The City of Campbell River is located on the 50th parallel on the east coast of Vancouver Island, midway between Victoria (266km to the south) and Cape Scott to the North. The boundaries encompass an area of 33,955 acres with 22.5km of waterfront facing Discovery Passage.
With a population of more than 37, 500 and a market population of over 60,000, Campbell River is a major regional center. It is a young city with an active population. Based on the 2001 Census, a full 70% of Campbell River's residents are between the ages of 15 and 64 providing a potential labour force of over 19,000 people. Campbell River is fully serviced with entertainment, recreation, shopping, arts and culture, transportation, social services and health care facilities. Yet it still retains a small town feeling with no commuting hassles and a strong community spirit.
With a growing trend to eco-travel tours, Campbell River is ideally located to service the Desolation Sound traffic and the popular Queen Charlotte Islands. Campbell River is also on the cruise ship route to Alaska. The Campbell River municipal airport is a mere 20 minutes from the heart of downtown and is a busy hub of activity. Regular daily flights from Vancouver, Abbotsford and Seattle bring business and vacation travelers while charter flights transport supplies and people to a myriad of northern communities and activities.
The Campbell River environment is enriched by being located on its own 22.5 km waterfront - a primary asset and major contributor to the area's exceptional quality of life. Unlimited access to ocean views enlivens every activity. The extensive coastline provides countless opportunities for recreation including pleasure boating, fishing from the town's own saltwater pier, strolling the pristine northwest beaches and even cruise ship watching. All are activities residents and visitors enjoy on a regular basis. A paved Seawalk provides an easy place to enjoy the changing ocean views with bicycles, rollerblades, baby strollers and on foot. In winter, excellent downhill and cross-country skiing is available on nearby Mount Washington.
Campbell River is also enhanced by the diversity and abundance of wildlife that inhabit the area. Fish breed in the protected coastal waters as well as many inland lakes and rivers. All five species of Pacific salmon (chinook, coho, pink, chum and sockeye) return to their natal waters in and around the protected coastline waterways of Campbell River. Wilderness areas and nature reserves, including Strathcona Provincial Park, provide habitat for wildlife as well as opportunities for walking, hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing and kayaking.