Campbell River Kayaking: 5 Best Spots for Nature Lovers
Located on the picturesque eastern coast of Vancouver Island, Campbell River is the ideal place for kayakers to enjoy the area's natural treasures. The area's majestic mountains, lush woods, and abundance of animals will amaze you as you glide across the calm inlets and inlets.
A Campbell River kayaking promises to be an immersive experience that will leave you in complete wonder of the area's breathtaking coastal scenery. Now take your paddle and get ready to discover Campbell River's natural beauty.
DISCLAIMER: Before traveling to a paddle location, ensure that the location still allows for paddle boarding and make yourself aware of any rules and regulations in place.
Overview of Kayaking in Campbell River
The Campbell River area provides kayakers with an amazing experience because of the rich marine life, serene waters, and comfortable temperatures.
Kayaking Campbell River BC is one of the most famous water-based activities here. The Discovery Islands and the Campbell River estuary are particularly popular kayaking locations. Here, the protected beaches and coves offer a spectacular backdrop and are home to a variety of species, including birds, whales, and seals.
Over ten tour companies provide day trips and multi-day excursions there. In 2019, these skilled Campbell River kayaking guides welcomed over 15,000 kayakers looking to safely explore the area's unique ecosystem and plentiful wildlife.
Youโll surely get unforgettable memories in this dynamic metropolis, from serene paddles through sheltered inlets to thrilling ocean trips.
5 Best Kayak Locations in Campbell River
Campbell River has become a popular destination for kayakers due to its variety of rivers, breathtaking landscape, and plenty of animals.
These are the top five spots in the Campbell River region for kayaking:
Campbell River Estuary
For a tranquil kayak trip, the estuary of the Campbell River is the ideal location because it is teeming with animals. For kayakers of any skill level, the place is perfect due to its calm waters and convenient accessibility.
Photo from Flickr
Itโs a one-of-a-kind experience to observe seals, bald eagles, and many bird species while enjoying spectacular views of the neighboring mountains where the river joins the ocean. You must explore the estuary if you are considering a Campbell River kayak excursion. You'll be able to make a connection with nature and lose yourself in a peaceful environment.
Courtenay River Estuary
Conveniently located near Campbell River, Courtenay River Estuary is the next excellent location for Campbell River kayaking. The mix of river and sea waters means that youโll see a wide range of species here, including seals and bald eagles.
In addition to this, Campbell River kayakers may take in breathtaking views of the Comox Glacier to the west. Experienced kayakers should seize this opportunity to explore the area's maze of channels and inlets. On the other side, beginners may hone their abilities in the protected waters and mild currents.
Lewis Channel
Traveling north, you will come upon the stunning Lewis Channel, a protected strait that runs along Vancouver Island's craggy coastline.
Exploring the Lewis Channel is fun, especially when you find secret coves and inlets and watch the powerful tides change the landscape.
Photo from Flickr
Because of the quiet waters and sheer cliffs, there are also great chances to spot whales, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds.
Remember to include this on your Campbell River kayaking agenda for a fantastic experience in this paradise.
Discovery Islands
The Discovery Islands are a kayaker's paradise, and they may be reached via Campbell River.There are many different types of paddling adventures available in this archipelago, from discovering hidden bays to maneuvering through confined spaces and past cliffs.
Several local guides provideย sea kayaking programs around the Discovery Islands for 4 to 8 days. Typically, these trips include camping in the wilderness, acquiring new skills, and wildlife observation.
Desolation Sound Marine Park
Although itโs a little further from Campbell River, as a kayaker, you should visit Desolation Sound Marine Park where there are towering mountains and blue waterways.
With more than 60 kilometers of bays, coves, islands, and coastline, the park offers a unique kayaking experience because of its feeling of peace. You may also see whales, bears, and other species in this vast marine park.
Prideaux Haven, Tenedos Bay, and Grace Harbour are the three primary kayaking destination anchorages in the park. It also has 74 campsites for kayakers to reach and discover its beauty.
Kayak Rental in Campbell River
For your memorable Campbell River kayaking trips, you have two options to optimize your paddling experience.
Reputable locals hire high-quality kayaks and have a fleet of adaptable single and tandem kayaks for you. No matter what level youโre at, youโll find affordable rental prices offered by Campbell River kayak rentals, along with the inclusion of safety equipment and even a camper kayak rack.
However, for long-lasting experiences, you should own a kayak. In this respect, iROCKER's selection of sturdy and creative inflatable kayaks stands out. The robust and well-made kayak models from iROCKE are a great fit for the Campbell River kayaking adventures with stable, versatile, and portable features.
Other Exciting Activities At Campbell River
Donโt narrow your pleasurable trips to just paddling, you should spend time on other exhilarating activities in this natural destination.
Sightseeing
If you're looking for a great place to see, donโt miss the majestic Elk Falls and the surrounding old-growth forest. The breathtaking Elk Falls Suspension Bridge is also worth it.
Another must-see is the Discovery Pier. It extends into the Discovery Passage and offers fantastic chances to see wildlife and enjoy the environment.
Watching the Sunset
To complete your Campbell River kayaking adventure, watching the sunset as the day comes to an end is an incredibly unique experience.
Photo from Pixabay
The Tyee Spit is an especially gorgeous location to watch the sunset beyond the horizon. Imagine how breathtaking it is to catch the bright hues bouncing off the lake from one of the beaches of the town.
Watching Whales
Naturally, a kayaking Campbell River trip would not be complete without going whale watching.
On specialized trips and from the coast, it's common to see these amazing whales and the well-known Northern Resident orcas.
Donโt hesitate to connect the region's diverse marine life firsthand as you glide over the calm seas in search of whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more.
Upgrade Campbell River Adventure with iROCKER!
Discover the beauty of Campbell River with an abundance of incredible experiences, from breathtaking landscapes and animal viewing to kayaking locations. This location offers something special for everyone, regardless of preferenceโwhether it's whale watching, kayaking in calm coves, or just soaking in the stunning scenery.
Did you know that your Campbell River kayaking will become even more exciting with the inflatable kayak from iROCKER. Durable and adaptable, these kayaks are ideal for calm rivers. Whether you prefer a solo expedition or a tandem experience, they will suit all skill levels and group sizes.
Check out to see how iROCKER's high-performance kayaks fit your next water adventure.