On the east coast of central Vancouver Island, and long known as the "Salmon Capital of the World" and more recently as an adventure and eco-tourism hub, Campbell River is a natural destination choice, in more ways than one.
Go on a stroll in the sea breezes on Discovery Pier and you might see a salmon, eagle, or whale. Take in views of Discovery Passage, Quadra Island and, in the distance, the rugged Coast Mountain range of mainland British Columbia. Explore trails along Campbell River. Explore streams and lakes in forests kept green by the mild Pacific Coast climate.
Getting to Campbell River is Easy
Land Travel
Traveling north on Vancouver Island on Highway 19 takes approximately 2 hours (153 kilometres / 95 miles) from Nanaimo or 3.5 hours (264 kilometres / 165 miles) from Victoria. When the Inland Island Highway was completed in 2001, it reduced driving time to Campbell River by an hour. See the most of Campbell River by exiting Highway 19 at the Miracle Beach exit, then continue north along Oceanside Route Highway 19A. (Motorcoach travel to Campbell River is available through Island Coach Lines.)
If you prefer a fully serviced highway route, follow the starfish along the scenic Oceanside Route, Highway 19A. Look for the official "starfish" signs south of Parksville and at other exits along Highway 19. Why not travel north to Campbell River on the scenic Oceanside Route 19A, then head home via the Inland Island Highway 19?
Bus Charter
You can get to Campbell River by motorcoach, too. Island Coach Lines (Laidlaw) serves Victoria to Port Hardy, and points in between, including Campbell River. Connect to Island Coach Lines from Vancouver aboard Greyhound or Pacific Coach Lines.
Island Link Bus
They provide passenger express bus service between most Vancouver Island points and BC Ferries' services at Nanaimo Departure Bay.
Greyhound
They travel (by ferry) between Vancouver and Nanaimo
Toll-free: 1-800-661-8747
Tel: 604-482-8747
MORE INFO
Pacific Coach Lines
They travels (by ferry) between Vancouver and Victoria.
Toll-free: 1-800-661-1725
Ferry service
Bringing a vehicle to Vancouver Island means an easy journey by ferry from either British Columbia's Mainland or Washington State. Victoria Clipper (passengers only), MV Coho, and Washington State Ferries-operate from Washington. In British Columbia, BC Ferries runs scheduled trips between the following ports and many others on the British Columbia coast. Crossing times are approximate.
BC Ferries Information
Route and fare information
Toll-free: 1-888-223-3779Tel: 250-386-3431
Web: www.bcferries.com
Reservations are available, and recommended, on select Mainland - Vancouver Island routes. You'll need a credit card handy when you call.
If you're heading north toward Campbell River
- Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and Swartz Bay (Victoria) - 1 hour 35 minutes
- Tsawwassen (Vancouver) and Duke Point (Nanaimo) - 2 hours
- Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) and Departure Bay (Nanaimo) - 1 hour 35 minutes
- Powell River-Westview (Sunshine Coast) and Little River (Comox) - 1 hour 15 minutes
If you're heading south toward Campbell River
- Prince Rupert and Port Hardy (Inside Passage route) - approximately 15 hours
- Bella Coola and Port Hardy (Discovery Coast Passage route) - approximately 12 hours
Ferry service between Washington State and Vancouver Island
Victoria Clipper
Passenger-only high-speed catamaran ferry service between Seattle WA and Victoria BC.
Toll-free: 1-800-888-2535
Tel: (206) 448-5000
Web: www.victoriaclipper.com
MV Coho
The MV Coho ferry carries vehicles and passengers between Port Angeles WA and Victoria BC.
Tel: (360) 457-4491
Web: www.northolympic.com/coho/
Washington State Ferries
Washington State Ferries operates service for vehicles and passengers between Anacortes WA and Sidney (Victoria) BC.
Toll-free: 1-888-808-7977
Tel: (206) 464-6400
Web: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/
Sea Travel
Campbell River is a boaters' haven with a range of services and facilities, including moorage, for you and your craft. Before heading to sea, consult up-to-date tide tables and marine charts (such as Canadian Hydrographic Service chart #3540 Approaches to Campbell River) to familiarize yourself with the waterways around Campbell River. For a list of marinas and marine charter companies, telephone the Campbell River Visitor Information Centre at 250-287-4636, or toll-free 1-800-463-4386.
Campbell River Tide Predictions
Air Travel
Soar over islands, sea, and mountains en route to Campbell River. Daily scheduled flights arrive at Campbell River and District Regional Airport (YBL) from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and other areas. (Car rentals are available.)
Kenmore Air Express
Toll-free: 1-866-435-9524
Web: www.kenmoreair.com
Complimentary shuttle service for connecting passengers between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Boeing Field (BFI) in downtown Seattle.
Central Mountain Air Ltd.
Toll-free: 1-888-865-8585
Web: www.flycma.com
Pacific Coastal Airlines
Toll-free: 1-800-663-2872
Tel: 604-273-8666
Web: www.pacific-coastal.com
WestJet
Toll-free: 1-888-937-8538
Web: www.westjet.com
Direct flights are now available with WestJet from Calgary, Alberta, to Comox, just a short 45 minute drive from Campbell River. Rent a car, or alternatively choose from a number of tour packages which will meet you at the airport.
Heading to a remote Lodge? Kenmore Air also has a floatplane fleet which flies seasonally to Campbell River and other popular summer destinations in our region. For information, call toll-free 1-800-543-9595 or visit www.kenmoreair.com.
Several private helicopter and small plane operators fly out of Campbell River. Why not charter a spectacular sightseeing flight? For details, telephone the Campbell River Visitors' Information Centre at 250-287-4636, or toll-free 1-800-463-4386.
Packages are also available on the Oceanside Route website at www.oceansideroute.com.
