Flights, ferries and the drive up Highway 19, plus how to reach Quadra Island, Cortes Island and Strathcona Park.
Campbell River is on Highway 19, about two hours north of Nanaimo. It has its own airport with flights to Vancouver, and BC Ferries connects town to Quadra Island in about ten minutes.
The main ways in, and how to reach the islands and the park from town.
Fly into Campbell River (YBL) from Vancouver, or take a BC Ferries sailing to Nanaimo and drive about two hours north on Highway 19.
Campbell River Airport (YBL) is just south of town. Pacific Coastal Airlines flies non-stop to Vancouver International Airport (South Terminal) twice a day, year-round. WestJet added seasonal flights to Calgary for 2026, running from mid-May through October.
Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) is about 40 minutes south by car, with flights on Pacific Coastal, Air Canada and WestJet.
Schedules change by season. Check the airlines before you book.
From the mainland, take a BC Ferries sailing to Nanaimo (Departure Bay from Horseshoe Bay, or Duke Point from Tsawwassen). From Nanaimo, Campbell River is about 150 km north on Highway 19, roughly a two-hour drive.
Reserve ferries ahead in summer and on long weekends.
BC Ferries runs from downtown Campbell River to Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island. The crossing takes about ten minutes. Check the BC Ferries schedule for sailing times.
To reach Cortes Island, take the Quadra Island ferry, drive across Quadra to Heriot Bay, then take the second ferry to Whaletown. That crossing is about 45 minutes. Sailings are less frequent, so plan around the schedule.
Highway 28 runs west from Campbell River into Strathcona Provincial Park and on to Gold River. Fuel up in town: services are limited once you leave. Mount Washington is reached from Highway 19 south of town, up the Strathcona Parkway.
Winter tires are required on many BC highways from October 1 to April 30. Check DriveBC for road conditions and closures before longer drives.
Fly non-stop from Vancouver International Airport on Pacific Coastal Airlines, or take a BC Ferries sailing to Nanaimo and drive about two hours north on Highway 19.
