Discovercampbellriver Discovery Guide
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A Golf BC’S Experience NEWEST FOREveryone GOLF COURSE #CRGCC www.crgolf.ca 250-287- 4970 | [email protected] 700 Petersen Rd Campbell River, BC V9W 4C4 A City Nestled EXPERIENCE THE Heritage 37 In Nature ELEMENTS 8 Essential Campbell River 4 8 Essential Local Traditions 38 Explore The Town 7 Fishing Spots 18 Family Day Out 40 Meet Our Paddling 20 Community Events 41 Neighbours 8 Ocean Boating 21 Diving 22 Your HOME AWAY Beautifully WILD FROM HOME Explore the ADVENTURE AWAITS Accommodations 42 Natural Wonders 10 Beaches and Parks 24 8 Must-See Golfing 25 Plan Your Journey Attractions 12 Hiking and Trails 26 Getting Here 44 Camping And RV Parks 27 Maps 45 MAJESTIC AND Biking 28 NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION AWE INSPIRING Mountain Life 30 MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF Wildlife Watching 14 DESTINATION CAMPBELL RIVER LIVE LIKE A LOCAL AND ROAM MEDIA INC., WHO ARE COVER PHOTO BY NOT IN ANY WAY RESPONSIBLE FOR AMAZING BIRD'S-EYE Art and Culture 32 CHRIS ISTACE ERRORS OR OMISSIONS PRINTED IN THIS MAGAZINE AND RETAIN THE VIEWS Dining and Cuisine 34 TOC PHOTO BY RIGHT TO EDIT ALL COPY. Flightseeing 16 Shopping 36 @VANCITYWILD A City Nestled In Nature DISCOVER CAMPBELL RIVER Destination Campbell River respectfully acknowledges our First Nations neighbours, with Campbell River is their deep history and connection to this land. Campbell River has grown and prospered thanks to the natural abundance of this region, the traditional a destination nestled territory of the Laich-kwil-tach( ligwilda’xw) people. Campbell River is a place deeply embedded in in nature, welcome the wild, where eagles soar over the streets, bears roam the surrounding forests and whales breach in to the wild. plain view. It’s where artisans and brewers perfect 4 · WWW.CAMPBELLRIVER.TRAVEL AERIAL OF PIER ST & MARINA, CAMPBELL RIVER PHOTO BY SUAVAIR their craft with views of the towering Coastal city so nestled in nature can also have a delightfully Mountain ranges in sight. It’s where visitors sip urban appeal. Hyperlocal restaurants incorporate coffee on the Discovery Passage shores before the freshest ingredients from the area while the hiking to the crest of colossal waterfalls. It’s where flourishing local craft scene is inspired and perfected residents are more than just the people. by industrious craftspeople. Yet, the city also has its modern comforts. Charming A trip to this temperate coastal city is an enriching and hotels, seaside restaurants and a thriving culture inspiring experience unparalleled on Vancouver Island. all make this slice of Vancouver Island more than Campbell River is a destination nestled in nature, an outpost. Visitors are often surprised to find a welcome to the wild. #DISCOVERCAMPBELLRIVER · 5 PHOTO BY TOM PARKER EXPLORE THE TOWN DOWNTOWN One walk through the waterside downtown of the city and you will understand why Campbell River is both a cultural and natural hub. A craft brewery, delicious restaurants featuring globally inspired cuisine, a thriving theatre and boutiques and galleries are just a few of downtown’s most popular attractions. Here, you’ll also find the city’s Visitor Information Centre on Shoppers Row. Stop in for advice on how to get the most out of your trip to Campbell River. PIER STREET Nowhere is Campbell River’s urban-to-ocean connection more visible than the famed shops and attractions of Pier Street. Nestled right on the water, this historic centre is often referred to as “The Soul of Campbell River.” Shops, markets and a marina are the centre’s main draw. Summer months are especially buzzing, with a fruitful farmers market that draws and rewards both locals and visitors. When the blooming flowers and farmers market subsides during the winter, a memorable Christmas market pops up to bring in the holiday season. CAMPBELLTON One of the community’s oldest neighbourhoods, this historical area is located where the road forks for highways to Gold River and Port Hardy, offering easy access to riverside trails. Running parallel to the mouth of the Campbell River, Campbellton was once a port for the fishing and forestry industries, and is now home to classic cafés and diners, and is known for hosting the annual Salmon Festival and Logger Sports. WILLOW POINT Located at the southern end of town, Willow Point stretches along Highway 19A and is home to the annual Transformations on the Shore carving festival. Featuring locally owned bakeries and funky coffee shops, this newer neighbourhood has grown in recent years and is a popular destination for families looking for easily accessible beaches and shopping. PHOTOS (TOP TO BOTTOM): JENN DYKSTRA, @GILLIAN_ONEGIANTSTEP, JENN DYKSTRA, PALMER CLINTON, @BENTEGRAHAM #DISCOVERCAMPBELLRIVER · 7 MEET OUR NEIGHBOURS For more information on our neighbouring communities, visit campbellriver.travel/REGION 1 SAYWARD With a population of less than 400, tiny Sayward is remote but infinitely rewarding for eco-minded travellers. Originally named H’Kusam by the Indigenous people and set on the picturesque shores of Northern Vancouver Island, this harbour town is embedded in nature. Popular activities include immersive outdoor experiences such as kayaking on the estuary and hiking the many trails. Whales, eagles and bears frequent this outpost and share the woods and waters with this town’s small population. GOLD RIVER 2 In Gold River, the Peppercorn Trail begins at the Gold River Bridge and traverses above the canyon of the town's namesake river. Watch whitewater paddlers challenge the rapids and fishermen cast their lines for steelhead and salmon. Home of the Mowachaht Nation, with a population of 1,300, is just as beautiful below ground as it is above it. The Upana Caves near Gold River are revered by explorers and scientists alike. These spectacular caves serve as the home to the BC Speleological Federation for the scientific study of natural caves. 3 Zeballos Traditionally home to the Ehattesaht people, this tiny nook on Vancouver Island was transformed in the 1920’s by a gold rush turning into a hot-spot for miners and the adventure-minded. While the gold is now gone, the historic buildings remind all visitors of the village’s Frontier days. What’s left is a charming and sparsely-populated town that is a haven for kayakers, explorers and sportfishers. Cafés and Bed and Breakfasts offer modern-day amenities in a historic and wild side of Vancouver Island. Tahsis, Nootka Sound, AND Kyuquot Sound 4 Ecotourism is the specialty of Tahsis, where the best of British Columbia can be accessed. Caves, forests, diving locations and fishing spots are all frequented by guests and residents. Nestled in the beautiful Nootka Sound and situated within the traditional territory of the Mowachaht Nation, this area is rich in over 2,000 years of history. HEADER PHOTO BY: JENN DYKSTRA | PHOTOS (TOP TO BOTTOM): @KENDALMCBRYDEXO, @GENERICVANLIFE, @BEWILDEXPLORE, @GENERICVANLIFE 8 · WWW.CAMPBELLRIVER.TRAVEL 1 19 3 19 4 5 28 28 2 6 8 19 7 19A Quadra, Cortes, AND The Discovery Islands 5 Pristine and full of distinct nature, these islands are an explorer’s dream. The archipelago is famous across the world, even being named by National Geographic as one of “Canada’s Places of a Lifetime.” Kayaking is the most popular activity in the waters around the islands and camping is a favourite amongst visitors. The islands aren’t very populated, but the few local residents are known for their warmth and friendliness. 6 OYSTER RIVER This small community south of Campbell River is renowned for its campgrounds and resorts. The downtown is charming and tiny, while Salmon Point Resort and Pacific Playgrounds are the go-to spots on the River. Visitors blend right in with the locals during the summer months by flocking to the numerous swimming spots at this cozy slice of Vancouver Island. BLACK CREEK 7 Just 20 kms from Campbell River, this historic town is an agricultural hub. Farms produce much of the area’s best crops and livestock. Families find these farms especially interesting when visited as part of an interactive tour. Black Creek is also known for its several wineries that take advantage of the moderate Vancouver Island climate. 8 Strathcona Provincial Park This 2,500 square kilometre, the oldest BC Park on Vancouver Island, is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Strathcona beckons hikers, paddlers, fishermen, climbers, and backcountry skiers. Here, one will seek and find adventure amongst its mountain valleys lush with ancient forests, its craggy peaks and waterfalls flowing into sparkling lakes, and its alpine meadows dappled in wildflowers. PHOTOS (TOP TO BOTTOM): @TIFFANY_DIETITIAN, @SOMERSTUFF, @AWTDS, NADINE HOYT #DISCOVERCAMPBELLRIVER · 9 Beautifully Wild LANDMARKS AND ATTRACTIONS Discover the wild nature of Campbell River. With snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers, The wild is everywhere around Campbell River spectacular waterfalls, ocean vistas and roaming and the sights are spectacular. With breaching wildlife, a visit to Campbell River is a quintessentially whales on the Discovery Passage, eagles soaring Canadian experience. At any point in the area, a towards their nests in the forests or sea lions view of glorious nature can be seen. Take in the perched upright on the shoreline’s rocks, you’ll breathtaking sight of Elk Falls from a massive be just one of the many enjoying the beautiful suspension bridge or look out to the snowy horizon natural surroundings on this wild part of on a winter hike through Strathcona Park.