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Campbell River

Canada · Coast · CAD · 50.024600, -125.247500
Family friendly 4.9/10 · Rank 2211 of 2 709
Best season: June-September

Best for

Suitable for nature lovers, fishing, outdoor activities, families, and those seeking a quiet coastal holiday

Best season

June-September

Daily budget
$191.00 (≈ 17 190 ₽)
For 7 days
$1 337.00 (≈ 120 330 ₽)
Campbell River is a city on the east coast of Vancouver Island, known as the "salmon capital of the world" due to its excellent fishing conditions. The city is famous for its scenic views of the Strait of Georgia, opportunities for whale watching, and hiking. Campbell River is the perfect place for fishing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
Summer
28.0°C
Winter
-1.0°C
Sea
14.9°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, with fisherman and logger traditions

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Salmon Capital of the World
  • Scenic waterfront and pier
  • Elk Falls Provincial Park
  • Affordable prices
  • Good base for fishing and whale watching
  • Relaxed atmosphere

Cons

  • No direct flights from Moscow
  • Temporary Resident Visa required
  • Cold water for swimming
  • Few hotels and restaurants
  • Limited nightlife
  • Transport needed to get around the outskirts
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
17.7°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
23.7°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
28.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
2.7°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
5.2°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
-1.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
15.9°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
14.9°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
October-March
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
grey
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Ken Forde Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
No
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Waters are cold but beach is considered safe for swimming. Caution advised due to tides

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins found on rocky bottom areas near rocky shores
  • Water shoes recommended

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs are absent off the coast of Campbell River — the region belongs to the temperate waters of the Strait of Georgia. Marine ecosystems are represented by rocky reefs, algae and temperate fish species
  • Cold-water corals and sponges inhabit the deep canyons off the coast of British Columbia, but they do not form reef structures

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish may appear in warmer months, especially late summer
  • Check with locals about jellyfish

Sharks — details

  • Various shark species inhabit the coastal waters of Campbell River, including Squalus acanthias (spiny dogfish), Hexanchus griseus (bluntnose sixgill shark) and Somniosus pacificus (Pacific sleeper shark)
  • These species generally inhabit deep waters and do not pose a serious danger to swimmers. Shark attacks on humans have not been recorded in this region
Attractions

Discovery Pier

Scenic pier, popular for fishing and watching marine life

Elk Falls Provincial Park

Park with waterfall and hiking trails

Campbell River Museum

Museum with collection dedicated to regional history and culture

Seawalk

6-kilometer waterfront promenade with panoramic views of Discovery Passage

Quinsam Hatchery

Fish hatchery where you can see salmon

Best areas

Downtown Campbell River

Main area with hotels, restaurants, and shops, all walkable

Willow Point

Residential area with hotels and restaurants, popular for families

Waterfront

Scenic area along Discovery Passage with hotels and restaurants

Must-try food

Fresh Salmon

Fresh salmon caught in local waters, regional specialty

Seafood Chowder

Thick seafood soup with fish and shellfish

Lobster Roll

Fresh lobster sandwich, popular dish

Fish Tacos

Tacos with fresh fish, popular snack

Poutine

Canadian national dish of french fries with cheese curds and gravy

Where to go next

Elk Falls Provincial Park

Park with waterfall and trails, 10 minutes away

Discovery Pier

Scenic fishing pier, 5 minutes away

Quinsam Hatchery

Fish hatchery, 10 minutes away

Mount Washington

Ski resort with panoramic views, 30 minutes away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Campbell River Airport (YBL).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required (Temporary Resident Visa)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
June-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$35.00
≈ 3 150 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$130.00
≈ 11 700 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$180.00
≈ 16 200 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$250.00
≈ 22 500 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$200.00
≈ 18 000 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$80.00
≈ 7 200 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$18.00
≈ 1 620 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$35.00
≈ 3 150 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.50
≈ 315 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$6.00
≈ 540 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$2.00
≈ 180 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$18.00
≈ 1 620 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$16.00
≈ 1 440 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$8.00
≈ 720 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$12.00
≈ 1 080 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$40.00
≈ 3 600 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$3.00
≈ 270 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$12.00
≈ 1 080 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 500 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 350 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$40.00
≈ 3 600 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$50.00
≈ 4 500 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$80.00
≈ 7 200 ₽
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$40.00
≈ 3 600 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 350 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$40.00
≈ 3 600 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Campbell River: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is June-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Campbell River: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +28.0°C, during the day — up to +23.7°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Campbell River: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +-1.0°C, during the day — up to +5.2°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Campbell River: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +14.9°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Campbell River: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on October-March. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Campbell River: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, grey sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: Ken Forde Beach. The beaches have cafes and bars.
Campbell River: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry.
Campbell River: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, jellyfish. Waters are cold but beach is considered safe for swimming. Caution advised due to tides. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Campbell River: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $191.00 (≈ 17 190 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Campbell River: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $35.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $130.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $180.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $250.00 per night, an apartment — $80.00 per night, a villa — $200.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Campbell River: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $18.00, dinner at a restaurant — $35.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.50, a 0.5L beer — $6.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $2.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Campbell River: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $40.00, a single public transport ticket — $3.00, a short taxi ride — $12.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Campbell River: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Discovery Pier — Scenic pier, popular for fishing and watching marine life; Elk Falls Provincial Park — Park with waterfall and hiking trails; Campbell River Museum — Museum with collection dedicated to regional history and culture; Seawalk — 6-kilometer waterfront promenade with panoramic views of Discovery Passage; Quinsam Hatchery — Fish hatchery where you can see salmon. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Campbell River: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Fresh Salmon — Fresh salmon caught in local waters, regional specialty; Seafood Chowder — Thick seafood soup with fish and shellfish; Lobster Roll — Fresh lobster sandwich, popular dish; Fish Tacos — Tacos with fresh fish, popular snack; Poutine — Canadian national dish of french fries with cheese curds and gravy. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Campbell River: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Downtown Campbell River — Main area with hotels, restaurants, and shops, all walkable; Willow Point — Residential area with hotels and restaurants, popular for families; Waterfront — Scenic area along Discovery Passage with hotels and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Campbell River: is a visa required?
Visa: required (Temporary Resident Visa). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Campbell River: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Campbell River Airport (code YBL). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $40.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Campbell River: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CAD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $191.00 (≈ 17 190 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Campbell River: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Campbell River: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Campbell River: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Elk Falls Provincial Park — Park with waterfall and trails, 10 minutes away; Discovery Pier — Scenic fishing pier, 5 minutes away; Quinsam Hatchery — Fish hatchery, 10 minutes away; Mount Washington — Ski resort with panoramic views, 30 minutes away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

4.9/10
Overall rank: 2211 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 1304

Best season

June-September

Useful information

Currency: CAD
Coordinates: 50.024600, -125.247500