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

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.

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.

Naturally Pacific Resort opened on May 11, 2024, as the first luxury resort in Campbell River. The 100-room resort is connected to Campbell River Golf Club, and it has an indoor pool, a luxury spa and a top-notch restaurant. The property is owned by the Mailman family who have deep roots in the community. It’s their first hotel – a leap of faith that Campbell River is ready to be home to Vancouver Island’s newest destination hotel.

“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.”

Bear-watching tours are one of the most exciting things to do in the Campbell River area. Our tour was a collaboration between Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours and Indigenous-owned Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours. The tour took us onto Homalco First Nation lands at the edge of the Great Bear Rainforest where custom-built platforms have been created for safe viewing of wild grizzly bears feeding on spawning salmon in fall. Spring tours are also available. The tour was part of a package offered through Naturally Pacific Resort.

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 was founded in 2011 and it’s another family-owned business in the Campbell River area. We took a tour with Chris Mead, brand experience manager, who described the distillery as a “cathedral to whisky.” Located on a grain farm, Shelter Point is one of only a handful of distilleries that grow their barley and distill on the same site. It’s one of the most beautiful distilleries in Canada and the tour was fascinating.

Campbell River Golf Club is an 18-hole par 71 course designed by Graham Cooke and is open year-round. The course was rebuilt in 2017 to make it accessible and fun for players of all skill levels. Velocity Driving Range and Lounge, also located at the resort, carries on that same idea. Using cutting-edge Toptracer technology, beginners and experienced players can enjoy virtual golf games as they improve their skills and enjoy drinks and pub food.

If you build it, they will come. The new luxury resort has attracted other new businesses, and the dining scene is starting to pop in Campbell River. We only had a few days, but exploring the dining scene was one of my favourite things to do in Campbell River. I ate the best croissant I have ever had at Freyja Croissant Bakery. The bakery is owned by two new immigrants to Canada and the recipe comes from a croissant shop of the same name in Budapest, Hungary. They also own a new restaurant called Meraki, which specializes in a plant-based menu. Carve Kitchen + Meatery at Naturally Pacific Resort has great steaks and seafood from executive chef Ryan Watson, who formerly managed the dining experience at the Vermillion Room and 1888 Chop House, at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Nhau Vietnamese Kitchen & Bar was another fantastic restaurant we experienced – comparable to what you might find in Vancouver.

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.

Debbie Olsen is an award-winning Métis writer and a national bestselling author. Follow her adventures at www.wanderwoman.ca.