Six things to do in Campbell River that show why this B.C. destination rivals Tofino

An image of a female grizzly fishing for salmon near Campbell River with Homalco Tours and Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours near Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada. — Watching grizzlies fish for salmon is an experience of a lifetime. Photo by Greg Olsen

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There are a lot of incredible things to do in Campbell River, but it was bear-watching that got me there. As I stood on an elevated platform on a rainy October afternoon watching a female grizzly slowly cross a river in Homalco First Nations territory, the bear suddenly pounced into the flowing water and pulled out an enormous salmon. The fish was writhing in the bear’s mouth as she quickly pulled it to shore and began feasting.

I had always imagined what it would be like to watch grizzlies feast on salmon during the autumn spawn, but the reality was better than any of my preconceived notions. I was mesmerized by a natural phenomenon that has been happening for thousands of years.

Homalco Territory scenery near Orford Bay, B.C. Photo, Greg Olsencal

Over the next few days, my husband and I explored the Campbell River area discovering many amazing things to do in and around this lovely community on the sheltered east coast of Vancouver Island. With a newly opened luxury resort and plenty of exceptional restaurants and activities, Campbell River is a Vancouver Island getaway poised to become as popular as Tofino.

An image of Naturally Pacific Resort in Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada. — Naturally Pacific Resort is Campbell River’s first luxury resort and the newest destination resort in British Columbia.Photo by Greg Olsen

Experience Naturally Pacific Resort

“We always wanted to diversify,” explained Amanda Mailman, managing director at Naturally Pacific Resort. “In 2017, the golf course came up for sale and we bought it and built the resort with the vision to bring an iconic Vancouver Island destination resort to our community.”

Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours has partnered with Indigenous-owned Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours to deliver grizzly tours in autumn and spring.Photo by Greg Olsen

Campbell River grizzly bear tours

We also had the chance to see a female grizzly with a young cub on the tour.Photo by Greg Olsen

Whale watching in Campbell River

As we travelled to Homalco First Nations land by boat for the Grizzly Bear tour, we had the chance to watch orcas and humpback whales as well as seals, dolphins, sea lions and other wildlife. Whale watching is one of the most popular things to do in the Campbell River area, which is rich in marine life.

Shelter Point Distillery offers tours and tastings at their on-farm location outside Campbell River, B.C.Photo by Greg Olsen

Take a tour and tasting at Shelter Point Distillery

Campbell River Golf Club is part of the Naturally Pacific Resort in Campbell River, B.C. It’s a great course for golfers of all levels.Photo by Greg Olsen

Enjoy a round at Campbell River Golf Club

A Freyja croissant might just change your life. It will ruin you for all other croissants. It was the best croissant I have ever tasted.Photo by Greg Olsen

Explore the best restaurants in Campbell River

Getting There

WestJet has direct flights from Calgary to Comox that leave twice daily and start at about $220 return – depending on the date of travel. It’s a 45-minute drive from Comox Valley Airport to Campbell River.

Homalco Territory scenery near Orford Bay, B.C. Photo, Greg Olsen