Campbell River

Historically renowned as the "Salmon Capital of the World," Campbell River lies in the heart of Strathcona Park, Desolation Sound, Mt. Washington and Robson Bight. The Tyee Club of B.C. makes its home here and membership can be earned by catching a 13 kg (30 lb) salmon using traditional fishing methods that require the use of a rowboat and tackle restrictions. There are many fresh-water lakes and rivers and the knowledgeable angler can enjoy year-round fishing opportunities. Many of the lakes are accessible to boats as well as 5 public boat launches within Campbell River.

The spectacular scenery of Strathcona Park can be found by travelling west on Highway 28. Within Strathcona Park, huge clean sweeps of rock form an alpine climbers dream. The towering 1,000 metre East Face of Mt. Colonel Foster and several of the other peaks over 7,000 feet have attracted climber's from around the world for their world class calibre rock and ice routes. Crest Lake is the most developed sport climbing area with well over a hundred routes. The climbs are found in beautiful surroundings, under tall old-growth forest and overlooking sparkling mountain lakes. Several Provincial campgrounds are located in the park, some with RV facilities and others catering to backpackers.

Scuba diving in Discovery Passage has been described as second only to the Red Sea and the HMCS Columbia, a destroyer sunk by the artificial Reef Society adds to this excellent diving location. The area boasts an incredible diversity of diving opportunities and experiences and many are considered among the world's most traveled as, "must dives." Whether your preference is to explore the plethora of invertebrate life clinging to the underwater walls of Quadra Island, engage the photogenic qualities of "Captain Crunch" at Whiskey Point or make your way into the inner galley passages of the Columbia you will soon realize that you are in an internationally acclaimed ecosystem. Tours, charters and lessons are available for all of these activities.

Whale watching tours are available daily throughout the summer and leave from Kelsey Bay and Telegraph Cove to the north as well as Robson Bight. Wildlife viewing and escorted bird watching tours are also available or experience First Nations culture by taking part in cultural tours and ceremonies. If you wish a private holiday setting, a large fleet of float planes and helicopters will fly you to your own outdoor adventure paradise.

Festivals run throughout the summer and the Tidemark Theatre offers a series of professional summer theatre productions. Many Provincial Parks run special summer programs for children and the Museum offers daily activities and programs such as the popular Puppet Theatre. Swimming spots include McIvor Lake, beaches at Oyster Bay, Miracle and Saratoga.

Mountain biking and motocross are also very popular in Campbell River with many tracks and old logging trails located nearby or you can take your bike up the ski lift at Mount Washington and then ride the miles of trails down. A number of attractions are considered a must-see when visiting Campbell River. The 600 foot Discovery Pier is a favoured spot to take an afternoon stroll and enjoy the breathtaking views of passing cruise ships or try your luck at angling. Elk Falls Provincial Park is only minutes from town showcasing the spectacular falls that drop 25 meters off a rock precipice into a walled canyon amidst walking trails, picnic sites and old growth forest. For those with a thrill for heights, cross the Canyon View Trail pipeline bridge for a great view of the mighty Campbell River. Search out the unique treasures of locally carved driftwood sculptures along the Rotary Beach Seawalk from the annual "Transformation on the Shore" carving contest.

There are 3 golf courses located in Campbell River and several more within an hour drive. Storey Creek and Sequoia Springs are open year round with 18 holes. Saratoga Beach is a nine-hole par 4 executive course with a driving range. Golf and ski weekend packages available in the winter months. There are over 50 skiing and snowboarding trails as well as cross country and snow shoeing trails to be enjoyed.