GIRLS WEEKEND ITINERARY
RISE AND SHINE!
There’s nothing quite like a weekend away with your closest friends, getting away together to make memories and have some deep gut laughs. Set yourselves up for success, to begin with, book an oceanfront glamping tent at Brown’s Bay Resort for your beauty sleep, we promise this will be a hit with your group. If you’re the first one up – put on the coffee pot and open the tent flaps and, voila, sunrise at your doorstep! There’s nothing like fresh air and the promise of a day in the wilderness with your posse to get you going in the morning. No judgment if you went a little too heavy on the wine the night before, but it’s time to shake it off and meet a new day!
HIT THE TRAILS & CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
From Brown’s Bay, you’re in a prime position to get a head start on a favourite local hike, Ripple Rock Trail. The moderate ~3 hour round trip will reward you with sweet views of the infamous Seymour Narrows and has enough incline to work up a proper sweat. (Get your history lesson on this iconic spot while you’re at it!) If you’re looking to keep it more low-key, but want to get into the forest, Elk Falls Suspension Bridge has your name on it. It’s a chill walk in a mossy, rainforest-y land before time vibes setting. A suspension bridge and viewing platforms offer heart-stopping views and ample Instagram opportunities. *You’re welcome for the tip.
Still, have energy, or prefer something dirtier? Grab the go-pro and put the pedal to the medal in Campbell River’s network of biking trails or any one of the waterfront biking/walkways.
GET OUT ON THE WATER!
You don’t have to be Skipper Thuridur to conquer to the sea, (one of the world’s earliest woman sailors and a celebrated fishing captain in Iceland) but you can book in with any local guide or wildlife company to get your salty sea fix. The options are endless when it comes to being on the water, from fishing, kayaking, supping (stand up paddleboarding), wildlife viewing, to rapids trips. Out here, the world is your oyster. Book with Campbell River Whale Watching for ocean rapids, whales, and wildlife or Big Animal Encounters for up close adventures with snorkeling and scuba tours!
TIME FOR A CHEEKY DRINK
After all that adventuring, you’re surely thirsty! Head to Shelter Point Distillery*and prepare to be charmed by passionate craftspeople, beautiful scenery, and some damn good storytelling. Marvel at towering brass stills belching steam and learn about the behind the scenes process that turns local ingredients into boast-worthy whiskey and vodka. Next, it’s time to cheers over tastings. Spoiler alert – it might be the smoothest whiskey you’ve ever tasted and you couldn’t have that much fun and not grab a bottle or two as a memento of your time in Campbell River.
Kick back at a fireside social
What a day it’s been! It’s time to sample the local brews at Beachfire Brewing and grab a growler (or two) of your favourite. Swap stories with other visitors and locals and get the beta on where to start tomorrow’s adventures. Still going strong after that? Having a fire on the beach with friends to recap the day’s adventures is a staple around these parts. Before you join in on this local tradition follow best practices.
✓Check for any provincial or local fire bans
✓Make sure your fire is below the high tide line
✓Have something on hand to extinguish the fire and when you leave to make sure the fire is completely out.
And last, but not least…all the fixings for S’mores!
Trip Planning Details
Ready to hit the road? Or book that flight? You can fly into Comox Airport (YQQ) and be in downtown Campbell River within 45 minutes. That’s winning in our books.
When you’re ready to pull the trigger and head to Campbell River, don’t forget to do your research first. Check out our Campbell River itineraries for more awesome ideas. If you’re not really the planning type, don’t sweat it. (We do recommend at least planning where you’ll sleep, in the high season you want to make sure you’re booked in somewhere.) Don’t hesitate to stop and ask some of the passionate locals for suggestions. They’re friendly and full of knowledge about what to do, where to go, and when to head out.
Ready to humblebrag about the epic weekend you just had? Use #discovercampbellriver or tag us @discovercampbellriver when you share. Keep your eye on the next adventure and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for your year-round dose of Campbell River’s wild outdoors and local secrets.
Highlighted Local Providers
so much to do! make the time
There’s more ground to cover than one day will allow: make sure to extend your stay so you don’t miss out on
- practice your swing at Campbell River Golf & Country Club
- let the road rage out in the safety of a closed track go-karting at Saratoga Speedway
- put your upper body strength to the test and climb on at On The Rocks Climbing Gym
Indulge in the most delicious (and generous!) milkshakes you’ve ever encountered at Ideal Cafe. Yeah, there’s boozy ones too. You’ve been warned.
Want to be on the water and dine, literally? Look no further than Dockside Fish and Chips, floating in the harbour, good eats, and friendly service.
When thirst and hunger hits and nothing will fix the crew but a mighty caesar, SoCal has you covered.
do all the hikes
Keen to dedicate the full day of hiking? Check out our tips for more strenuous adventures in the nearby hikers’ paradise Strathcona Provincial Park.
Or check out past blogs for more hiking and day trip inspiration.