Hiking Trails
Brown's River Falls
Comox Valley
THINGS TO DO · CAMPBELL RIVER & REGION
Cast a line into saltwater currents, hike through deep coastal forests, and watch whales breach in the cold ocean channels.
37 outdoor adventures · Updated October 2026Things To Do Guide · Campbell River Guide
Photo: Creek2Coast Paddlesports via Google
01AT A GLANCE
The details that matter.
Vancouver Island's eastern coast gives you direct access to year-round recreation. You can paddle the ocean currents of Discovery Passage, fish for migrating salmon, or hike deep into Strathcona Provincial Park. The terrain shifts quickly from flat shorelines to steep, rugged alpine routes.
- Discovery Passage
- Salmon Capital of the World
- Fishing Season
- May to October
- Elk Falls
- Suspension Bridge
- Strathcona Park
- BC's oldest provincial park
02THE STORY
Ocean in front, mountains behind.
Hike to waterfalls, paddle the river, fish the lakes: there is enough outdoors here for a lifetime.
Waterfalls are the classic day out. The Canyon View Trail loops along the river in town, and in Strathcona, Lower Myra Falls drops into Buttle Lake a short walk from the road. Della Falls, one of the tallest in Canada, is a multi-day trip.
For water, rent a kayak from Creek2Coast Paddlesports or head to Beavertail Lake for a quiet paddle.
Wherever you go, carry bear spray and tell someone your plan.
01OUTDOOR GUIDE
Parks with a view
Beautiful parks between the ocean and the towering forests.
Lakes
Beavertail Lake
Campbell River
Hiking Trails
Della Falls
Strathcona
Parks
Rotary Beach Park
Campbell River
Hiking Trails
Canyon View Trail
Campbell River
Hiking Trails
Lower Myra Falls
Strathcona
Paddling
Creek2Coast Paddlesports
Campbell River
Parks
Quadra Island Community Centre
Quathiaski Cove
Hover for a closer look.Tap a card for a closer look. A conversation takes you further.
•OUTDOOR GUIDE
In Campbell River
Explore Morton Lake Provincial Park, Buttle Lake, Hagel Park, Elk Falls, Nymph Falls Nature Park, and Upper Campbell Lake.
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•LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Into the Woods and on the Water
Get to know the local trail networks, fishing spots, and paddling routes. Here is how to plan your time outside.
The short answer
Start by walking the suspension bridge at Elk Falls Provincial Park or hiking the Canyon View Trail to watch the river flow. If you want to get on the water, try fishing for Chinook from the Discovery Fishing Pier, kayaking around Quadra Island, or booking a whale watching tour in Discovery Passage.
01On Foot
Hiking Trails
The local trail network ranges from flat, paved coastal paths to steep alpine ascents. A popular starting point is Elk Falls Provincial Park, where a suspension bridge hangs directly over the canyon. If you want a flat walk, the Canyon View Trail traces the riverbank and gives you a front-row seat to the autumn salmon run near the Quinsam River Hatchery.
Heading just outside town, Nymph Falls Nature Park has paths leading to clear views of the cascading water. Oyster River Nature Park gives you a loop through the trees right next to the river. For a tougher climb, the route to Lower Myra Falls in Strathcona Provincial Park takes you into remote alpine terrain.
To stay near downtown, take an easy stroll along the water at Robert V. Ostler Park. You can also catch a 10-minute ferry to Quadra Island to walk the shoreline. Most low-elevation paths stay open all year, but snow covers the higher Strathcona routes in winter and spring. Carry water and bear spray.
Local tips
- Start early in July and August to beat the midday heat.
- Watch for signs stating where dogs can run off-leash.
- Give all wildlife plenty of space, especially bears and cougars.
- Some provincial parks require a day-use pass during peak season.
02On Two Wheels
Riding the Coast
Paved and gentle, the Sea Walk traces the edge of Discovery Passage. This multi-use pathway connects the downtown core to Willow Point Park. The flat grade makes it an easy ride for kids, casual cyclists, and e-bikes. You will find several access points along the route, including a convenient spot near Rotary Beach Park.
If you prefer riding through the trees, head inland to the local gravel and dirt networks. These forested paths give you sweeping vantage points of the ocean and nearby mountains. You can bring your own gear or pick up a rental from shops like Bike Chameleon, which operates from May to October.
Most coastal paths use hard-packed gravel or pavement, making them easy to handle on a hybrid or mountain bike. The Sea Walk stays clear all year. Riding here in the winter gives you a front-row seat to the heavy coastal storms rolling in off the ocean.
Local tips
- Reserve your bike rentals early during busy summer weekends.
- Pedestrians share the Sea Walk, so ride slowly and ring your bell.
- Pack a windbreaker to handle the cold breeze coming off the water.
- You are allowed to ride e-bikes on the Sea Walk.
03The Thrill
Singletrack Riding
Dense forests around the city hide a massive network of singletrack. The terrain ranges from fast cross-country lines to steep, technical descents. Minutes from downtown, the Campbell River Bike Park gives you a place to run quick laps on dirt jumps and pump tracks.
Up in the hills, intermediate and advanced riders will find fast downhill routes built into the steep coastal geography. Stop by Swicked Cycles Ltd. or Pedal Your World to pick up replacement parts and get current trail conditions. Dedicated local riders maintain these networks, so stick to the marked lines and ride within your limits.
If you want someone to show you the ropes, local outfitters like Purple Rope Adventure School lead guided rides through the woods. The dirt stays rideable year-round, though heavy winter rains can make things slick.
Local tips
- Check apps like Trailforks for mud reports after a heavy rain.
- Carry bear spray and make noise on the remote backcountry trails.
- Yield to uphill traffic and communicate with other riders.
- Consider donating to the local cycling club to fund trail maintenance.
04On the Water
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Discovery Passage dictates the rhythm of life here. When the wind dies down in the morning, the water flattens out for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. You can drop your board in at the public beaches or ride the ferry across to the protected coves near the Quadra Island Community Centre.
Sea kayaking is the most practical way to reach the smaller islands. Quadra Island Kayaks and Kayak Tours Campbell River rent gear and run guided trips into the channels. You can also book specialized routes with Creek2Coast Paddlesports and Island Life Expeditions.
Paddling gets you close to remote shorelines like Octopus Islands Marine Provincial Park and Small Inlet Marine Provincial Park. The best weather window for a multi-day trip or a simple morning paddle runs from May through September.
Local tips
- Tides move fast in Discovery Passage; always check the current tables.
- Wear a PFD and carry a whistle when paddling on the ocean.
- Secure your kayak rentals early for the July and August long weekends.
- Stick to the bays around Quadra Island if you want flat water.
05Cast a Line
Saltwater & Lakes
Anglers travel here to intercept the five Pacific salmon species migrating through Discovery Passage. The saltwater season hits its stride between May and October. The historic Tyee Club still runs rowboat Chinook fishing just like they did in 1924. If you want to stay on dry land, cast a lure off the Discovery Fishing Pier, built in 1987 as Canada's first saltwater fishing pier.
Freshwater fishing is just as productive. Buttle Lake sits deep in Strathcona Provincial Park and holds healthy trout populations. Closer to town, Upper Campbell Lake and Campbell Lake have long, accessible shorelines. Drive a bit further north to Morton Lake Provincial Park to pitch a tent and fish quiet water.
For a quiet afternoon, Beavertail Lake is a reliable spot to launch a small boat or cast from the bank. You can hire a guide for a full day on the ocean or just spend an hour fishing the local lakes.
Local tips
- Reserve your charter boat seats early for the late summer salmon run.
- Carry a printed or digital copy of your tidal or freshwater license.
- Ask local pubs and restaurants if they will cook your fresh catch.
- Walk the Quinsam River banks in autumn to watch the salmon spawn.
06Into the Wild
Rivers & Cascades
Heavy rainfall and steep mountains create massive river systems. A quick drive from the city centre brings you to Elk Falls, where water plunges into a deep rocky canyon. You can stand directly above the spray on the Elk Falls Suspension Bridge.
Dozens of smaller cascades hide in the surrounding woods. Short hikes lead to the secluded drops at Deer Falls and Trent Falls. The hike to Brown's River Falls requires crossing a rocky riverbed, but the view is worth the effort. Across the water on Quadra Island, the Trout Creek Falls & Mohun Creek Falls Trailhead leads to a quiet, moss-covered stream.
Deep inside Strathcona Provincial Park, you will find the towering Upper Myra Falls and the multi-tiered Della Falls. These remote areas also give you a high chance of spotting eagles in the trees and booking tours to see grizzly bears on the coast.
Local tips
- Highway 28 to Strathcona Provincial Park is winding and narrow; drive carefully.
- Download offline maps before driving into the backcountry.
- Pack binoculars to spot eagles resting in the tall cedar trees.
- Wear a waterproof shell to stay dry in the mist near the falls.
Brown's River FallsBeavertail LakeDella FallsRotary Beach ParkCanyon View TrailLower Myra FallsMorton Lake Provincial ParkButtle LakeHagel ParkElk FallsNymph Falls Nature ParkTrout Creek Falls & Mohun Creek Falls TrailheadUpper Campbell LakeTrent FallsUpper Myra FallsElk Falls Provincial ParkCampbell LakeLupin Falls TrailheadElk Falls Suspension BridgeDeer FallsOctopus Islands Marine Provincial ParkOyster River Nature ParkRobert V. Ostler ParkWillow Point ParkSmall Inlet Marine Provincial ParkGranite Bay ParkPurple Rope Adventure SchoolCampbell River Bike ParkCampbell River SportsplexCreek2Coast PaddlesportsKayak Tours Campbell RiverIsland Life ExpeditionsQuadra Island KayaksSwicked Cycles Ltd.Pedal Your WorldBike ChameleonQuadra Island Community Centre
•Insider Access
Let a local take you there.
Local charter, tour and paddle operators like Outsider Charters Inc. and Wildcoast Adventures, all bookable from their profiles.
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•THE FULL LIST
All 37 outdoor adventures.
Search by name, narrow by type or community, and sort by the most-reviewed or highest-rated. Every card opens a full profile.
See them on the map37 places
Hiking TrailsBrown's River FallsCampbell RiverFishing SpotsBeavertail LakeCampbell RiverHiking TrailsDella FallsQuadra IslandParksRotary Beach ParkCampbell RiverHiking TrailsCanyon View TrailCampbell RiverHiking TrailsLower Myra FallsCampbell River
Fishing SpotsMorton Lake Provincial ParkCampbell RiverFishing SpotsButtle LakeCampbell River
ParksHagel ParkCampbell River
Hiking TrailsElk FallsCampbell River
Hiking TrailsNymph Falls Nature ParkCampbell River
Hiking TrailsTrout Creek Falls & Mohun Creek Falls TrailheadQuadra Island•STORIES
Read more from the Campbell River Guide
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•FAQ
Good to know
Summer brings calm waters for ocean kayaking and dry hiking trails. Late summer and autumn are prime for salmon fishing and grizzly bear tours. Spring is active for wildlife viewing, while winter means quiet forests and massive storms rolling off the ocean.
