Campbell River

History

Campbell River has been a focal point for salmon fishing and an important gateway to the rich wilderness of northern Vancouver Island for centuries. Old legends told of salmon running so thick, a person could walk on their backs. In the late 1800s and into the first decade of the last century, a small trickle of settlers followed loggers who were moving along the coast, but it was the abundance of local salmon that caught the attention of aristocrats and wealthy outdoors enthusiasts from Europe and America.

Campbell River was to remain a quiet fishing and logging community until the long foreseen hydro development of Elk Falls finally became a reality when the John Hart Dam came into operation in 1948. Since then, it has grown into a modern city of 31,000, with good schools, hospitals, shopping districts, and a diversified economy centred around forestry, mining, fishing, farming, light manufacturing, and of course, tourism.

Location

Campbell River and the North Central Vancouver Island region is located approximately 265 kilometres (165 miles) north of Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia. Vancouver Island stretches over 300 miles along the south-west coast of Canada, just north of the state of Washington, and across from Vancouver, BC.

Places to See

• The Museum at Campbell River
  
  Features exhibits which highlight the unique culture and history of northern Vancouver Island. Learn more about the rich heritage of the First Nations peoples, or watch footage of the legendary 'Ripple Rock' explosion inside the museum's audiovisual theatre- designed to resemble Campbell River's first moviehouse.
  
  
  
• Discovery Pier
  
  Extending 45 metres from the shore, Discovery Pier provides access to high quality recreational fishing. Equipment is available to rent, though you must have a valid fishing licence. The pier is also ideal for sightseeing and evening strolls.
  
  
• Mount Washington Ski Resort
  
  During the winter, come here for alpine and nordic skiing! During the summer, there's mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fly fishing, mini-golf, and camping. There are also special events every month, including concerts, races, and the always-popular Beerfest.
  
  
• Saratoga Speedway
  
  North and Central Vancouver Island's premier motor speedway! Rent a go-cart and race against your friends around a 3/8 mile oval track, or watch others compete in the weekly competitions.
  
  

Things to Do

• Scuba Diving!
  
  Quadra Island and the nearby island of Steep are acknowledged as two of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. Both provide exceptional visibility, and feature an amazing diversity of sea life and wreck sites. Be prepared to see wolf eels, anemones, crabs, hybroid sponges, sculpins, rockfish, seals, and the spectacular giant octopus.
  
  
• Fishing!
  
  Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, Chum- there's a reason Campbell River is known as the Salmon Capital of Canada! There's year-round world class fishing, with licenses and equipment rentals available at the local marinas and tackle shops. You can also catch freshwater fish in the rivers and lakes surrounding Campbell River.
  
  
• Hiking!
  
  A good pair of boots and some comfortable clothes are all it takes to get started. Watch for trail markers beside roadways or in parks- this is a great activity for the whole family, and it's FREE!
  
  
• Biking!
  
  Local mountain biking enthusiasts have carved out excellent trail systems throughout the region. Check with local bike shops for inside info, maps, and rentals.
  
  
• Canoeing!
  
  Campbell River's lake and river systems are a paddler's dream- deep wilderness, smooth water, and connected waterways.
  
  
• Surfing!
  
  Tofino and Long Beach too crowded? Move up the coast to the hot surfing spots off Nootka Island.
  
  
• Rafting!
  
  There are 11 different raft trips available in the region, from easy to extreme.

Events

• Polar Bear Swim!
  
  Every January, ring in the new year at Saratoga Beach with a brisk swim in the ocean!
  
  
• Heritage Puppet Theatre & Rainy Day/Sunny Day Programs!
  
  There is always something fun to do at the Museum at Campbell River. During the summer months check out the Heritage Puppet Theatre and Rainy Day/Sunny Day programs. Call the Museum at Campbell River for more information at 287-3103.
  
  
• Campbell River Salmon Festival!
  
  This annual event in August features world-class logger sports competitions, outdoor stage entertainment, a parade, children’s and senior’s events, arts & crafts, a home show, a community corner, a food fair and miscellaneous competitions. Contact 250-287-2044 or check out the website at: www.crsalmonfestival.com for more information.
  
  
• Annual Christmas Market
  
  From November 17th to December 23rd, The Campbell River Art Gallery becomes a festive showcase of decorative and functional wares created by Island artists & artisans. Contact the Art Gallery at 250-287-2261 for more information.

Notable Comments

• Fishing has effectively been halted in Campbell River amidst reports of a giant zombie salmon rising up from the depths and devouring anyone standing too close to the edge at Discovery Pier. Local salmon have been rounded up for questioning, but so far, none are speaking.
  
  - Stephen Allen Poe, in his classic tale 'Attack of the 50-Foot Zombie Salmon'
  
  
• "I like Campbell River!"
  
  - Delores Clayburn, an enthusiastic five-year old from Kamloops.

Contact Information:



Campbell River Visitor Centre


PO Box 400, 1235 Shoppers Row
Campbell River, BC V9W 5B6

Phone: 250-287-4636 ext. 1
Fax: 250-286-6948
Website: www.visitorinfo.incampbellriver.com

Tourism Campbell River and Region

Campbell River Enterprise Centre (East Wing)
900 Alder Street
Campbell River, BC V9W 2P6

Toll Free: 1-866-830-1113
Local Phone: 250-830-1113
Fax: 250-830-0660
E-mail: tourism@northcentralisland.com
Website: www.northcentralisland.com