Travelling to Campbell River
The Government of British Columbia has introduced updated restrictions around essential travel. As of August 9th, Campbell River is excited to welcome all Canadians and fully vaccinated americans!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Canadians, we’re ready to welcome you back to discover Campbell River! As of August 9th, the province of B.C has entered into phase three of the re-start plan. Recreational travel within the country is encouraged, and we are looking forward to welcoming all Canadians and fully vaccinated Americans.
For travel updates in British Columbia, please visit Destination BC’s traveller resource guide and read about the current province-wide restrictions here.
Let’s work together to protect each other so that we can have a season of exploration and memories!
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All accommodators, restaurants, shops, and stores are implementing provincially approved guidelines for cleaning to keep staff and patrons safe.
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All activity providers have created additional safety measures as well as implemented provincially approved guidelines for cleaning and physical distancing to keep staff and visitors safe. book with confidence!
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Now that travel within canada is permitted, check out the Campbell river collection app. it’s the ideal exploration sidekick tool to make the most of your trip here.
Here’s what we’re asking of you before arrival
If you or anyone in your travelling group has been sick in the previous week or have flu-like symptoms, PLEASE RESCHEDULE your trip.
- We share these lands with eight Indigenous communities, and we are all concerned about protecting the elders. Any community transmission could seriously jeopardize their way of life, language, and generational connections. Please help us keep our community members safe and healthy.
- NOW IS NOT the time to travel if you have or recently had ANY FLU-like symptoms.
- Most stores and activity providers will have sanitizer at the entrance of their respective businesses, but just in case, have a small travel pack on you. Shelter Point Distillery and most stores are selling hand sanitizer.
Discover how our businesses and community are working
to ensure you have a Stress-Free holiday.
City of Campbell River
For the current COVID-19 plan for the City of Campbell River, please go to https://www.campbellriver.ca/covid19/home
Accommodation
Many of our local accommodation providers have gone above and beyond to ensure proper protocol is in place, with your safety in mind. Operators of hotels, motels, hostels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and other forms of travel accommodation refer to the BC Hotel Association Tourism & Hospitality COVID-19 Health & Safety Best Practices, you can review this document and ask questions when you book your stay.
Pacific Coastal Airlines
Pacific Coastal Airlines has resumed flights and implemented increased safety measures for their passengers while travelling on their planes. Go to https://www.pacificcoastal.com/additional-safety-measures/ for more information and to book your flight to Campbell River.
BC Ferries
BC Ferries has resumed sailings and implemented increased safety measures for their passengers on their boats. Go to https://www.bcferries.com/current_conditions/travel-advisory.html for further sailing details. If you are planning to take a BC ferry to Quadra Island or Cortes Island please be cautious these are small communities. Check-in before heading out. http://ourcortes.com/ or http://www.quadraisland.ca/
Bus Travel
The Island Link is currently operating on a reduced schedule with enhanced cleaning and safety protocol. All passengers are required to wear masks. For more information on their policies click here.
The Vancouver Island Connector has suspended operations until further notice.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Camping
Here in the Campbell River and Strathcona Region, we are lucky to have 5 Provincial Parks. BC Parks has given preferential access to BC residents for camping reservations. You can visit our camping page here for more information about parks in our area. And visit BC Parks for best practices while camping.
Campbell River is fortunate to have many private campgrounds in the area. When looking to book a site, please speak with your camping provider regarding their COVID-19 plan. The BC Lodges and Camping association also has answered questions found under their FAQs on how to prepare to camp during COVID-19. https://www.travel-british-columbia.com/travel-resources/covid-19-news-and-faqs/
Public spaces: Parks and Beaches in Campbell River.
- Currently, Parks and green spaces in our city such as the Rotary Sea walk and the Tyee Spit are open. For more information about municipal parks click here.
- Beaches at McIvor Lake, Stories Beach & Saratoga Beach are currently open, but visitors are encouraged to be self-sufficient and to bring their own hand sanitizer, garbage bags, chairs and to pack out what they bring to these areas.
- Boat Launches – City boat launches are open at Big Rock and McIvor Lake.
Elk Falls Provincial Park & Strathcona Provincial Park
Elk Falls Provincial Park
Elk Falls Provincial Park is open for day use and The Quinsam Campground is open for camping.
Canyon View Trail: This beautiful looping trail is currently open.
The Elk Falls Suspension Bridge – Is open to the public.
The Millennium Trail – Is open to the public.
To Find out more about Elk Falls Park click here
Strathcona Provincial Park
- Strathcona Provincial Park is open for day use and camping. (With a few exceptions).
Considerations When Visiting our Provincial Parks
- Keep a healthy space of 2 meters between you (or your family group) and others, including on all trails, parking lots, and washrooms.
- Be self-sufficient by bringing your own clean travel kit, including hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, garbage bags, etc.
- You are responsible for your own safety. Be cautious when engaging in activities to avoid injury and/or getting lost to help minimize the demands placed on emergency response, search and rescue teams, and on the health care system.
- Social Distancing is still strongly recommended by the BC Health Authority, we recommend only exploring the parks with members of your household. Remember to be considerate when sharing trails; stay 6ft apart from other hikers, step off the trail if necessary, and communicate with other parties. Greeting other hikes with a smile and a wave is strongly encouraged!
- If you can, consider exploring the parks away from peak times. Visit on a weekday or in the early morning or evening. This will help prevent large crowds from gathering in the parks.
- PLEASE keep your dog on a leash at all times while in the park.