Major city · Canada
Campbell RiverWiwek̓a̱m
Give Campbell River 2 nights if you fish, hike or kayak; 1 night as a stop on the Island Highway. Skip it if you want city sights.
Campbell River is a working town of about 33,000 on the east coast of Vancouver Island, known as the Salmon Capital of the World. It is a base, not a sight list: guided salmon fishing, Elk Falls, the Discovery Passage and the Quadra Island ferry. Most travellers pass through on Highway 19 between Nanaimo and Port Hardy, or stop for a night on the way north.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wet, dark, 240 mm rain in Dec)
- Airport
- YBL
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Campbell River911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Campbell River, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyA small, low-crime town; the real risks are cold water, fast tides in Discovery Passage, logging-road traffic and winter storms.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYBL Campbell River Airport (Flights from Vancouver about 40 min; shuttle and rental cars at arrivals).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: sights and trailheads sit 5–15 km (3.1–9.3 mi) apart and buses are limited.A car is the practical choice: sights and trailheads sit 3.1–9.3 mi (5–15 km) apart and buses are limited.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a pastryC$5–9 (≈ US$4–7)
- Sit-down mealRestaurant main courseC$20–35 (≈ US$15–30)
- BeerDraught beer in a pubC$7–10 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiC$15–22 (≈ US$11–16)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum or aquarium entryC$5–8 (≈ US$4–6)
- Budget bedHostel or motel bed, a night, per personC$45 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomC$190 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedMotel or hotel double room, a night, per roomC$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$170 (≈ US$130) · High C$300 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YBL Campbell River Airport (Flights from Vancouver about 40 min; shuttle and rental cars at arrivals)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Dec
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C) low), wettest Dec (21 rain days), driest Jul (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Campbell River: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
20 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
17 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
18 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Jun
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Sep
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
17 rd
Nov
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
20 rd
Dec
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
21 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: sights and trailheads sit 5–15 km apart and buses are limited. BC Transit routes 1–3 run downtown to Willow Point daily, 15–20 min each way; route 6 continues to Oyster River on weekdays. Taxis and the airport shuttle cover short hops.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Quadra Island (Quathiaski Cove)
goDoor to door: About 1 h including the 10-min crossing and a walk
BC Ferries from the Campbell River terminal, 1001 Island Highway
16–17 crossings a day; walk on for a short trip, drive on to reach Rebecca Spit.
Elk Falls Provincial Park
goDoor to door: About 30 min each way plus a 1-km walk to the bridge
Drive Hwy 28 west 5–6 km (3.1–3.7 mi), then Brewster Lake Rd to the day-use lotDrive Hwy 28 west 3.1–3.7 mi (5–6 km), then Brewster Lake Rd to the day-use lot
Day use free; the last stretch to the viewing platform is stairs.
Mitlenatch Island Nature Provincial Park
cautionDoor to door: Half a day or more
Boat or kayak only; no scheduled ferry
Access depends on weather and a private boat; check before planning.
Cortes Island
overnightDoor to door: 3 h+
BC Ferries via Quadra Island (Heriot Bay), or a summer water taxi
Too slow for a return day; sleep on the island.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown / Shoppers Row
Walk to restaurants, the Maritime Heritage Centre and the aquarium; best for one night without a car.
Willow Point (South Island Hwy)
Motels and beaches 5–10 km (3.1–6.2 mi) south; needs a car or bus routes 1–3.Motels and beaches 3.1–6.2 mi (5–10 km) south; needs a car or bus routes 1–3.
Discovery Harbour / ferry area
Closest to the Quadra Island ferry and water-taxi docks; handy for early departures.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–250 (≈ US$110–190) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or hotel double room1 × 2 nights × C$190 | C$380 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$170 | C$680 |
| BC Ferries, Campbell River–Quadra Island, car and driver, each way1 × C$40 · check | C$40 |
| Guided salmon fishing, half day2 × C$250 · check | C$500 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$165 |
| Trip total≈ C$454 per person per day, bed included | C$1,815≈ US$1,400 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; flights and fishing charters excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a pastry | C$5–9 (≈ US$4–7) |
| Fish and chips | C$18–28 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Restaurant main course | C$20–35 (≈ US$15–30) |
| Draught beer in a pub | C$7–10 (≈ US$6–8) |
| 5 km taxi | C$15–22 (≈ US$11–16) |
| Museum or aquarium entry | C$5–8 (≈ US$4–6) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances between the town, Elk Falls and the trailheads are bigger than they look: plan on driving.
- Winter is dark and wet, with daylight roughly 8:15–16:30 in December.Winter is dark and wet, with daylight roughly 8:15 AM–4:30 PM in December.
- Book guided fishing and any water taxi ahead in Jul–Aug; boats fill.
- Logging roads are active: keep clear of trucks and don't rely on phone signal.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Campbell RiverWiwek̓a̱m
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies here; the nearest US consulate-general is in Vancouver, and most countries keep embassies in Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- BC Ferries Campbell River → Quadra Island: about 10 min; car and driver fare, walk-on cheaper (check)
- Campbell River Airport shuttle into town: about 15–20 min (check)
- BC Transit single fare: about C$2.50 (≈ US$2) (check)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you (—)
- Excuse me — Excuse me (—)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (—)
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card? (—)
- Where is the ferry terminal? — Where is the ferry terminal? (—)
- Is the trail open? — Is the trail open? (—)
English is the working language; a few Kwak'wala place names are in use.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Campbell River. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (wet, dark, 240 mm rain in Dec) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YBL: shuttle and taxi fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: downtown and Shoppers Row, Discovery Harbour, Willow Point.
- Place pages with verified hours (Museum at Campbell River, Maritime Heritage Centre, Discovery Passage Aquarium) and eat pages with last orders.
- Fishing and water-taxi booking fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCity of Campbell River
- officialCampbell River tourism
- officialBC Ferries
- officialBC Parks — Elk Falls Provincial Park
- officialBC Transit — Campbell River
- officialCampbell River Airport
- secondaryWikivoyage: Campbell River, revision 5283253 (CC BY-SA 4.0)