Things To Do In & Around Campbell River, BC
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12 results
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Sunset Sea Kayaking Tour (3 hrs.)
by Quadra Island KayaksThe sky turns pink, the waters are calm and the wildlife viewing is prime; a sunset kayak excursion really is an experience not to be missed. Your guide will give you a quick-but-thorough lesson and then you’re off to watch the sky change colours and the animals frolic. After spending some time paddling, stop and stretch your legs on a nearby island, where you can grab a snack take in a breathtaking view of the sun setting behind glowing mountains. Could you have a better end to your day? Quadra Island Kayaks offers complementary pick up at the Quadra Island ferry terminal. This tour is only offered from June-August and starts at 6pm (June-July) or 5pm (August). Suited for all experience levels. Areas visited may include the Brettton Islands, Turtle Island and more. This area is rich with wildlife. Expect to see seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoise and the occasional whale as well as several bird species (including eagles, herons and cormorants) and inter-tidal life such as sea urchins, sea stars, jellyfish and crabs. All of Quadra Island Kayaks’ guides are trained in wilderness first aid and certified with the British Columbia Sea Kayak Guides Alliance.
$69 CAD Per Person (12+) -
Salmon Fishing around Campbell River (4 hrs.)
by Painter's LodgeCan it get any better than this? Take pleasure in the excitement of fishing “The Salmon Capital of the World” in renowned Campbell River. You’ll depart from Painter’s Lodge, lead by a BC salmon fishing expert who will eagerly share with you the leading fishing hot spots of Discovery Passage. This place is an angler’s dream, thanks to an abundance of eddies, backwaters, islands and inlet tidal currents that lure salmon to gather. Once your line hits the water, you can expect a day of thrills! Plan to catch your share of Chinook, Coho, Pinks or Chum salmon. After a few hours of reeling, why take a moment to sit back and observe wildlife in its natural habitat, soak up the stunning scenery, or exchange fishing tales with your experienced guide. Do what you please; you’re making memories here. This tour is offered through Oak Bay Marine Group’s Painter’s Lodge, located in fabulous Campbell River. Painter’s Lodge also offers a variety of accommodations. You’ll fish aboard a 17’ Boston Whaler. Ideal for all anglers, from the novice to the veteran! Two guest maximum per boat.
$295 CAD Per Boston Whaler (2 Guests per Boat) -
Grizzly Bear Tour (6-7 hrs.)
by Discovery Marine SafarisTravel to isolated Bute Inlet and see grizzly bears in their natural surroundings. Your journey begins with a two-hour boat cruise to your remote destination, where you’ll have a chance to spot orcas, sea lions, dolphins and other marine wildlife with your on-board naturalist. Then you’ll arrive at Homalco First Nations territory on BC’s mainland, where you’ll board a shuttle bus and travel to one of several observation stands along the river. Then the bear-watching begins; spot grizzlies lumbering towards the river in search of salmon, which travel here every fall to spawn. Their surprisingly fast and clever fishing techniques are thrilling to watch. This experience is sure to imbue you with an even deeper appreciation for Canadian wildlife. This tour departs daily at 11:30am from September 1-October 15. In addition to grizzles, you might see orca and humpback whales, white-sided dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, eagles and black bears. Discovery Marine Safaris’ vessels have heated, enclosed cabins, washrooms, multiple outdoor viewing decks and are Transport Canada certified.
$349 CAD Per Person (12+) -
Covered Whale-Watching Tour (6 hrs.)
by Hurricane Jack AdventuresJourney the Inside Passage in search of orca whales, dolphins, porpoises and more. Step aboard Hurricane Jack’s small and speedy covered boat and allow this mariner with 30 years’ experience show you the best of what the waters around Campbell River have to offer. As you ride past Quadra Island, through Discovery Passage and countless rocky beaches, secluded cliffs and remote inlets in search of coastal wildlife, Hurricane Jack will draw on his years of knowledge to tell you all about the flora, fauna and history of the area. Dig into a hearty lunch and watch the beautiful scenery pass you by; this really is a West Coast experience. This tour runs from late June to late September. In addition to orcas, dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, seals, black bear, bald eagles and other birds are often spotted on these tours. Hurricane Jack has an orca-sighting success rate of over 85%.
$215 CAD Per Person -
Salmon Fishing Around Celebrated Campbell River (8 hrs.)
by Painter's LodgeIf you’ve dreamt of the ultimate fishing locale then look no further, your dreams have come true. Welcome to Campbell River, the “The Salmon Capital of the World.” This place is an angler’s dream, thanks to an abundance of eddies, backwaters, islands and inlet tidal currents that lure salmon to gather. You’ll depart from Painter’s Lodge, lead by a BC salmon fishing expert who will eagerly share with you the leading fishing hot spots of Discovery Passage. Once your line hits the water, take pride in reeling in a Chinook, Coho, Pinks or Chum salmon. After a few hours of amazing angling, why take a moment to sit back and recharge. Remember, you have a full day of adventure ahead of you! Observe wildlife in its natural habitat, soak up stunning scenery, or exchange fish tales with your experienced guide. Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera! This tour is offered through Oak Bay Marine Group’s Painter’s Lodge, located in Campbell River. Painter’s Lodge also offers a variety of accommodations. You’ll fish aboard a 17’ Boston Whaler. Ideal for all anglers, from the novice to the veteran! Two guest maximum per boat.
$590 CAD Per Boston Whaler (2 Guests per Boat) -
Covered Wildlife and Nature Tour (4 hrs.)
by Hurricane Jack AdventuresZip around the scenic Discovery Islands and experience all this area has to offer. Watch massive sea lions bathe in the sun, bald eagles swoop down in search of salmon, or porpoises playing nearby. Hurricane Jack has three decades of local knowledge under his belt, which he is more than ready to share with you on this nautical excursion — so step aboard his custom-built, covered boat and prepare for an excellent adventure. This tour runs from May 1 to October 1. Dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, seals, black bear, bald eagles and other birds are often spotted on these tours.
$145 CAD Per Person -
Marine Wildlife/Tidal Rapids Safari (4 hrs.)
by Discovery Marine SafarisSample the amazing wildlife around Campbell River and experience the thrill of riding tidal rapids. Discovery Marine Adventures will take you out on one of their customized vessels to search for sunbathing sea lions, soaring bald eagles or playful porpoises, and your well-versed naturalist guide can tell you all about these creatures and the ecosystem they live in. Your captain will also cruise over to nearby Arran Rapids, the second-fastest tidal rapids in the world, where you’ll take a whitewater ride you won’t soon forget. Appreciate BC’s natural beauty up close and personal. This tour’s departure time varies depending on the tides. Wildlife you might spot includes white-sided dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, eagles and black bears. Discovery Marine Safaris’ vessels have heated, enclosed cabins, washrooms, outdoor viewing decks and are Transport Canada certified.
$105 CAD Per Person (12+) -
Tyee Club Fishing Outing (3 hrs.)
by Coastal Island Fishing AdventuresHearken back to the fishing days of old by trying to become a member of the prestigious Tyee Club. This exclusive angling organization was started in Campbell River in 1924, and membership is only awarded to fishing folks who catch a 30-pound (or more) chinook salmon in a designated area of the Discovery Passage using only specified gear. Coastal Island can provide you with everything you need to try your hand at gaining membership to this elite order. They’ll take you out on a 14-foot rowboat, armed with only a six- to nine-foot rod with a spoon or plug, in search of that elusive Tyee chinook. Experience a piece of BC angling history. This trip is available from August 15-September 15 and lasts about three hours. Maximum two people per boat.
$225 CAD Per Boat (1 Hour) -
Half-Day Kayaking Tour (3 hrs.)
by Quadra Island KayaksNot up for a full-day adventure? This three-hour tour is a great way to get a taste of what sea kayaking around Quadra Island has to offer. Start with a quick safety and skill lesson on the dock and then head out to explore. Your well-versed guide will show you some amazing paddling spots in the vicinity, whether it be a popular seal hangout or an island with a spectacular view. If you’re pressed for time, this a great to sample the ocean wilderness around picturesque Quadra Island. Quadra Island Kayaks offers complementary pick up at the Quadra Island ferry terminal. Tours run every day of the summer from May to September, or even October if the weather is nice. This tour runs from 9am-12pm or 2pm-5pm. Suited for all experience levels. Areas visited may include the Brettton Islands, Turtle Island and more. This area is rich with wildlife. Expect to see seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoise and the occasional whale as well as several bird species (including eagles, herons and cormorants) and inter-tidal life such as sea urchins, sea stars, jellyfish and crabs. All of Quadra Island Kayaks’ guides are trained in wilderness first aid and certified with the British Columbia Sea Kayak Guides Alliance.
$69 CAD Per Person -
Encounter Ocean Rapids on a Zodiac (4 hrs.)
by Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure ToursEnjoy a thrilling ride over tidal rapids on an open-air boat. The waters near Campbell River are home to five different ocean rapids, and Campbell River Whale Watching can take you there in style. Their smaller Zodiac boats allow you to go where larger boats can’t, which means you can ride the rapids — and since they have currents up to 18 miles an hour, it’s quite a ride, indeed. Your captain knows this area well, and will make sure your tour is chock full of information on local sights as you travel through the area. Keep your eyes peeled for marine wildlife on this tour, too. This tour runs from May to October. Departure times vary depending on the tides. Ocean rapids are a natural phenomenon that occurs when the tide goes in or out in a narrow passage. It’s not just about the rapids! You might see dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, seals, black bear, bald eagles and other birds on your tour. Campbell River Whale Watching’s Zodiacs are equipped with hydrophones, comfortable seating, a washroom and powerful sound systems.
$110 CAD Per Person -
Bear Country Zodiac Tour (5 hrs.)
by Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure ToursThis special tour is geared towards folks hoping to catch a glimpse of a black bear — or maybe even a grizzly — on their visit to BC. Campbell River Whale Watching knows the best spots in the Inside Passage to spot bears foraging for shellfish at low tide, and will take you there on one of their open-air, zipping Zodiacs. Their knowledgeable guides will tell you all you need to know about the natural phenomenon you’ll encounter along the way, whether it be nesting eagles, tidal rapids or dolphin pods. Enjoy an onboard lunch as you watch the coastal scenery go by. This tour runs from May to October. Departure times vary, depending on the tides. Grizzly bears don’t live on Vancouver Island, but can sometimes be spotted in Bute Inlet on BC’s mainland. In addition to bears, you might see orcas, dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, seals, bald eagles and other birds on your tour. Campbell River Whale Watching’s Zodiacs are equipped with hydrophones, comfortable seating, a washroom and powerful sound systems.
$140 CAD Per Person -
Covered-Vessel Grizzly Bear Tour (7 hrs.)
by Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure ToursTravel via Zodiac to grizzly country on BC’s mainland and see these intelligent, majestic animals in action. Your Campbell River Whale Watching guide will provide an interesting and insightful narrative about the local flora and fauna as you make your way up to Orford River in the Bute Inlet, a prime spot for watching grizzlies as they flock to the river in search of spawning salmon. From your elevated viewing platform, you’ll be able to spot grizzlies fishing for salmon, caring for their cubs or even interacting with each other, all while knowing your impact on their natural habitat has been minimal. This tour runs from late August to late October. If you take a grizzly tour between September 7 and October 7 and don’t see a grizzly, Campbell River Whale Watching will take you out again for free, on a stand-by basis, until you do see one, even if it is the following year. In addition to bears, you might see orcas, dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, seals, bald eagles and other birds on your tour.
$345 CAD Per Person
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4 results
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Fishing
Campbell River calls itself the Salmon Capital of the World; legend even says fish were once so plentiful, you could once walk from nearby Quadra Island to Campbell River on the backs of salmon. While stocks may not be as plentiful as the days of old, there are still many fish to be found here, and many ways to find them. Several charter companies operate out of the area and offer opportunities to fish for salmon as well as other species such as ling cod, red snapper or even crab and prawns. Campbell River is also the birthplace of the Tyee Club, founded by a group of anglers in 1924 and dedicated to a simpler approach to fishing: those wanting to gain membership to this exclusive club have to catch a 30-pound chinook salmon using a non-motorized row boat and traditional fishing equipment in the Tyee pool, a special area off of Campbell River’s coast.
Starting at $115 CAD -
Nature Tours
Even though it’s only midway up Vancouver Island’s east coast, Campbell River really does feel like the end of the road; this gateway to northern Vancouver Island and the Discovery Passage is known for its rugged West Coast beauty. Whether you are heading out for a bear-watching adventure, a kayak trip or a fishing expedition, there are plenty of ways to experience nature here.
Starting at $25 CAD -
Kayaking
Whether your preference is ocean kayaking, paddling a river or gliding across a lake in a canoe, the Campbell River area can provide the experience you are looking for. The nearby Discovery Islands group is a top-tier ocean-kayaking destination, and the Sayward Forest Canoe route, a circle tour that takes three to four days and journeys through 11 different lakes, is a popular multi-day paddle. Also close by is Quadra Island, home to many great paddling spots. Opt for a couple hours with an experienced guide, a half-day solo trip or a multi-day adventure, it’s up to you.
Starting at $69 CAD -
Bear Watching
While many tours and activities in southern Vancouver Island and BC offer a chance to sneak a peek at black bears, Campbell River’s proximity to the more remote regions of coastal BC make it a great place to spot one of Canada’s signature animals: the grizzly bear. Most grizzly bear tours operate in the fall months and travel to bear stands, where you can watch these creatures feasting on the salmon that run up the rivers to spawn.
Starting at $140 CAD
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Painter's Lodge
Nearly fifty years ago, a small marina for pleasure boats opened for operation at Oak Bay, Victoria. Today, Oak Bay Marine Group is noted as one of the foremost fishing and holiday resorts in North America, operating seven diverse, first-class resorts on British Columbia. From top-notch fishing excursions, to exceptional wildlife and nature tours and whale watching expeditions, the activities Oak Bay Marine Group offers are as varied as they are outstanding; pleasing guests highest expectations. Painter’s Lodge sports a long and exciting history, dating back to 1929. While many of its buildings are new to the last few decades, Painter’s Lodge retains the magic of an old school fishing accommodation. It’s no wonder that celebrities are often found enjoying its special charisma.
Starting at $99 CAD -
Discovery Marine Safaris
With knowledgeable naturalists, experienced guides and the largest tour boats in town, Discovery Marine Safaris of Campbell River BC is a good bet for a great eco tour experience. Cruise past pods of dolphins, spot majestic humpback whales and orcas or watch grizzlies pounce on salmon in the river; Discovery Marine Safaris can help make it happen.
Starting at $25 CAD -
Hurricane Jack Adventures
What’s in a name? When it comes to Hurricane Jack Adventures in Campbell River, BC, the name is everything. Jack is a certified naturalist with 30 years of experience plying the waters around Campbell River in search of dolphins, orcas, bald eagles, grizzly bears and other magnificent BC wildlife. Let Jack share his extensive knowledge of and passion for the area on one of his wildlife-viewing tours. Whether you want to spot orcas, watch grizzlies in their natural surroundings or see a porpoise swim past the boat, Jack has an excursion for you.
Starting at $145 CAD -
Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure Tours
Experience wildlife-watching in Campbell River with that little something extra. Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours offers knowledgeable local captains and naturalists, state-of-the-art Zodiac and covered vessels, complimentary binoculars and guaranteed grizzly and orca sightings during peak months. A full-service outfit offers a wide range of tours, Campbell River Whale Watching is a great choice for your ocean adventure.
Starting at $110 CAD -
Coastal Island Fishing Adventures
Step on board and cast away with Coastal Island Fishing Adventures, BC’s most recommended sportfishing company. Gary Stotts has been in the angling business for two decades; between him and his team of knowledgable guides, there’s almost 100 years of experience to draw from. Coastal Island Fishing Adventures operates a small but varied fleet of boats, from a 28-foot covered Grady White to an old-school 14-foot rowboat, used for folks trying to join the prestigious Tyee Club. Freshwater charters are also available.
Starting at $225 CAD -
Sea Beyond Adventures
Get a Campbell River fishing charter with a family touch. Husband-and-wife team Gene and Shauna Berkey have spent 20 years fishing around the Salmon Capital of the World, and formed Sea Beyond in 2005 so they could share their experience. From freshwater fly fishing to saltwater charters to ambitious anglers wanting to try their hand at becoming a member of the Tyee Club, Sea Beyond Adventures can craft a fishing trip that meets your angling expectations.
Starting at $115 CAD -
West Coast Expeditions
Experience a true West Coast ecotourism adventure. Located in Kyuquot, on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, West Coast Expeditions specializes in expedition and base camp kayaking tours. Their professional guides will show you the wonders of this remote area, from its diverse wildlife to its rich aboriginal culture. Spend part of your multi-day ocean kayak trip paddling with sea otters, combing beaches and tide pools, or mastering the perfect stroke. Many of these trips are family-friendly, so why not go on a vacation the kids won't soon forget?
Starting at $1,449 CAD -
Eagle Eye Adventures
Based out of scenic Campbell River, BC, Eagle Eye Adventures specializes in safe, enjoyable and environmentally conscious tours. Their fast and comfortable Zodiacs can take you up to the Johnstone Strait in search of orcas, into the lands of the Homalco First Nation to spot bears, or over to Arran Rapids, some of the fastest ocean rapids in the world. They take the utmost care to reduce their impact on marine mammals and other wildlife in the area, so you can rest assured that your peek into their world isn’t causing them much stress. Their trained naturalists will provide insight into the lives of the creatures you spot, helping you to gain a deeper understanding of British Columbia’s wildlife.
Starting at $109 CAD
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Known as the Salmon Capital of the World, Campbell River, BC is a great jumping-off point for a West Coast adventure. This city of about 30,000 people is located on the east coast of central Vancouver Island, at the south end of Discovery Passage, and is about a 3.5-hour drive north of Victoria. As its nickname suggests, fishing is a popular activity here, but there’s more to the city than that. Scenic Quadra Island is only a 10-minute ferry ride away and offers many opportunities for great canoeing and kayaking. Quadra is also the gateway to funky Cortes Island. Head up Discovery Passage and you’ll find the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, a safe haven for orca whales and other marine species, making Campbell River a good starting place for many whale and wildlife-watching tours.
