Day to Day
Day One: City & Forest
Base Camp
A good hotel can make or break a family get-away. The Comfort Inn & Suites is centrally located with an indoor heated pool and hot tub. Perks of this location include complimentary hot breakfast, wifi, and parking. Don’t forget to bring Fido – pets are welcome at this ocean-front property.
Scavenger Hunt
Pick up a free map of the city and get a lay of the land with the Drifted Creations Scavenger Hunt. Along the way be sure to take photos with local legends such as Chadwick the Cougar and Peabody the Raccoon. Choose pedal power in-season by renting bikes from Swicked Cycles.
Step Into Nature
Continue your exploration with a tour of the Beaver Lodge Forest Lands. This protected slice of heaven is a stroller-friendly multi-use trail just off Highway 19. We recommend the Rail Trail, an old logging road that now carries cyclists, walkers, and joggers of both the two and four-legged variety. Please make sure Fido is on-leash.
“i’m Starving!”
Time for lunch! SoCal Restaurant and Lounge in Willow Point has your clan covered with an extensive menu which includes vegetarian, gluten-free, and kids options. They also offer take out if you’d prefer a family picnic along the Rotary Seawalk at nearby Frank James Park.
Get To Know The Locals
Take a peek under the sea at the Discovery Passage Aquarium. Their signature Touch Tank allows children and adults alike to get up-close-and-personal with the fish and fauna who call the ocean home. As part of their ongoing conservation programs, these resident creatures are released back into nature at the end of each season.
“what’s For Dinner?”
Burned off lunch while exploring the Aquarium? There are a host of family-friendly dining options within walking distance of downtown. If you’d like to try something unique, Session Taproom + Kitchen makes delicious wood-fired pizza using locally-sourced ingredients. They also have craft beer on tap and original artisanal cocktails for the grownups in your gang.
Day Two: Land & Sea
Whales, Dolphins, And Bears - Oh My!
Choose your own adventure from the abundance of outfitters offering whale watching, bear viewing, and cultural tours in our region. Ideal for families, Campbell River Whale Watching hosts a four hour excursion on a covered boat with indoor seating, outside viewing area, and specialized underwater microphones. Indigenous-owned Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours provides an insider’s look at the history of this area and plenty of wildlife to photograph. Please note: availability is seasonal and some tours have age restrictions. Be sure to inquire when you reserve your seats.
Fish & Chips
If you’ve worked up an appetite out on the water, pull up a seaside seat at Dockside Fish and Chips which also carries gluten-free options.This crowd-pleasing floating lunch spot is also a favourite place to get doughnuts, so be sure to stock up for snacks! If you’re hungry for something different, check out the Local’s Guide to Campbell River’s Food Scene.
From Fish To Farm
Head out to Holly Hill for an interactive petting farm experience with your animal lovers. Hold baby bunnies and chicks, feed chickens and sheep, snuggle mini-goats, and pet an alpaca! Check out their website for seasonal offerings, and don’t forget to pack your camera.
Wrap It Up
Finish your weekend on a high note at the family-focused Ricky’s All Day Grill where Panko the Pug invites kids to enjoy colouring, games, and a specialty menu designed just for tiny travellers. Adults will enjoy a sophisticated menu in a relaxed setting with drinks and desserts to toast your trip.
Additional Resources
Important Considerations
While exploring the city by the sea, be sure to pack for any weather, as the tides can turn quite quickly. We recommend the following packing list to prepare for any possibility:
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A fleece or hoodie incase it gets cool
- A water-proof layer for afternoon showers
- Bottled water for longer hikes or bicycling
Make Reservations
Campbell River is a popular spot, especially during our high season from May to October. Be sure to plan ahead, and make reservations for the hotel of your choice.
Wildlife tours also book up quickly. Take the time before your travel to pursue the options on the tour companies website, and book ahead for your first choice.
Are you flying into Campbell River Airport (YBL), or our neighbouring Comox Airport (YQQ)? Please note that there are a limited number of car rentals available. If you’re planning your trip around local wheels, book your vehicle rental as soon as you secure your flights.
Highlighted Local Providers
Swicked Cycles
swickedcycles.com
Comfort Inn & Suites
comfortinncampbellriver.com
SoCal Restaurant and Lounge
socalrestaurant.net
Discovery Passage Aquarium
discoverypassageaquarium.ca
Session Taproom + Kitchen
Sessioncr.com
Campbell River Whale Watching
campbellriverwhalewatching.com
Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours
homalcotours.com
Dockside Fish and Chips
docksidefishandchips.com
Holly Hill Farm
hollyhillfarmcampbellriver.com
Ricky’s All Day Grill
rickysrestaurants.ca
