Campbell River’s annual Salmon Festival is well-loved by both residents and visitors. Each year it seems to be getting better and better. It runs co-currently with the Logger Sports competition & the Highland Gathering.
There’s also plenty of children’s activities, entertainment, various booths and lots of salmon.
Salmon Festival 2025
Our Salmon Festival (aka SalmonFest) is held on the second weekend in August. So, the next festival will be on August 8th, 9th & 10th 2025.
The festival boasts world-class logging sports, currently the largest in Canada and the 4th largest in all of North America.
Attendees will enjoy a salmon barbecue, free children’s activities, live entertainment, and a variety of community, food, and trade show booths.
Sponsorship & Vendor Information
To become a sponsor, rent a booth, volunteer or to for more info you can email salmonfest@connected.bc.ca, or contact them at 1-250-287-2044
Their website has application forms here.
History of the Campbell River Salmon Festival
The Campbell River Salmon Festival, a staple celebration for over 50 years, has evolved significantly since its inception.
Initially sparked by the Campbell River Canoe Club in 1967, the festival began as the Water Festival at McIvor Lake and was later relocated to downtown Campbell River.
By 1971, it was renamed the Campbell River Salmon Festival, reflecting our community’s deep connection to salmon fishing.
Significant developments occurred in the early 1970s, including the construction of the Totem Pavilion in 1972 and the introduction of the Cod Jiggers Stomp and the World Champion Oyster Eating Contest in 1973.
The festival saw various location and activity changes through the 1980s and 1990s, including the introduction of the Miss Salmon Festival Pageant and shifts in event scheduling due to consistent rainy weather.
The festival’s focus sharpened in the 2000s with a significant emphasis on Logger Sports, which became a major draw.
By 2005, the North Island Logger Sports, held during the festival, had grown to include multiple world and Canadian championships, attracting international competitors and coverage by major television networks.
Recent years have seen further expansion and community involvement, with the festival assisting in numerous local events and initiatives.
The introduction of the Summer Salmon Sizzler in 2008 and the ongoing evolution of the Logger Sports, including a Canada versus United States competition for the festival’s 50th anniversary in 2017, highlight its enduring appeal and importance to Campbell River’s cultural and community life.
The festival’s success is a testament to its (and Campbell River’s) ability to adapt and grow, maintaining relevance and excitement in the community while celebrating its logging and fishing heritage.