Visitors Guide to Campbell River

Planning Your Trip

If you’re thinking of coming to Campbell River, there are some important things to consider for a smooth and fun trip. Here are some essential bits of information for visitors:

Weather and Clothing

• Campbell River has a moderate marine climate. Summers are typically warm but not hot, and winters are mild & wet compared to much of Canada.
• Pack layers to accommodate shifts in temperature, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities. Waterproof clothing is also recommended, particularly in the fall and winter months when rainfall is more frequent.

Transportation

• Public transportation (bus service) is limited, especially outside of the city area. Renting a car might be the most efficient way to explore.
• Check in advance if you need a shuttle or taxi from the airport and book these services if necessary.

Local Transit:

• Campbell River Transit System provides bus services throughout the city, however remember that CR is a small city — we definitely don’t have the bus system that gets folks people anywhere fast.
• Taxi services are available.
• There is NO Uber, Lyft, or other ridesharing apps. Sorry!

Biking and Car Rentals:

• Bike rentals offer a scenic way to explore.
• Car rental agencies are located at the airport and in the city.
• Bottom line: Limited public transportation and the lack of rideshare apps means renting a car is almost always going to be your best bet if you want to get around (and out of) town.

Wildlife and Safety

• If you’re heading into the wilderness for hiking, fishing, or camping, make sure to let someone know your plans and expected return time.
• Our region is known for abundant wildlife; including bears, cougars, eagles, and elk. Educate yourself about wildlife encounters, remain cautious, and keep your distance.

Fishing Licenses

• Campbell River is famous for salmon fishing, but make sure you’re aware of the local fishing regulations and have the necessary licenses.
• Fishing Licenses: You can purchase your fishing license online or at various local shops (currently you can only purchase licenses online). Information & application for freshwater & saltwater fishing licenses here.

Timing & Local Events

• The summer and fall months are very busy, with popular events and salmon-fishing tourists: so book accommodations and activities well in advance during these seasons.
• Check our local events calendar to participate in community events, festivals, or fairs which could enhance your travel experience.

How To Get to Here

Here’s what you need to know about getting to Campbell River by air, land or sea. (it will likely be a combination of all three!)

Arriving by Air

Nearest Airports:

1. Campbell River Airport (YBL): Just 20 minutes from downtown, but limited flights and connections.
2. Comox Valley Airport (YQQ): Located 45 minutes away, this airport provides additional connectivity with various carriers, and flights from Vancouver (YVR) are plentiful & convenient to Comox Airport.
3. Nanaimo Airport (YCD): Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Campbell River, serving multiple domestic flights that connect through major hubs.
4. Vancouver International Airport (YVR): Though further away with 2 hour ferry ride to Nanaimo and a subsequent 1.5-hour drive to Campbell River, YVR is a major international gateway, offering numerous domestic and international flights.

Tips for Air Travel:

• Book your flights in advance to secure the best rates.
• Understand that Campbell River is not particularly convenient to get to, you can’t just “fly-in” as easy as you might expect, despite having an airport.
• Although Campbell River has it’s own airport, it is small and has limited flights. Most people fly into Comox via Vancouver and rent a car to get to Campbell River. Or fly into Vancouver Intl Airport, then take a 2 hour ferry across to Nanaimo, and then drive to Campbell River.

Pro tip: Personally, as a local that travels to the states and back often to visit family: I almost always return to Campbell River by flying into Vancouver then taking a ferry across to Nanaimo.

The best / cheapest flights are out of Vancouver and the ferry ride over to the island (to Nanaimo) is an enjoyable, scenic journey enjoyed by locals as well as tourists.

However, the ferry does add extra steps to the journey. So, if you can get a flight into Comox or Campbell River from Vancouver, then it might be worth the premium price vs the ferry + driving from Nanaimo.

Arriving by Road

Driving Directions:

• From Victoria: Follow BC-19 N, taking exit 161 for Campbell River. The drive typically takes about 3 hours.
• From Nanaimo: Take BC-19 N to Campbell River, which should take around 1.5 hours.
• From Comox: Take BC-19 N to Campbell River, which is about 40 mins.
• From Vancouver: Take BC ferries to either Duke Point or Departure Bay Nanaimo (2 hour by ferry), then drive north 1.5 hours.

Arriving by Sea

Ferry Services:

• BC Ferries offers routes from Vancouver to Nanaimo. From there, you can drive or take a bus to Campbell River.
• Water taxis and charter services are available for direct access to coastal areas and islands.

Planning Your Ferry Trip:

• Book your ferry tickets in advance during peak season.
• Always check the ferry schedule for any changes prior to your trip.

Campbell River Statistics

I’ve been working on this big list of statistics & interesting facts about Campbell River — it’s still a draft, I hope to organize this and improve the content with images, charts, etc. in the near future.

• Population: 35,138 (2021 Census)
• Climate: Campbell River has a moderate climate
• Parks: Campbell River has over 30 designated parks spanning more than 400 hectares, ranging from small neighborhood parks to larger preserved natural areas.
• Elevation: The city’s elevation is roughly 26 meters (85 feet) above sea level. The Vancouver Island Ranges, to the city’s west, rise to around 2,200 meters (7,218 feet).
• Trails: Campbell River boasts over 100 km of hiking trails.
• Bird Species: Campbell River and its surrounding area are home to approximately 220 bird species.
• Whale Watching: There are over 7,000 Orcas in the waters off Campbell River.
• Sea Walk: The Rotary Sea Walk in Campbell River is a scenic 8.5 kilometer (5.28 miles) oceanfront walk ideal for walking, jogging, or biking.
• Campbell River Museum: The Museum rests on the 1st Nations land of Wei Wai Kum and We Wai Kai and is ranked in the Top 10 Canadian museums.
• Restaurants: There are roughly 70 places to eat in Campbell River including restaurants, cafes, and food trucks, offering a diverse cuisine to cater to different taste buds.
• Forestry Industry: This industry remains a significant part of the economy in Campbell River. The city processes over 800,000 cubic meters of wood annually.
• Mt. Washington Alpine Resort: This popular ski resort, roughly 45 minutes from Campbell River, receives an average of 10.5 meters of annual snowfall.
• Tyee Club of BC: This club has registered over 1,000 catches of Tyee Salmon (fish weighing 30 pounds or more) since its establishment in 1924.
• History: The city is home to one of the oldest paleontological sites in North America with discoveries dating back over 80,000 years.