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Elk Falls Suspension Bridge

Campbell River - things to do
Hikes • Beaches • Waterfalls

Campbell River, BC, has never-ending outdoor activities, perfectly suited for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. From scenic hikes and mesmerizing waterfalls to leisurely walks along the iconic seawalk, there’s something for everyone looking to explore the great outdoors.

Hiking in the Campbell River area offers a diverse range of trails that cater to all levels of experience. Whether you’re after a gentle stroll through lush forests or a challenging trek up mountainous terrain, the trails here promise breathtaking views and intimate encounters with nature.

Waterfall enthusiasts will be captivated by Elk Falls Provincial Park, where the thundering Elk Falls provides a spectacular display of nature’s power. Accessible via a network of well-maintained trails, the park also features a suspension bridge that offers a stunning vantage point of the falls and the surrounding canyon. 

Steve Eckert of Vancouver Island Bucket List standing in front of Drift, the 9-metre driftwood humpback whale by Alex Witcombe at Ken Forde Park in Campbell River.
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Visit Drift, the driftwood humpback whale at Ken Forde Park in Campbell River, then follow the Rotary Seawalk for easy ocean ...
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Elk Falls and the canyon shrouded in mist during a rainy, spring day
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Elk Falls is a 25-metre waterfall near Campbell River with a free suspension bridge and easy trails. Plan your visit with loc...
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Overview of the Maritime Heritage Centre main hall in Campbell River, showing a full-scale wooden sailboat in the foreground, the BCP 45 fishing vessel elevated on the upper level, visitors on the mezzanine walkway, and maritime artifact display cases along the wall
The Maritime Heritage Centre in Campbell River is built around the BCP 45, the seine boat from the old Canadian $5 bill. Step...
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Cape Mudge Lighthouse, a white octagonal tower with red trim and a Canadian flag flying beside the keepers' residence, photographed from the lawn at the southern tip of Quadra Island under storm-dark skies.
Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island sits at the southern tip of the island, a 15-minute drive from the Campbell River ferr...
Quadra Is...
Historic logging camp blacksmith shed exhibit inside the Museum at Campbell River, featuring antique chainsaws and hand tools displayed on workbenches beneath a timber-framed roof with a black-and-white logging photograph on the wall
The Museum at Campbell River tells the human story of North Vancouver Island, with strong First Nations exhibits and displays...
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A sheltered gravel cove at Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park on Quadra Island, BC, with driftwood logs piled along the shoreline, a colourful sailboat anchored in the calm bay, and a dense forest of Douglas fir framing the curved beach under an overcast sky.
Rebecca Spit Marine Park is a 2km sandy spit on the east side of Quadra Island, near Campbell River. This free day-use park o...
Quadra Is...
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Full-Day Kayaking and Whale Watching Tour in Campbell River

Spend a full day on the water in Campbell River. You'll whale watch by boat, then kayak remote sh...
CAD $525
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Campbell River
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Morning 4hr Whale Watching Tour Campbell River

Morning zodiac whale watching from Campbell River. Small group, survival suits, snacks, and big o...
CAD $231.89
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Campbell River
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Child reeling in a fish on a family-friendly Campbell River fishing charter on Vancouver Island

Campbell River Fishing Charters: Family-Friendly Private Tour

Book a private Campbell River fishing charter for your group of up to 6. You’ll spend 3 to 6 hour...
CAD $480
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Campbell River
Salish Sea Whale Watching 5

Salish Sea Whale Watching Tour in Campbell River

Spot whales in the Salish Sea on a 4-hour Campbell River tour with warm cabin seating, open-air v...
CAD $273.19
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Campbell River
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Orca whales surfacing and blowing in Johnstone Strait near Campbell River

Full Day Zodiac Whale Watching Tour from Campbell River

Spend 7 to 8 hours in a Zodiac from Campbell River exploring Johnstone Strait.
CAD $409.29
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Discovery Passage Wildlife Zodiac Tour 5

4-Hour Whale and Wildlife Zodiac Boat Tour in Campbell River

Cruise Discovery Passage by zodiac, listen for whales on a hydrophone, and hit ocean rapids near ...
CAD $296
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Campbell River Bute Inlet Grizzly Watching Tour

Ride a covered speedboat from Campbell River to Bute Inlet, then watch grizzlies from raised plat...
CAD $825
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Spring Bear and Waterfall tour 1

Vancouver Island Spring Bears and Whales Full-Day Tour in Campbell River

Spend a full day on the Salish Sea spotting shoreline black bears and migrating whales. Lunch inc...
CAD $464
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Campbell River
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Covered Whale Watching 6-Hour Tour Campbell River 1

Covered Boat Whale Watching 6-Hour Tour

Cruise the Salish Sea from Campbell River on a 6-hour whale watching small-group tour with a cert...
CAD $370.23
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Campbell River
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Grizzly bear standing in river during Toba Inlet bear viewing tour from Campbell River

Toba Bears and Wilderness Grizzly Bear Viewing in Campbell River

Cruise from Campbell River to remote Toba Inlet for land-based grizzly bear viewing, plus waterfa...
CAD $646.12
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Absolute Sportfishing fishing

Absolute Sportfishing | Campbell River

Fish in protected waters surrounded by magnificent scenery, amazing tidal flows, and a dynamic ma...
CAD $880
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Campbell River
iKamper hardshell rooftop tent open on the roof of a green Subaru Forester with telescopic ladder extended, mountains in the background at dusk

Rooftop Tent Rental in Victoria, BC

The best overland camper rental on Vancouver Island. Fully equipped...
CAD $85
Victoria
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Rent this bright red pickup truck outfitted with a rooftop tent in an open field, the tent partially unfolded against a backdrop of forest and blue sky, with FarOut Wilderness branding and contact details on the vehicle
4×4 Overland Camper Rental on Vancouver Island
Our pick for overland camping on Vancouver Island: fully equipped 4x4 Tacomas with rooftop tents...
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Discovering Campbell River: An Outdoor Paradise 

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, walking along Campbell River’s sea walk is a must. This paved pathway stretches along the waterfront, offering uninterrupted views of the Discovery Passage and the distant Coastal Mountains. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely walk, jog, or bike ride, with benches and picnic areas along the way where you can pause to enjoy the ocean breeze and watch for wildlife.

The seawalk is also a fantastic place to witness the vibrant sunrises and sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant hues, creating a peaceful backdrop for reflection or photography.

These activities in Campbell River not only showcase the natural beauty of the region but also provide visitors with opportunities to unwind, recharge, and connect with the environment.

Whether you’re hiking through ancient forests, marvelling at powerful waterfalls, or strolling along the sea walk, Campbell River delivers experiences that are both invigorating and soothing, leaving lasting impressions on all who explore this magnificent part of Vancouver Island.

Above Tide Motel Campbell River - 4
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Enjoy stunning ocean views and comfortable accommodations at Above Ti...
• Sleep up to 4
• 2 Bedroom
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Campbell River
Herons Landing Hotel 2
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Enjoy a cozy and convenient stay at Heron’s Landing Hotel in Campbell...
• Sleep up to 6
• 2 Bedroom
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Campbell River
Driftwood by the Sea Inn bed
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A peaceful coastal retreat at Driftwood by the Sea Inn in Campbell Ri...
• Sleep up to 2
• 1 Bedroom
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Campbell River
Fireflies Bed & Breakfast 2
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A cozy and welcoming stay at Fireflies Bed & Breakfast in Campbel...
• Sleep up to 2
• 1 Bedroom
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Campbell River
Comfort Inn & Suites 2
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Enjoy a comfortable stay at Comfort Inn & Suites in Campbell Rive...
• Sleep up to 4
• 1 Bedroom
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Campbell River
Rent this bright red pickup truck outfitted with a rooftop tent in an open field, the tent partially unfolded against a backdrop of forest and blue sky, with FarOut Wilderness branding and contact details on the vehicle
4×4 Overland Camper Rental on Vancouver Island
Our pick for overland camping on Vancouver Island: fully equipped 4x4 Tacomas with rooftop tents...
Discount Code ⏵
visit >
overland icon
Vancouver Island
featured Vancouver Island business
Rent this bright red pickup truck outfitted with a rooftop tent in an open field, the tent partially unfolded against a backdrop of forest and blue sky, with FarOut Wilderness branding and contact details on the vehicle
4x4 Overland Camper Rental on Vancouver Island
Our pick for overland camping on Vancouver Island: fully equipped 4x4 Tacomas with...
more info>>
▸ Discount Code ◂
overland icon
Vancouver Island
seasonal
featured Vancouver Island business
Rent this bright red pickup truck outfitted with a rooftop tent in an open field, the tent partially unfolded against a backdrop of forest and blue sky, with FarOut Wilderness branding and contact details on the vehicle
4x4 Overland Camper Rental on Vancouver Island
Our pick for overland camping on Vancouver Island: fully equipped 4x4 Tacomas with...
more info>>
▸ Discount Code ◂
overland icon
Vancouver Island
seasonal
featured Vancouver Island business
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