely crowded. Local faves include:
- Hiking the Canyon View Trail, Beaver Lodge Lands, and Elk Falls
- Watching eagles, seals, and whales right from shore
- Fishing and boating: everyone does it, even Grandma
- Kayaking, biking, or just wandering seaside trails
Events & Festivals
We pack in the fun:
- Driftwood Carving Competition
- Salmon Festival & Logger Sports (yes, there are chainsaws)
- Canada Day Parade, Highland Games, Big Truck Christmas Parade
- Farmer’s Markets, Pumpkin Festival, and quirky local happenings
There’s no shortage of reasons to get out and meet people.
The $$$ Stuff
Housing is more affordable than Victoria or Vancouver, but like everywhere on the Island, prices have risen lately.
You can find everything from ocean-view condos to classic bungalows. Renting? Act fast — places can go quickly.
Cost of living is pretty balanced: groceries and gas might feel higher, but your money stretches a bit farther than in the big city.
Schools & Education
School District 72 has solid public schools, and there are Indigenous & French Immersion education programs built into the system.
Private options like Campbell River Christian School keep things community-minded and small-scale.
North Island College’s local campus is handy if you want to upskill without leaving town.
Is Campbell River for You?
If you dream of ocean air, nature everywhere, or just want space for your kids (or dog) to roam; CR is the place. Be ready for a little rain, a lot of salmon, and a real sense of belonging.
Thinking seriously about moving here?
- Get on a family doctor waitlist early
- Book a visit in November if you want to test your wet-weather resolve!
- Bring hiking boots and your sense of humour
Welcome to the River!