Overview
The Driftwood Whale in Campbell River is one of those roadside stops that is worth pulling over for. Set at Ken Forde Park along the Campbell River Rotary Seawalk, this 9-metre driftwood humpback sculpture sits right beside the shoreline with big views across Discovery Passage. It is an easy add-on to a day of exploring Campbell River or a quick leg-stretch stop on a road trip up the Island.
The park itself is more than just a photo stop. You will find a paved waterfront pathway, picnic tables, washrooms, and plenty of space to watch boats, birds, and the changing light over the water. Whether you are travelling with kids, pushing a stroller, or just looking for a short, scenic walk, it is an accessible place to slow down and enjoy the coast.
What to expect
- Type of stop: Quick roadside stop or short walk along the Campbell River Rotary Seawalk.
- Best for: Families, road trippers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys public art and ocean views.
- Time needed: Around 10 to 30 minutes, longer if you walk more of the Seawalk or stay for a picnic.
- Accessibility: Paved, mostly level Seawalk with benches and viewpoints that work well for strollers, mobility aids, and all ages.
- Amenities: Parking, picnic tables, seating, ocean viewpoints, interpretive displays, and public washrooms at the park.
- Season: Year-round; expect cooler winds off the water in fall and winter, and bright, sunny exposure on clear summer days.
- Good to know: The Seawalk runs beside Highway 19A, so you will hear traffic, but the ocean views and artwork make it a relaxing break.
Driftwood Whale and Campbell River Rotary Seawalk
This huge driftwood sculpture of a humpback whale, nicknamed Drift, is about 9 metres long (30 feet) and roughly the size of a juvenile humpback. Created by local artist Alex Witcombe of Drifted Creations, the whale was built on Quadra Island, then carefully transported by truck and ferry to its new home on the shoreline at Ken Forde Park in Campbell River in October 2022.
The installation weighs around 2.5 tonnes and is the first phase of the Sea Walk Interpretive Centre Enhancement Project, a partnership between local tour operators, the Rotary Club of Campbell River, the City of Campbell River, and Ocean Wise. It has quickly become one of the most photographed spots along the waterfront and a favourite stop for visitors driving Highway 19A.
Driftwood Whale stats
- Species: Humpback whale
- Name: Drift
- Length: 9 metres (30 feet)
- Weight: Approx. 2.5 tonnes
- Installed: October 19, 2022
- Artist: Drifted Creations (Alex Witcombe)
- Location: Ken Forde Park, Willow Point, Campbell River
What to expect on the Rotary Seawalk
The Driftwood Whale sits right beside the Campbell River Rotary Seawalk, a paved waterfront path that follows the shoreline of Discovery Passage for roughly 6 kilometres, from near downtown Campbell River south toward Willow Point. The Seawalk runs parallel to Highway 19A and is one of the best ways to take in ocean views without leaving town.
- Easy, paved pathway: Wide, mostly flat route that works well for strollers, wheelchairs, scooters, and bikes.
- Big ocean views: Look across to Quadra Island and the Coast Mountains, and watch fishing boats, tugs, sailboats, and cruise ships pass through Discovery Passage.
- Public art and driftwood sculptures: Keep an eye out for other driftwood creations and carvings scattered along the route, many by the same artist who created Drift.
- Wildlife viewing: It is common to spot seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and seabirds from the path, and occasionally whales further out in the channel.
- Benches and viewpoints: There are frequent pullouts with benches, picnic spots, and small beach access points where you can sit with a coffee, take photos, or let kids play.
If you have time, consider using the Driftwood Whale as your turnaround point on a longer Seawalk outing, or start here and wander north toward Rotary Beach Park and Frank James Park for more viewpoints and beach access.
Ken Forde Park amenities
When you visit the Driftwood Whale sculpture, take a few minutes to enjoy Ken Forde Park itself. There are picnic tables, open lawn areas, and chairs with big views over Discovery Passage and the Strait of Georgia. Fixed binoculars make it easy to scan for boats and wildlife, and there is usually plenty of parking near the boat launch area. The park has public washrooms and interpretive signage, which makes it an easy, family-friendly stop even on a quick road trip break.
Sarah the Herrerasaurus, a short walk south
Just a short walk south of Drift along the Rotary Seawalk, you will find another Alex Witcombe driftwood sculpture: Sarah the Herrerasaurus, a life-sized rendering of one of the earliest known dinosaurs.
Sarah stands above the gravel beach with the same wide ocean backdrop, and is one of several Drifted Creations pieces installed along the Campbell River waterfront. If you have an extra ten minutes, walking from Drift to Sarah and back makes for an easy two-sculpture stop.
Parking and access
- Parking: Free parking is available at Ken Forde Park off Highway 19A in Willow Point, next to the boat ramp.
- Trail surface: Paved and level around the whale and along the Seawalk, suitable for strollers, mobility aids, and bikes.
- Walk options: From the whale, you can simply enjoy the viewpoint as a 10–15 minute stop, or follow the Seawalk in either direction for a longer walk or bike ride.
- Dogs: Dogs are typically welcome on leash along the Seawalk. Look for local signage for any seasonal or area-specific rules.
Whether you are chasing driftwood art, stretching your legs between road trip stops, or staying in Campbell River for a few days, combining the Driftwood Whale with a walk on the Rotary Seawalk is an easy way to experience the city’s oceanfront.
