By Claudia Laroye | Published July 24th, 2026
Photos by Claudia Laroye unless otherwise noted

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The writer suits up for marine adventures in Campbell River.

I’m a regular traveller to Vancouver Island; it’s one of my special places. As soon as I step off a Harbour Air float plane or BC Ferry, my spirit lifts and my mouth curves into a smile. I tend to visit favourite island haunts on repeat, but a recent trip and stay in Campbell River has me rethinking my strategy.

Anchoring the North Island with amenities, attractions and seamless access to the Inside Passage and beyond, the “Salmon Capital of Canada” has more adventures on land and BC’s Infinite Coast than any small community has a right to. Here’s how to enjoy six exhilarating outdoor adventures in Campbell River.

Eagle Feeding Frenzy

Owned by the Wei Wai Kum First Nation, Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure Tours operates whale watching and nature excursions out of Discovery Harbour Marina. The Bald Eagle Feeding Frenzy is a seasonal (May to July) four-hour, open-air Zodiac marine tour through the Discovery Islands to witness a rare natural phenomenon. Powerful tidal currents force massive volumes of water through narrow channels, forcing schools of hake fish to the surface, where their swim bladders expand to the point of bursting. The expired fish are easy prey for hundreds of bald eagles swooping in for a feast, as the phenomenon lasts for just over one hour. Below them, seals and sea lions take advantage, creating a true 360‑degree feeding frenzy.

Whale Watching

A whale of a humpback tail in the Discovery Passage.

The narrow channels, forested islands and cold waters of the Discovery Passage create a nutrient-rich environment for orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, sea lions and bears. Suit up in red survival suits before embarking on a thrilling four- or six-hour tour through the islands off Campbell River. Campbell River Whale Watching & Adventure Tours follows responsible whale watching practices above and beyond Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations, keeping a respectful distance while creating extraordinary wildlife encounters.

Floating Sauna

Island Floating Sauna brings the heat and cedar-scented beauty of a Finnish sauna experience to the Campbell River waterfront. Enjoy the sultry steam rising off rocks heated in the wood-fired stove, then cool off with a bracing dip into the saltwater plunge pool or directly into the ocean. Relax on the rooftop lounge and then repeat the blissful hydrotherapy experience as often as possible.

Hike to Elk Falls

A walk to Elk Falls will not disappoint.

Elk Falls Provincial Park is one of the city’s iconic destinations for a good reason. The spectacular 25 metre waterfall churns with whitewater before dropping into a narrow canyon below. You can view the falls via a suspension bridge and two viewing platforms on either side of the canyon. Further upriver through an old-growth forest are the smaller but no less picturesque Deer and Moose Falls. Make a day of it and explore other regional waterfalls, including the tall and spectacular Lady Falls, Myra Falls and Lupin Falls.

Kayak the Campbell River Estuary

Push off from shore in your own or a rented kayak and paddle the calm waters of the Campbell River estuary. Train binoculars to spot more than 160 species of raptors and shorebirds, including Great Blue herons, Bald Eagles, Belted Kingfishers, Black Oystercatchers, myriad waterfowl and more. Sea kayaking is very popular as well, and ocean-going paddlers should be comfortable with currents and wave action caused by the wind and passing marine traffic while enjoying offshore sightings of seals, sea lions, orcas, and humpback whales.

Hit the links

Lush landscaping and rolling fairways at the Campbell River Golf Club.

The emerald fairways of the Campbell River Golf Club, one of northern Vancouver Island's oldest courses (18-hole, par 71), await adjacent to Naturally Pacific Resort. Whether you’re a duffer like me or a seasoned pro, the gorgeous grounds of the former Sequoia Springs Golf Course will make for on a great day out, putting among rolling fairways, meticulous, landscaped greenways and more than 200 towering Sequoia and coastal conifer trees.

Where to stay in Campbell River

Turn down service at Naturally Pacific Resort.

Modern Travellers will want to book a suite overlooking the fairway at the Naturally Pacific Resort. With amenities including the aforementioned golf course, driving range, 25-m indoor pool, sauna, steam room and Immersion Spa with a mineral bath experience, outdoor fire pits and the Carve Kitchen + Meatery, where Chef Ryan Watson crafts innovative seasonal dishes with ingredients from the 22,000 sq ft kitchen garden and greenhouse, MTs will be inspired to relax, rejuvenate and refuel before departing on the next adventure. Campbell River is accessible via Harbour Air’s new direct float plane flight service from Vancouver Coal Harbour, as well as by BC Ferries service to Nanaimo via a 1.5 hour drive north.

Disclosure: The writer thanks Naturally Pacific Resort and Destination Campbell River for hosting her trip.

6 Outdoor Adventures in Campbell River, British Columbia