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Campbell River Salmon Capital of the World !
Campbell River is the fourth largest city on Vancouver Island, with a population of about 30,000 residents, and lies along the island’s north eastern coast. It lies 264 Km (three hours driving time) north of Victoria on Highway #19, on the coast opposite Quadra Island. From the ferry at Nanaimo it is only 153 Km.
The city is undertaking plans that serve as an expansion and betterment model for the coming years. Plans include increasing business and tourism.
A functioning cruise ship dock is in the plans. While Campbell River watches large, touring ships pass by on a routine basis, without an acceptable dock, they do not see the revenue and tourism levels of other areas.
Campbell River is world renowned for its salmon.
This is one of the best places anywhere, not just for salmon and salmon fishing, but now also for salmon farming. (It has been given the name "Salmon Capital of the World!")
The town actually sits on the coast of Discovery Channel, part of the Straits of Georgia, opposite Quadra Island (to which there is a ferry that links with another ferry to Cortez Island.)
Water flows down from the Buttle and Upper Campbell Lakes in Strathcona Provincial Park, through Campbell Lake (and the big camping areas) to the sea at Campbell River itself.
The Salmon Festival Society of the city hosts many events and activities. So serene and picturesque are the surroundings, and so welcoming are the residents, that Campbell River has been the site of many major motion pictures and films.
Almost since the founding of the city in 1855, it has been a sought after spot for sport fishing. The river was explored originally in 1792 by famous Captain George Vancouver. The community itself did not take on the name of the river until the early 20th century and was incorporated nearly 100 years after its founding, in 1947. With its surrounding areas, the city is large and spacious with over 50 square miles of area.
Check out the video below. It's a bit long (10 minutes), but it is truly representative of Campbell River. You'll love it--and you won't be able to stop before it's completed!
Please press the "Play Button" (left) in the player controls instead of the arrow on the screen.
The waters of the river can be some of the most treacherous on the planet and were at one point even more dangerous from a submerged mountain called Ripple Rock.
The rock was responsible for sinking over 100 ships and killing over 100 individuals. And so, a massive undertaking took place, culminating after 27 months in April 1958 when the rock was detonated and destroyed. This explosion was massive in size, scope and operation; and is actually the largest commercial, non-nuclear detonation ever in North America. Such a big event, it was televised live and is still celebrated.
Besides sports fishing, Mount Washington is a major attraction, about 49 Km south of the town, west of highway #19 and just north of Courtenay. Mount Washington is a great spot for skiing, snowboarding and mountain exploration. The area has over 20 camping sites and with all the various terrains in the vicinity, you can partake in any form of outdoor recreation that you choose.
The most unique of which would salmon snorkeling while mountain climbing, canoeing and hiking are all more common and popular options.
Campbell River is also home to many cultural and theatre groups and societies, as well as museums. Among these are the Museum which provides a great historical perspective and exhibits about the people who lived in the area over 8,000 years ago and the Campbell River Public Art Gallery with many different exhibitions throughout the year.
With so much to choose from and its idyllic location and natural sights, Campbell River is a great place to escape to. Bears, Eagles, salmon fishing, campgrounds, lakes and rivers, all against a backdrop of snow capped mountains...is there a better place to discover?
Roderick Haig-Brown thought so, he lived here and you can tour his home. He wrote some famous books and was a renowned sport fisherman and conservationist. "Biggles" would be proud!
The 20 minute ferry trip to Quadra Island is well worth it if you visit the First Nations Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre: historical native artifacts, ceremonial regalia and carved canoes and totems.
Quadra Island is also famous for pre-1900's historical sites, Rebecca Spit Provincial Park (sandy beaches!), kayaking and fishing.
