Campbell River

The Salmon Capital of the World — where world-class fishing meets the wild beauty of northern Vancouver Island.

Campbell River sits at the northern gateway to the Discovery Islands on the east coast of Vancouver Island, where the waters of Discovery Passage funnel between the island and the mainland in a powerful tidal flow that creates one of the richest marine environments on the BC coast. The city has earned its title as the Salmon Capital of the World honestly — the fishing here is genuinely exceptional, with chinook, coho, sockeye, pink, and chum salmon all running through these waters at different times of year, and the Tyee Club of British Columbia, founded in 1924, is one of the most storied fishing clubs in North America. Beyond fishing, Campbell River is the gateway to Strathcona Provincial Park, BC's oldest provincial park and one of its most spectacular. The park encompasses the rugged interior of Vancouver Island — glaciers, alpine meadows, old-growth forests, and the dramatic Elk River valley. Della Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada, is accessible from the park via a multi-day hike that rewards those who make the effort with one of the most impressive natural spectacles in BC. The city itself has a vibrant arts and culture scene anchored by the Museum at Campbell River, which holds one of the finest collections of First Nations art and cultural artifacts on Vancouver Island. The Kwakwaka'wakw people have lived in this territory for thousands of years, and their artistic traditions — particularly the extraordinary carved and painted poles, masks, and regalia — are among the most powerful in the world. Whale watching in Discovery Passage is excellent, with orca, humpback, and minke whales all regularly seen. The area is also one of the best places in BC to see bald eagles, with hundreds gathering along the river during salmon runs.