Attractions Campbell River
Beaver Lodge Forest Lands
Beaver Lodge Forest Lands Trails
In 1931, 415 hectares (1028 acres) of land was gifted to the Province of British Columbia by the Elk River Timber Company. Given in trust, the land was to be used in experimental work in reforestation and forest management. Located within the Campbell River City limits, the Beaver Lodge Forest Lands are an area of high importance to the local residents. An extensive network of trails provides opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and nature appreciation.
With a myriad of trails over meandering fish bearing streams and towering second growth timber, ceilinged by a thick canopy of green with a floor dense with vegetation, this splendid forest located in the heart of Campbell River, is a wonderful place to spend the day exploring the beaver dams, flora and fauna or just achieving a little exercise.
Campbell River & District Public Art Gallery
Phone: 250 -287 - 2261The Campbell River & District Public Art Gallery is located next to the Visitor Information Center in the Tyee Plaza in downtown Campbell River on Shoppers Row. The Gallery presents two exhibition halls, a studio and a gift shop. Admission is by donation, with shows transform every four to six weeks all year round. They also offer over 40 workshops, classes and artist dialogs for both adults and children.
The Gallery is operated by a non-profit society and is grateful to all acknowledged financial support of their sponsors. The mandate of the gallery is to stimulate thought, understanding, curiosity, involvement and discussion on contemporary visual art.
A young organization with an energized staff and dynamic programs, the Gallery opened in its downtown facility in 1995 and has since grown to offer more than 20 exhibitions annually in a choice of three exhibition spaces. The annual visitation exceeds 20,000 people.
Exhibitions are selected through a committee of staff and guest artists. The latter is converted every year to bring fresh perspectives to the selection process. The gallery staff strives to create a mix of exhibitions in the two main halls, from installation and new media to traditional forms, with satellite cases exhibited as an excellent venue for emerging local artists and students.
Chances Gaming House
Chances offers a variety of games of luck; bingo, slot machines, Keno or a lottery game you have never played before. It is all about the fun with friends. Escape the routine of everyday life or spend some time indoors when the weather is not good. You can enjoy a fine dinner or experience the enjoyment of playing for a prize with state of the art facilities including comfortable seating, a restaurant, a lounge and big screen TVs. You must be 19 years old to participate.
Coastal Black Estate Winery
Address: 2186 Endall Rd, Black Creek BC, V9W 1G7
Phone: 250 - 337 - 8325
Email: info@coastalblack.ca
Website: www.coastalblack.ca
An 800 acre fruit winery located in Black Creek just 20 minutes south of the downtown core in Campbell River. This outstanding successful winery produces a variety of succulent berry wines and meads that are sure to tempt even the most discerning palate. This family farm is made up of four generations who live and work together to produce an outstanding product.
The product is completed from stem to bottle by utilizing the families own bees for pollination and in the spirit of waste not want not, meads and honey are also utilized to their fullest extent within the production of the on site products.
The Winery itself is a site to behold, with tours being offered throughout the year. Come on down and have a taste of Vancouver Island at its best. You will not be disappointed.
Crystal Lanes Bowling
Phone: 250 – 286 – 1177 Ext 1Primitive forms of bowling may have existed in ancient times as early as A.D.. 300 in Germany, and also in ancient Finland and Yemen. The first standardized rules were established in New York City, on September 9, 1895.
Today, bowling is enjoyed by 95 million people in more than ninety countries worldwide and continues to grow through entertainment media such as video games for home consoles and hand held devices.
Bowling is an anaerobic type of physical exercise, similar to walking with free weights. Bowling helps to burn calories and works muscle groups not usually exercised. The flexing and stretching in bowling works tendons, joints, ligaments, and muscles in the arms and promotes weight loss. Apart from the physical benefits it also has psychosocial benefits, strengthening friendships or creating new friendships with teams and groups.
Crystal lanes offers (8) - 5 pin lanes and (10) - 10 pin bowling lanes. The 5 pin bowling lanes have automatic scoring. Bumper Bowl is also available.
Discovery Fishing Pier
Found at the south end of the downtown core, immediately adjacent to the Maritime Heritage Center.
Discovery Pier is Canada’s longest public and first salt water fishing pier. Fishermen experience amazing success at Discovery Pier, which is less than 100 feet from the shoreline. Stroll down the walkway or sit and relax anywhere along the entire six hundred feet of the boardwalk and watch the cruise ships on a summer evening, the fishermen lined up at the railing, or rent some gear, buy a license and try your luck and land your own salmon.
A boat is not required to fish from the pier. Daily catch statistics are posted and all tackle and rods are available for rent; licenses and bait can be purchased and the pier is open 24 hours per day for the summer months. The pier is wheel chair accessible.
Discovery Passage Aquarium
Address: 621 Island Highway, Campbell River BC, V9W 4C7
Email: info@discoverypassageaquarium.ca
Website: www.discoverypassageaquarium.ca
Wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Group bookings encouraged.
Hours of Operation 2013:
June: Sunday - Thursday 10:00am to 5:00 pm. Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
July and August: Extended hours
Campbell River's newest prize attraction and a most welcome addition to the community! The aquarium is situated between the Discovery Fishing Pier and the Maritime Heritage Centre on Highway 19A, just south of the downtown core in Campbell River. Visit to experience the wonder and magic of our incredibly diverse local underwater world.
This wonderland, rarely seen by non-divers, now becomes easily accessible on the waterfront in Campbell River. The Discovery Passage Aquarium, opening in June of 2013 presents a fascinating exhibition of local sea creatures expertly portrayed by knowledgeable inspired Interpreters. You will gain hands-on knowledge and get to learn of the intricacies of life beneath the waves in this region.
The goal of the aquarium is to raise awareness about local marine biodiversity and to promote stewardship and respect for our ocean environment. It also serves as a symbol of our city, its maritime history and its close relationship to the ocean, in which community members can participate and take pride. Specimens from representative local species are collected from the marine environment in time for opening each spring, and then are returned in he fall. Keep an eye on the aquarium's website for details of the Release Party each year!
Visitors will be able to check out the wonderful diversity of life within our rocky tidal pools, kelp forests and eelgrass beds. Touch tanks allow you to gently explore the amazingly diverse textures of sea stars, cuddle up to a moon snail, or simply delight in the antics of hermit crabs as they compete for food and new homes. This is an excellent interactive educational attraction that is great for kids of all ages!
Elk Falls Provincial Park
One of the most popular Provincial Parks on Vancouver Island, the highlight of Elk Falls Park is a spectacular 50 meter waterfall.
This easily accessible park has an intricate maze of easy walking trails, with the most famous being the Canyon View Trail constructed by the Campbell River Rotary Club.
The Elk Falls trail networks meander on the south side of the upper reaches of the Campbell River introducing a series of cascading waterfalls and deep pools which cut through ancient old growth forest. Follow the trail down the hill and track the lower Canyon View trail around the Campbell River itself, over the Canyon, and through ancient stands of Willow and Maple trees that lace the shores of numerous salmon spawning channels.
In addition to these fashionable trails is a labyrinth of networks from the John Hart Dam to the Cataylst water tower immediately above the pump-house on the Campbell River. Many of these trails follow cycling routes around rocky features and through maple forests of extraordinary beauty.
In another direction, beginning from the Elk Falls camp ground, meandering, well marked trails parallel the Quinsam River to the Quinsam River Salmon Hatchery. By following the north eastern fork you can track the trail of the beaver to view a massive swamp area created over generations of dam building. This is a most spectacular sight in early spring when the large bright yellow flower of the skunk cabbage is in full bloom.
Park Size: 1,087 hectares
Location - Access: 2 kilometers north of the downtown shopping core in Campbell River. Follow Highway 28 north to Gold River, when you cross the Quinsam River, you are in Elk Falls Park.
Camping: 122 vehicle accessible camping sites are available in the Quinsam River Campsite, 25 of these site are on situated on the shores of the Quinsam River, amenities include private treed designated campsites, pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, children’s playground, fresh water, ball field, numerous trails and opportunities for sport fishing.
Wilderness Camping: Not available
Day Use: Picnic tables are set up on the river for day use
Toilets: Pit toilets
Firewood: Available from Park administration
Activities: Hiking, river fishing, snorkeling the river, tubing, swimming, ball playing, children’s playground
Boat Launch: Not available
Fishing: Excellent trout fishing throughout the year. Salmon fishing in the river from late July to December, see Department of Fisheries Regulations for openings and retention.
Haig-Brown House and Education Centre
Address: 2250 Campbell River Road, Campbell River BC, Canada, V9W 4N7This heritage property situated on the bank of the Campbell River can be found 600 ft north of the junction of Highway 19 and 19A on Highway 28, on the north or right hand side of the road. It is very well marked.
Enjoy the 18 acres of the properties surrounding Haig-Brown House, home to native and exotic trees, whitetail deer, blue grouse, the occasional cougar or black bear; peer into the crystal clear waters of the Campbell River and see five distinct species of salmon or perhaps an ancient sturgeon.
The property was formerly home to Roderick and Ann Haig-Brown, from 1936 to 1975. Roderick Haig-Brown was a conservationist, magistrate and a prolific author who was especially noted for his books on fly fishing, natural history and salmon conservation.
This circa 1923 home has been purchased by the British Columbia government and designated as a heritage property, flowing through the property is the Haig-Brown Kingfisher Creek enhancement stream, which has undergone extensive restoration and today displays an impressively large annul run of Coho. Haig Brown House is also home to a Bed & Breakfast, the facility managers can be contacted to promote seminars, and fly fishing classes, there is also a library and a small fishing museum on site.
John Hart Dam
Website: www.bchydro.com
The John Hart Dam project was completed in 1947 by the BC Power Commission. Water is carried by three penstocks to a six unit, 126 MW 
powerhouse located downstream from Elk Falls. Above the outfall there are three large surge towers. These are in place to prevent the penstocks from bursting during periods of flow reductions when the flow gates are closed.
John Hart Dam, along with the Strathcona and Ladore Dams further up-stream make up the Campbell River Hydroelectric system. Today, these three projects produce approximately 11% of Vancouver Island’s electric demand.
The facilities along the Campbell River system not only generate electricity, but also contribute to the surrounding communities by providing such services as flood control, domestic water supply and recreation. Recreational opportunities along the Campbell and Quinsam Rivers downstream from the John Hart Dam include camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, fishing, kayaking, tubing, sight-seeing and nature appreciation. Wild fish stocks include Chinook, coho, 
steelhead, chum, pink and the odd misplaced sockeye salmon.
On March 7th 2000, the Province of British Columbia officially recognized the Campbell River as a British Columbia Heritage River, acknowledging the rivers cultural and economic heritage while endorsing the concept of a working river where economic activities are compatible with natural heritage and recreational values.
Interesting Statistics
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Strathcona Dam is earth filled
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Vertical Rise is 85 – 100 feet of water was diverted to pen stocks 12 feet in diameter
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Penstocks run 3600 feet to a drop off where they became steel pipes for another 2200 feet
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Vertical Serge tank 285 feet in the air acted as a shock absorber
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Each 12 foot pipe separated into two eight foot steel pipes before it hits the blades of the turbines connected by 18 inch shafts at eh generating station
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Each turbine produces 28,000 horsepower each
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The Power house is 210 feet long
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Estimated $13,400,000 original cost of project
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450 men employed
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Additional 250 employed to build 100 miles of power lines
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Ladore is a storage dam due to the inconsistency in rainfall
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By Dec 1947 John Hart was turning out 40,000 kilowatts of electricity
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Completed in 1953 capacity of 120,000 kilowatts
Maritime Heritage Centre
Admission is by donation.
Located at the entrance to the Fisherman’s Wharf and Discovery Fishing Pier, this 22,000 square foot community asset’s construction was originally sponsored by the Daybreak Rotary Club. The Maritime Heritage Centre deemed a national historic site, is a Mecca for marine services including the Campbell River Power Squadron and the radio room for Campbell River Search and Rescue.
Showcased is the BC Packers 45, a 53-foot table-seiner fishing vessel built in 1927, which was depicted on the Canadian $5.00 bill from 1972 to 1988. Adding to her valued fame the BCP 45 was one of the 185 exhibits at Expo 86 in Vancouver and was chosen by MacLean’s magazine as the 6th best exhibit overall. In 2002 she sailed to her final resting place in Campbell River under her own power, where she rests today. Walk her decks, explore her cabins and learn about her long history on the Coast.
The Marine Heritage Centre is the resting place to the fog horn from the Pine Island Lighthouse, the Genealogy Society Archives, model ships of well known artists and the Art Twigg Steamship Vessels writings.
Also featured on display are revered local collections of west coast marine artifacts, most notably, the Somerville and the Bill Phillipson collection of relics and papers of historical canneries from along the west coast.
The west coast style construction of the main hall of the Marine Heritage Centre incorporated materials from the old Campbell River Community Hall, predominantly the hardwood floors and overhead beams that were recycled first from originally from old logging bridge timbers then from the Original Community Hall.
Miracle Beach Landing Mini Golf
Address: 8667 Old Island Highway, Black Creek BC, Canada, V9J 1K4
Phone: 250 – 337 - 5336
Located on the Highway 19A approximately 1 kilometre south of the Oyster River Bridge, at the T Junction of the Miracle Beach Road, even in the rain this is a fun course.
Hours are Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily and weekends and holidays 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Summer Hours begin June 1st when the golf course is open until 9:00 pm daily. This is a small course but a fun one.
The tea house offers a variety of ice cream flavors and specialty coffees, with a pleasant covered sun deck to watch the family and would be golfers on the course.
Miracle Beach Provincial Park
Miracle Beach located halfway between the City of Campbell River and the Comox Valley, a popular, accessible sandy beach which faces Mitlenatch Island. Access is gained from on Miracle Beach road at Miracle Beach Mini Golf. Follow the signs to the shoreline.
These huge tidal flats stretch for miles north and south of the park entrance. Miracle Beach has great opportunities for building sand castles, exploring tidal pools and examining the ancient breakwater that is home to a multitude of inter-tidal life. A whole day could be spent exploring or relaxing and enjoying the sun.
During the summer months interpretive programs are hosted by the BC Parks staff at Miracle Beach. In the past an excellent Jerry Ranger Program has been presented, which includes a series of interactive short course for kids which takes you inside the wonderful world of the natural surrounding environment.
An example of programs provided:
The History Hound: Miracle Beach, where you can search for crabs, hunt for insects and listen to bird songs, all in the same day. But the park is a story all its own; come learn about Miracle Beach’s unique history. How it got its name and the down low on where our forest critters love to hang out.
Recycler: He may be slow, he may be slimy, but this little forest creature is a top recycler. Come along as we find out what makes slugs so great for our forests & answer the question that has puzzled many a park Naturalist for years, “If four slugs were to race against each other, would there be a winner?”
Fungus among Us: Friends, Foes and Food: Fungus has been a part of our everyday life since day one. Find out where a fungus lives in your life.
In addition to the interpretive programs there are washroom facilities, plentiful parking, trails throughout the old growth forest, picnic tables, BBQ pits, a children’s play park, a covered group BBQ enclosure and an excellent interpretive center. There is also the Miracle Beach Provincial campsite and a number of resorts in the area.
Mitlenatch Island Provincial Marine Park
Description
Meaning “Calm Waters” in the Coast Salish Language. Positioned in a rain shadow and code-named the Galapagos of the North by naturalists around the
world, this geographic anomaly is home to the largest seabird colony in the Strait of Georgia. Thousands of pairs of glaucous-winged gulls, pelagic cormorants, pigeon guillemots, rhinoceros auklets and black oystercatchers begin arriving in April to compete for breeding territory to be held until early August when their young depart.
The frenzy of activity on the island peaks into a bustling racket similar to New York City during rush hour when the California sea lions assemble on the island for an extended stop to congregate and enjoy a respite on their journey north.
With a desert-like topography; rocky outcroppings and dried grass are predominant on the island due to the diminutive quantity of rain fall. Insufficient coverage and exposed cliffs do little to protect the nesting birds from predators such as the bald eagles that are willing to assume the journey to the nesting grounds from the mainland, or from Vancouver Island to feast on the freshly laid eggs.
The marine life species surrounding the island are abundant, and include otters and harbour seals throughout the year with stellar and California sea lions from late autumn through to early May. Often you will see a variety of whale, dolphin and porpoise species feeding close to the shores.
In spring the island’s meadow like topography features a colourful array of wildflowers, however; you will notice the distinct lack of trees, with the exception of a stand of trembling aspen in the upland area of West Hill. Other species of unusual plants indicated here are the prickly pear cactus, which only exists where semi-arid conditions persist. Arbutus, bitter cherry, scouler’s willow, black 
hawthorn, red alder, harvest brodiaea and gumweed, are also present but not in abundance.
Garter snakes have grown to unusual proportions on the island and have been reported to be over 1 metre long; with dark gray and black markings these snakes are harmless and frequently encountered along the trails and on the beach and tidal pool areas.
Please observe all signs and stay on the trails as to not disturb the natural habitat. Nesting Seabird colonies are sensitive to disturbance, therefore a bird blind has been erected for safe viewing.
Please observe the following rules
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Stay on designated trails
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No pets are permitted
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When approaching the observation blind, keep the party together and move slowly, this reduces the anxiety of the gulls and allows you to observe their behaviour and family life more easily
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Remain quiet while in the blind
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When the blind is occupied please remain well back on the trial until the blind is vacated
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Collecting of any kind in not permitted
Below the waves the marine life including abalone, scallops and sea cucumber are fully protected within the Mitlenatch zone and are not to be subject to harvesting.
The rocky shores here provide an opportunity to view a variety of marine life at low tide. Over a dozen species of starfish have been recorded in the area as well as a variety of sea life types from sponges and sea anemones to tunicates and small fish. The smaller fish inhabit the eelgrass beds that are rich in nutrients, shiners, pipefish, staghorn sculpins, sand dabs and greenling being the most common.
The white band of barnacles known as the phenomena of inter tidal-zonation is evident as well as a dark band of mussels; a band of green algae and at the lowest point of the beach a brown band of seaweed can be observed, each band with its own unique ecological signature.
Tidal pools provide excellent viewing for sculpin, hermit crabs, anemones, crabs, and a variety of shrimp, small crustaceans and a number of other marine life forms.
Truly Mitlenatch Island is one natural exhibition not to be missed when visiting or living in Campbell River, the experience is well worth the pleasant boat ride. Plan to spend the whole day.
Park Size: 155 hectares
Location - Access: Accessed is by boat only. This small island of less than 1 square kilometre is also known in fork-lore as the “Island that keeps moving away”.
Camping: Not available
Wilderness Camping: Not available
Day Use: Picnic Table
Toilets: Pit Toilet
Firewood: Not available
Activities: Bird Watching, kayaking, scuba diving, wildlife viewing, hiking, photography, swimming
Boat Launch: Not available, anchorage accessible in Northwest Bay and Camp Bay on the south side of the island
Fishing: Yes
History: The Province of British Columbia purchased Mitlenatch Island from the Manson family estate in 1959 and in 1961 it was designated as a Provincial Nature Park. Originally owned by the Manson family of Cortes Island from the late 1800’s, cattle and sheep were raised on this small outcropping of rock, the cattle were then butchered on the island and the meat rowed to Comox, the sheep were ferried to the island in spring and removed in late autumn. In the summer the family would live on the island in a small driftwood cabin.
Morton Lake Provincial Park
Morton Lake is a shallow, natural lake, and is considered to be warmer than most of the lakes in the area in the summer months. It has a white sandy beach and all the amenities for a day enjoying the wilderness. The main beach is equipped with pit toilets and change rooms. Provincial Park campsites on the north side of the lake have picnic tables and campfire rings.
This small lake is ideal for a canoe or kayak paddle with the kids. There is also trout fishing and/or wildlife exploring, otters frolic in the shallows of the lake and are not shy of visitors. Most of the shoreline consists of eelgrass, with the exception of the main beach which is sandy. The water’s edge displays several small and interesting drainage creeks for the kids to explore.
Access to Morton Lake is north of Campbell River on Highway 19. From the Tamarac Street junction (at the bridge) travel approximately eight kilometres then turn left on the well signed Menzies Bay main line. Drive seventeen kilometres on the gravel road, this is an active logging road so obey all postings. Take extreme caution, keep to your side of the road, watch your speed and keep your lights on at all times.
Turn right at the Morton/Mohun Lake intersection that has a sign prominently displayed on the right hand side of the road. This road is much smaller and you may feel you are going nowhere; stay with it, five kilometres further on, the bush opens up and you are at the parking lot, the beach is a 10 meter short trail from the parking lot.
Mussels and More Pottery Studio
Address: 1761 Island Hwy., Campbell River BC, V9W 2E8
Phone: 250 - 286 - 9924
Email: pottery@musselsandmore.com
Website: www.musselsandmore.com
Campbell River arts and culture are truly alive and well, and there is no studio in the area more visible or active than Mussels and More Pottery Studio, the largest hand crafted pottery studio in the Country. Owned by designers & producers Jan & Mike Sell, this is definitely a one of a kind attraction.
Collectible artist designed and sculpted handmade fine art pottery collections, featuring high quality porcelain inspired by elements of seashells, marine life & seascape themes. Ceramic floral pieces create a rare decor option with dinnerware sets of striking elegance displayed with grace and style, with individual limited edition pieces adding long lasting collectors value.
Located in Campbellton, on the Highway 19A, this ambrosial store and studio delights the 
senses with gifts and handmade craft-ware imported from far afield. The workshop itself is the largest in Canada so don't let the small size of the gift shop fool you. Just ask the staff for a tour, they are usually working in the background creating, sculpting or designing their next project. It makes for an interesting tour and offers an activity that will be the highlight of your day.
Groups are recommended to call in advance as this is a working studio.
Note: Group maximum size - 20 people.
Cost of tour: No charge
Hours of operation:
Monday thru Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Myra Falls Mine
Myra Falls is an-underground zinc mine located in Strathcona - Westmin Provincial Park on Vancouver Island. The property consists of claims, mining 
leases and 23 crown granted claims, covering 3,629 hectares. The H-W and Lynx ore bodies are part of the property.
Located 90 kilometres southwest of Campbell River. To access the site you follow Highway 28 towards Gold River, where the highway crosses the Buttle Lake/Upper Campbell Lake Narrows, continue traveling south onto the Western Mine Road along the east side of Buttle Lake. Note: there are no visitor services at the mine site.
Operations consist of 2 underground mines; the H-W mine and the Battle mine and are located approximately 1.8 km NW of the H-W mine. The original Myra Falls mill was constructed in 1966. The H-W mine commenced production in 1985 and a new mill was built at that time.
Mining operations are carried out using bulk-mining methods. A single production shaft at the 700 meter level services both mines. Ore is processed through a modern 4,000 tpd mill facility. Zinc and copper/precious metals concentrates which are transported 90 kilometres by truck to the port at the Argonaut Wharf in Campbell River for shipment.
Myra Falls is an underground mining operation that produces zinc, copper, gold and silver. Although the mine occupies 3,600 hectares of land on the surface,
underground there are more than 240 kilometres in drifts, shafts and stopes between the two separate mines.
Approximately 275 people work at the Myra Falls operation, two-thirds of them working underground as miners, mechanics, equipment operators, electricians and millwrights. Breakwater Resources currently owns 100% of the Myra Falls Mine.
On the Rocks Climbing Gym
Located at the junction of Tamarac Street at the bridge and Highway 19A, hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm Fridays from 1;00 pm to 9:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10: am to 6:00 pm. Mondays they are closed but available for group bookings. Day passes range from $9.00 to $13.00.
One of British Columbia’s leading and modern indoor rock climbing facilities, the 32 foot walls are coated with textured concrete to present a realistic feel to your indoor rock climbing experience and offer a variety of levels of climbing options.
On the upper level there is a cave like structure dedicated to novice or hard core bouldering participants. A great way to keep fit.
On the Rocks offers courses and classes from novice to expert.
Pier Street Farmers Market
and specialty foods to classic boat building structures and spectacular artisan crafts. Many craftsman are working on their wares during the market. In addition to a wide variety of displays the market also features music and spotlight activities for both young and old, delicious and unusual snacks from vendors and an atmosphere of fun and merriment. Well worth the time it takes to find a parking spot.Pier Street Historic Mile
It has been quoted "Celebrating our roots as we grow our future" the Pier Street Association presents the times gone by of Campbell River in establishing a "Historic Mile".
Twenty-one panels have been erected containing historical photos and chronicles of the pictured areas are showcased on the sidewalk along the route. These panels are placed strategically along the path that surrounds the birthplace of the town core of Campbell River.
The “Pier Street Historical Mile” extends from the Museum at Campbell River on Highway 19A north to Robert Ostler Park.
Quinsam Salmon Hatchery
Address: 4217 Argonaut Road, Campbell River BC, Canada, V9W 1P3The turn off for the Quinsam Salmon Hatchery is located approximately 5 km northwest of Campbell River, along Highway 28 heading towards Gold River. Turn left on Quinsam Road. Follow this road for approximately 3 km to the hatchery entrance sign. The hours of operation are from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm seven days a week.
This site offers a self guided tour with the aid of a pamphlet guide, special tours can be pre-arranged if staff is available. Visitors can observe returning salmon from mid-August to mid-October and juvenile salmon year round.
The facility offers an excellent opportunity to view salmon in their natural setting and to observe
the processes of a successful,l effective hatchery. The species to be seen are pink, coho, Chinook, steelhead, chum and cutthroat trout. There are many walking trails to enjoy branching off along the river, many are wheel chair accessible.
Caution is to be exercise in the fall months; as it is not unusual to encounter black bears on the trail that are fishing for salmon.
- Pink Adults - Late July to late August
- Chinook - October to November
- Coho Adults - Early run August late run September to November
- Chum - October to December
Rotary Seawalk
Certainly one of the most popular Rotary International projects ever completed in Campbell River, this ocean-side route which parallels the Island Highway begins at the Marine Heritage Centre to the north and proceeds along the highway to Hidden Harbour Condominium complex, then it follows the shoreline extending south past the Willow Point commercial district encompassing a distance of over 6 kilometres.
Numerous Municipal Parks are dispersed along the route for you to stop and 
enjoy the seaside panorama, some with picnic tables and washrooms. The entire route is paved and wheelchair accessible, with beach access available throughout.
This is a great trail for rollerblading, biking or pushing a baby carte, and one of the best spots to get a close up view of the numerous cruise ships, cargo ships, kayakers, fishing vessels, sailboats and yachts making their way north and south through Discovery Passage, both during the day and at night.
Along the route, notice the Rotary Beach Park, where a large tidal pool is an excellent playground for the kids. Also note; the Campbell River Hospice Society has set up a memorial park presenting tributes to love ones lost. There is also a number of chainsaw carvings to examine in the Park and on route throughout the length of the sea walk.
Saratoga Beach Golf Club
Address: 2084 Saratoga Road, Black Creek BC, V9J 1B3
Phone: 250 - 337 - 2208
Email: golf@island.net
Website: www.golfsaratogabeach.com
Located in beautiful Black Creek, British Columbia at the mouth of the Oyster River, half way
between Campbell River and Comox. Saratoga Beach is the ultimate stretch of shimmering sand on the sheltered east coast of Vancouver Island with bucolic views of the Coast Range of mountains, soft surf and miles and miles of sandy beach.
Saratoga Beach Golf Club is a 9 hole,
Par 33 golf course measuring 2,316 yards. The club has a full length driving range and putting green with lessons taught by a PGA of Canada Golf Professional.
At Saratoga they are passionate about growing the game of golf and working with all levels of golfers to help them accomplish their playing goals, and Saratoga Beach Golf Course is the course to accomplish that.
Saratoga Speedway-Go Cart Rentals
Saratoga Speedway is located almost exactly halfway between Courtenay and Campbell River on the east side of the scenic Highway 19A. The 3/8 mile Baby "D" shaped track was inspired by the famous track at Daytona. The first turn has a 14 degree bank; the remaining three turns are flat, wide and sweeping. Saratoga Speedway is ranked as one of the finest tracks in the province.
Racing takes place most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Some of the events you can be sure to see at the track are sprint car challenges, stock car and motorcycle races, super stunt crashes; figure 8 cars, tuff trucks, mini stocks, demolition derbies, crash to passes, fireworks and the odd concert.
Go Carts are open April through October, Saturday, Sunday and holidays noon to 4:00 pm offering 12 laps of the 3/8s mile oval track.
Sequoia Springs Golf Course
Address: 700 Petersen Road, Campbell River BC, Canada, V9W 3H7
A challenging yet conquerable course, the course rating has recently increased from 103 to 121 making the course more difficult than its previous rating. Deemed by visitors to be a “Definite come back course” Once a golfer plays, they want to come back again and again.
New blooms are always being planted in “the Garden Course” with presents a new design and where golf here is till like taking a walk in the park.
Seymour Narrows View Point
Located 10 to 15 minutes north of Campbell River towards Sayward on Highway 19, represented as a pull-out on the east side of Highway 19. Pull over to view the
Seymour Narrows in all their glory and learn of the famous Ripple Rock explosion. Check your tides before you go to take advantage of a full flood spectacle and don’t forget to bring your binoculars and your camera, ships have been known to come through the Narrows sideways and you never know when you might see a mighty cedar log being shot out of the water by the tide from the depths. Wheelchair accessible.
Shelter Point Distillery
Shooting Range-Campbell River Fish and Wildlife Club
Outdoor Range
The new outdoor range facilities are located an easy 15 minute drive west of Campbell River on the Gold River Highway. Travel past Echo Lake on your right and the old Camp 8, and then turn left at the road to Quinsam Coal. Proceed up the gravel road for two minutes and turn left at the Club sign.
The range includes a Small-bore – 50 metre range, a 200 metre Center-fire range, a 600 metre Full-bore/Silhouette range, Practical Pistol, IPSC and Trap ranges.
The range is gated so a key is required to enter. Keys are available at Odyssey Computers in Town, membership is required. The size of this new facility allows the club to hold shoots on multiple ranges at the same time without interference.
Indoor Range
Address: 2500 Quinsam Road, Campbell River BC, Canada, V9W 4N7
An indoor range with 6 positions where you can shoot 22 rifle and pistol at 20 yards and can shoot up to 7 positions of Air Rifle and Air Pistol.
The facilities have recently been renovated with a new target line, new paint etc. The clubhouse also has kitchen facilities and meeting rooms with washroom facilities. The hall is available for rental for social functions when no club activities are taking place.
Snowden Demonstration Forest
Snowden Demonstration Forest Trails
The Snowden Demonstration Forest is a working forest managed by BC Timber Sales. Here you will find active harvest development, various silviculture methods, and forest research installations along with many recreational opportunities. This area is frequented by a variety of user groups for the economic, cultural, recreational, fish and wildlife values. Trails are designated recreational features recognized by government agencies and are maintained as such.
The trails encompassed within the Snowden region are excellent for mountain biking, walking or horseback riding, with over 100 km of single tract trail through second growth forest ranging from overgrown rail beds to rocky and rooty technical traverses. Recent funding initiatives by the federal and provincial government have provided for trail crews to upgrade, clear overgrown trails, improve drainage, rebuild bridges and create much needed improvement to this longstanding trail network.
Great drive map at www.for.gov.bc.ca/hre/stems/location2.htm
Spirit Square
Storey Creek Golf Course
The year was 1985, when a group of people shared a dream of building a world
class golf course, so they got together and began the long term task of planning a course. The Storey Creek Golf Society was then formed so that the land could be leased from the crown by the help of the Royal Bank. Thus one of the finest golf courses on Vancouver Island began to take shape.
The Architectural firm of Les Furber was hired and plans were drawn up with the objective in mind to create a course utilizing all the natural beauty of the surrounding natural features. The work began in November of 1986, facilitated by Reg Franklin; numerous volunteers gave their time, machinery, and expertise to build buildings, bridges and drainage systems. Hundreds of hours were spent shoring up lakes and creeks to maintain the natural beauty of each hole.
The first holes were ready in 1989, today what stands is a world class “Course in Nature”, where it is not uncommon for golfers to hold their shots to wait for a meandering family of black tailed deer to cross the fairway.
Strathcona Dam
The Strathcona Dam Recreation area is located at the southern end of the Upper Campbell Lake reservoir in the shadows of the Strathcona Dam. Accessible from Highway 28, heading out of Campbell River towards Gold River, only 30 km southwest of Campbell River. Directional signs are in evidence, indicating the turnoff from the highway; follow the signs along the well maintained gravel forest service road for 4 km.
Construction on the Strathcona Dam began in 1955 by the BC Power Commission, a predecessor of BC Hydro, with the project reaching completion in 1958. This earthen dam, along with the Ladore and John Hart dams further 
downstream, make up the Campbell River hydro-electric system, which together harness a watershed of more than 1,400 square kilometres and produces 11% of Vancouver Island’s power demand. Strathcona Dam is unique from its counterparts in that it is an earth-filled dam, with an extremely wide base. Recently the dam was reinforced to ensure its safety and stability in the event of an earthquake.
The BC Hydro reservoirs serve as a source of hydroelectric power in addition to being a recreation destination for public enjoyment. BC Hydro, in cooperation with the Ministry of Forests, completed the Strathcona Dam recreation area in 1995, offering a spacious day use area and campground with eleven campsites along the Lower Campbell Lake Reservoir and a large area for informal camping and trailer parking. A small beach and reservoir access are also provided.
As with all recreation areas provided for your use and enjoyment please respect the facilitates and natural environment by observing the following rules:
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Deposit refuse in the containers provided
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Keep fires contained to the fire pits, follow campfire safety rules
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The use of firearms and hunting in recreation areas is prohibited
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A maximum of 14 overnight visits per season
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Reserving sites is not permitted, campers failing to occupy sites overnight may have their equipment removed at their expense so that others may use the site
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No firewood is provided, please bring your own or gather shoreline debris. Absolutely do not cut standing trees
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This site is open to the public year round but only maintained on a regular schedule from May through September, during the off-season please pack out your garbage and leave the site tidy for other visitors
Caution: Hydroelectric production creates special concerns for visitor safety, avoid the designated hazard areas above and below the dam and obey all posted signs. Water releases occur suddenly and without warning. Flooding occurs downstream and strong surface and underwater currents are created upstream.
Strathcona Provincial Park
Incorporated into a park in 1911, Strathcona is British Columbia’s oldest park and encompassing an area of 250,000 hectares renders it the largest park on Vancouver Island. Encompassed within its boundaries are a rugged and extreme mountain wilderness, Strathcona is synonymous with the exceptional.
Within Strathcona Park’s borders are the highest waterfalls in Canada, the highest mountains on the island, hundreds of mountain peaks and deep valleys, alpine tarns, rivers, creeks, streams, glaciers and a blanket of awe-inspiring ancient old growth forests.
Naturalists marvel at the alpine flowers of early summer and late autumn, which unfold their glory through any number of alpine meadows; mountain climbers select peaks for climbing for all skill levels, and fishermen work their skill to land cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and dolly varden in the park’s plentiful lakes. Available are; swimming in the summer and snowshoeing and back-country skiing in winter.
Two of the main areas; Buttle Lake and Forbidden Plateau, have limited development for visitors, whereas Paradise Meadows is accessed by Vancouver Island’s premier Ski Resort at Mount Washington, this park is a remote and truly a magnificent wilderness.
Strathcona Park is also a wildlife sanctuary, home to the majority of species of mammals that are indigenous to the island, some rare and endangered species such as the Vancouver Island marmot and a wide variety of birds; from seabirds to species like the White Ptarmigan that are only found at elevation. One could spend, an hour, a day, a week, a month or a lifetime enjoying multiple unrivaled activities of their choice.
Park Size: 250,000 hectares or 500,000 acres
Location - Access: From the south there are two options; Strathcona Parkway takes you to the parking lot at Mount Washington Ski Resort, which is an excellent starting point for a variety of alpine trails in Paradise Meadows. The now defunked Mt Wood or Forbidden Plateau Ski Hill accessed by Forbidden Plateau Road is also an excellent right of entry to Mt Beacher and trails linking to the Paradise Meadows network.
Central or Eastern entry can be obtained by following Highway 28 towards Gold River, which zigzags through the heart of the park, there are numerous trail heads directly off the main road with additional networks of specific trails across Buttle Lake towards Marble Meadows and Wolf Mountain. The highway leading to the mine, which branches off the Gold River Highway is also in the Park, here Flower Ridge, Myra Falls, Mt Myra and a multitude of additional trails may be accessed.
Northern access can be achieved by following the Menzies Bay mainline to Gristle Creek to the furthermost reaches of the Gold Lake. The road network system here is convoluted and limited and a good four wheel drive is required for these old logging roads, many are in poor shape. It is a good idea to purchase a Search and Rescue off road map for this access route.
There are other avenues of access to Strathcona Park due to its mammoth 
parameters; however these accesses are difficult at best and are often in substandard condition, in addition to the fact that they require traveling through active logging areas that are gated and require permission.
Camping: Two campgrounds, Buttle Lake - 85 units and Ralph River - 76 units are located on Buttle Lake. Water, toilets and firewood are located near each unit.
Wilderness Camping: Designated wilderness platforms at Gold Lake, Elk River Trail, Paradise Meadows and Bedwell Lake. Four marine back-country camping areas are located on the western shore of Buttle Lake and one on Rainbow Island.
Day Use: Picnic grounds are located at several sites on and near Buttle Lake.
Toilets: Pit toilets at most established trail heads, all campgrounds and day use areas.
Firewood: Available for sale at all designated camp sites, no firewood available at wilderness camp sites. Fires are not permitted in the backcountry.
Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, swimming, sailing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, snowshoeing,
Boat Launch: Karst Creek, Buttle Lake Campground, Strathcona Park Lodge.
Fishing: All Lakes provide fishing opportunity. Please check the fishing regulations.
Notes: There is an adventure playground at Buttle Lake Campground.
Sybil Andrews Cottage-Campbell River Arts Council
Located in Willow Point, on Highway 19A directly adjacent to Frank James Park, this home preserves the heritage of Sybil Andrews, an accomplished artist and musician, who was born in Bury St. Edmunds, England and resided in Campbell River for much of her adult life.
Sybil began studies at Heatherley's School of Fine Art in London in 1922, and later studied printmaking under Claude Flight at the Grosvenor School of Fine Art. She was accomplished in several artistic media, but was most noted for her linocut's. In 1943 she married Walter Morgan, a boat builder and woodworker, and in 1947 they immigrated to Campbell River.
Sybil taught art classes in Campbell River and wrote a book, Artists Kitchen. She also taught music lessons. The Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Alberta is a major centre for the study of her efforts with a collection of over 1000 of her works, including all of her famous colour linocut's and the original linoleum blocks, paintings in oil and water colour, drawings, dry-point etchings, sketchbooks, and personal papers.
The cottage is used today by the Campbell River Arts Council and often music can be heard emanating from the windows as the legacy of Sybil’s music lessons continues today.
The Museum at Campbell River
A spectacular view and stunning exhibits are in store for visitors at Campbell River’s award winning Museum. The history of Vancouver Island North is brought to life through vibrant and interactive exhibits featuring the heritage of First Nations peoples and the development of early coastal lifestyles.
A logging steam donkey, totem pole and a West Coast indigenous plant garden grace the property as outdoor exhibits, the Museum Shop specializes in local published works and in First Nations carvings and artwork.
The lobby itself with its 20 foot high windows displays a fantastic 180 degree view of Quadra Island and Discovery Passage. Frequent road show displays are featured at the museum at regular intervals.
Tidemark Theatre
The Tidemark Theatre is a 450 seat live theatre presenting both professional and community plays, concerts and musicals. The lobby features a free monthly art display coordinated by the Campbell River Community Arts Council showcasing some of Campbell River’s finest artists. Why not see what’s on stage tonight? Ticket Centre and Lobby Hours: 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
A registered non-profit society governed by a volunteer board of directors. Their mission is to nurture and encourage appreciation for live theatre as a vibrant piece of the cultural fabric of our community, by providing opportunity for performers to develop their craft and the facility to present their performance to the public.
Torii Gate
Located in Sequoia Park, a few blocks south of the downtown core, on the water side of Highway 19A; an enormous Sequoia tree looks over the Discovery Passage. A stairway leads down to the water’s edge where you can view natural caves formed in the embankment, stays the location of the Campbell River & Ishikari, Japan, sister city 10th anniversary ceremonial Torii Gate.
This is the first authentic Torii gate in Canada, a gift from the people of Ishikari, to commemorate 10 years as “sister cities”. Traditionally Torii gates mark the entrances to Shinto Shrines, or occasionally Buddhist Temples. They have come to be a symbol of Japan.
As quoted from a 2008 press release
“The depth of the cultural exchange we have experienced between our communities has been remarkable, and it all began with fish,” right from the start, Campbell River and Ishikari had an interest in salmon conservation programs in common. The maritime location of our communities means we also have the ocean, river, fisheries and a lighthouse as common heritage. Plus, both communities are also known for bears and a wild rose.”
Since the sister city agreement was signed by Mayor Robert V. Ostler in 1983, the youth exchange, followed by the Young Ambassador program in 1987, have been a remarkable success between our communities.
The successful exchange programs of the Twinning Society have earned Campbell River a reputation as a safe community and this has helped spawn many exchanges and twinning relationships within other community groups, including a sister school agreement and exchange visits to North Island College, the Christian School and Carihi High Senior Secondary School.
In 25 years, more than 800 young people have experienced a cultural exchange that deepens the relationship between our communities. Their memories of their experiences and the lasting ties are with them, and with their friends and families, for a lifetime. The twinning of our communities has also brought cultural, educational and professional exchanges. And the strength of the connection between our communities resulted in Mayor Ostler being named an "Honorary Citizen of Ishikari in 1990.”
The Torii Gate stands as a prominent monument of reminder
“Ishikari chose to mark this milestone in our sister city relationship with 25 cherry trees, a beautiful gift that symbolizes the blossoming and future growth of the bond between us. The cherry trees are planted along the walkway at City Hall for everyone to enjoy and be reminded of the nature of our connection.”
Transformations on the Shore - Chainsaw Carvings
As a by-product of hosting the annual Chainsaw carving competition (Transformations on the Shore) since 1997, Campbell River now plays host to well over 270 carvings that are featured in and around business’s and parks all over town. This annual carving competition was founded in 1996 by Max Chickite and Barb Comeau and has grown to attract internationally famous carvers from all over the world, in addition to the novices and local amateurs.
Address: CO Box 20097, Campbell River BC, Canada, V9W 7Z5To view our photo gallery of the carvings click here.
