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Vanislander / Activities / Solo Travel / Solo Travel in Campbell River

Solo Travel in Campbell River

Welcome to Solo Travel in Campbell River, where British Columbia’s wild heart beats strong. Nestled on central Vancouver Island, Campbell River is your gateway to epic outdoor adventures—think grizzly viewing tours by boat from Campbell River, kayaking with orcas, and hiking to hidden gems like Deer Falls. Whether you’re camping at Elk Falls, sipping coffee in downtown Campbell River, or exploring remote passages and active tidal zones, this guide has you covered. From day trips from Campbell River by car to must-see spots in Willow Point, south Campbell River, here’s everything you need for the best solo travel in Campbell River. Let’s dive into the wilderness where wild and life combine!

Why Solo Travel in Campbell River?

Wildlife Haven: September’s salmon runs draws orcas, grizzlies, and humpbacks, nature at its wildest.
Adventure Central: Hiking, kayaking, and fishing await in this outdoor playground.
Budget-Friendly: Affordable stays, food, and transport keep costs low.
Welcoming Community: Solo travelers feel at home with friendly locals and easy connections. 

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How to Get There

Campbell River, central Vancouver Island’s gateway to epic outdoor adventures, is reachable by ferry, bus, or car. Here’s how to make it work for a solo traveler:
Ferry: Catch a BC Ferries sailing from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) to Nanaimo (Duke Point)—a scenic 1.5-hour ride. Foot passenger fares are CAD $50–$70 round-trip (2023 rates from BC Ferries). From Nanaimo, it’s a 2.5-hour drive north. Tip: Reserve vehicle spots early if driving—September slots go quick.
Bus: IslandLink Bus runs daily from Nanaimo to Campbell River for CAD $50–$70 one-way (IslandLink Bus). It’s budget-friendly but less flexible. Buses depart multiple times daily—perfect if you’re skipping the car.
Car Rental: For max freedom, rent a car (CAD $300–$400/week from Enterprise or Budget in Nanaimo/Campbell River). Under-25? Expect a CAD $20–$30/day surcharge. Traveler Insight: “A car’s almost a necessity for solo adventurers,” says J0an123 on a forum—vital for day trips from Campbell River by car like Telegraph Cove (2.5 hours).

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Campbell River Activities

Hiking on Mount Empress from Sooke Potholes via Mary Vine and Todd Creek Trails

Hiking on Mount Empress from Sooke Potholes via Mary Vine and Todd Creek Trails

Here is a highly recommended and well-marked trail for challenges enthusiasts. Hiking on Mount Empress from Sooke Potholes via Mary Vine and Todd Creek Trails offers you insane 360° views of the Sooke Basin, Victoria, and San Juan Islands.

Cox Bay Kiteboarding

Cox Bay Kiteboarding

Great opportunities for kiteboarding are awaiting you in the realm of Cox Bay, no matter if you are an expert or a beginner. But beforehand, check the reports and wave directions. Besides, the magnificent beach of Cox bay offers an abundance of activities you may enjoy.

HMCS Cape Breton Diving

HMCS Cape Breton Diving

If you are collecting a diary of diving experiences, it would be amazing to add your diving experience to HMCS Cape Breton. Wrecks of a sunk ship which has made the area a phenomenal diving location decorated with artificial reefs. The zone offers a spectacular site and undeniable diving opportunities, and it is accessible by boat. Not to mention the diverse sea life you would face there.

Rivtow Lion Diving

Rivtow Lion Diving

If you are making a checklist of diving places on Vancouver Island, make sure it includes the Rivtow Lion Diving zone. Rivtow Lion was a ship that was sunk on purpose, and through the years, it has changed into an artificial cliff and a favourable destination for diving. Photography enthusiasts can find the inner sceneries of the ship charming to be a subject for their cameras.

Boeing 737 Jet Plane Diving

Boeing 737 Jet Plane Diving

You cannot believe your ears are hearing a diving place made after a Jet Plane was sunk. But, there is only one way to find out, especially for divers who like abnormal experiences. While you are in Chemainus, you can rent a boat and paddle till you reach this place, offering you unbelievable diving opportunities.

The Jib Diving

The Jib Diving

If you happen to wander around Nanoose Bay, The Jib Diving site is one of the most attractive diving destinations in the region, with a clean environment and easy access. Moreover, except for the beautiful view of the site, you can enjoy watching a diversity of marine life.

Saxe Point Park Storm Watching

Saxe Point Park Storm Watching

Located in Victoria, Saxe Point Park has an area of Peninsula Seafront. Powerful barreling winds cause fierce waves to hit the coast during falls and winters, make Saxe Point Park a lovely place for Storm Watching. Witness the power of nature as waves crash into the beach with rain falling and the flashing sky making your soul stirred while enjoying Saxe Point Park Storm Watching.

Campbell River Whale Watching

Campbell River Whale Watching

Get on the board of a Zodiac-style vessel while sailing towards the heart of the water to the sea, watch the giant mammals in the world among other marine creatures. While experiencing Campbell River Whale Watching, you will encounter a rare natural beauty home to diverse wildlife. Campbell River, the salmon capital of the world, is the origin of several tours launching into the Strait of Georgia.

Breakwater Island Diving

Breakwater Island Diving

Make immortal memories of diving in the Breakwater Island Diving zone. This famous diving location has a lot to offer. Whether on land or in water, a variety of creatures inhabit the area you cannot get enough and fantastic scenery which can multiply the amazement of your stay in this region.

Nootka Sound Kayaking and Canoeing

Nootka Sound Kayaking and Canoeing

If paddling is frightening for you, make it normal while you are in Nootka Sound. It s worthy of mentioning that while paddling in the waters of Nootka Sound, you are given the pleasure of observing the birth point of BC, Yuquot. Nootka Sound is known as the paradise of the paddlers, and its island provides an extraordinary situation in which an astonishing adventure is waiting to be embraced.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Options

Coast Discovery Inn (coasthotels.com): Central downtown, rooms CAD $80–$134+/night (2025; 10% off for Island residents).
Amenities:Free Wi-Fi, parking, restaurant. Overlooks Strait of Georgia, convenient for tours.

Dalewood Inn (Port McNeill): CAD $80–$120+/night, great for kayaking day trips (2.5 hours north).

Others: Painter’s Lodge $101–$200+ (fishing focus), Comfort Inn & Suites $100–$150+, Big Rock Motel $90–$130.
reviews: “Motels work but lack social scene, opt for tours to connect.”

Your Adventure Starts with Vancouver Island Tours

Salish Sea Duck Hunting Tour 2026

Wilderness Adventure on Gulf Islands BC
Group
Victoria
The Gulf Islands
from 4,500
4 days and 3 nights
Salish Sea Duck Hunting Tour 2026

Black Bear Tracking & Salmon Run Adventure Tour

5-Day Black Bear Tracking Adventure on Vancouver Island
Group
Nanaimo
Nanaimo
from 1,135
5 days and 4 nights
Black Bear Tracking & Salmon Run Adventure Tour

Vancouver Island Wildlife watching Tour

Explore Whales, Bears & Coastal Rainforests
Group
Victoria
Tofino
from 750
3 nights and 4 days
Vancouver Island Wildlife watching  Tour

Fall Duck and Goose Hunting 2026 Tour

Port Hardy Adventure Tour on Vancouver Island
Group
Nanaimo
Port Hardy
from 2,000
2 days and 1 night
Fall Duck and Goose Hunting 2026 Tour

Port Renfrew Bottom Fishing Tour

Guided Fishing Adventure Tour on Port Renfrew Vancouver Island
Group
Victoria
Port Renfrew
from 1,475
3 days and 2 nights
Port Renfrew Bottom Fishing Tour

Ultimate Vancouver Island Wildlife Experience

6-day Black Bear Wildlife Adventure Tour
Group
Nanaimo
Vancouver Island
from 1,950
6 days and 5 nights
Ultimate Vancouver Island Wildlife Experience

7-Day Vancouver Island Wildlife Watching Adventure Tour

Your 7-Day Wildlife Watching Escape
Group
Victoria
Vancouver Island
from 2,310
7 days and 6 nights
7-Day Vancouver Island Wildlife Watching Adventure Tour

Victoria Kayak Fishing Adventure Tour

Explore Inner Harbour & Catch Inshore Fish
Group
Victoria
Victoria
from 1,000
2 days and one night
Victoria Kayak Fishing Adventure Tour

3 Day Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Tour

Salish Sea Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Adventure
Group
Victoria
from 550
3 days and 2 nights
3 Day Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Tour

Port Alberni Black Bear Hunting Tour 2026

A Thrilling Vancouver Island Adventure
Group
Nanaimo
Port Alberni
from 3,500
5 days and 4 nights
Port Alberni Black Bear Hunting Tour 2026

Fall Raccoon Hunting 2026

One-Day Guided Tour from Victoria BC
Group
Victoria
Victoria
from 600
1 day
Fall Raccoon Hunting 2026

Vancouver Island Fishing Charters Tour

One-Day Chinook Salmon & Halibut Adventure Tour
Group
Victoria
Sooke
from 1,140
2 days and one night
Vancouver Island Fishing Charters Tour

Ultimate 7-Day Vancouver Island Escape Tour

Wildlife, Beaches & Coastal Adventure
Group
Victoria
Victoria
from 1,813
7 days and 6 nights
Ultimate 7-Day Vancouver Island Escape Tour

Fly Fishing Tour on Vancouver Island

Fly-Fishing Paradise on the Gold River
Group
Campbell River
Gold River BC
from 1,400
1 day
Fly Fishing Tour on Vancouver Island

4-Day Wildlife Watching on Vancouver Island

Pacific Rim & Clayoquot Sound Adventure
Group
Nanaimo
Tofino
from 1,897
4 days and 3 nights
4-Day Wildlife Watching on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island Getaway Tour

5-Day Tour from Victoria to Tofino with Nanaimo
Group
Victoria
Vancouver Island
from 2,100
6 days and 5 nights
Vancouver Island Getaway Tour

Getting Around: Transportation Tips



Navigating as a solo under 25? Some travelers stress a car for freedom, but budgets favor buses. One traveler drove but noted GPS mishaps, plan routes.



Car Rental

Essential for day trips from Campbell River by car, like Telegraph Cove (2.5 hours, ~200 km).
Weekly rates CAD $300–$400+ for economy (Enterprise/Hertz 2025 estimates).
Under-25 surcharge: $25–$30/day (total $175–$210/week).
Pros: Flexibility for remote hikes. Cons: Fuel ~CAD $50–$100/week.

Book at Nanaimo/Comox airports via budget.ca or enterprise.ca—compare surcharges. 

Traveler Insight: “Car’s almost a necessity, buses eat time,” says J0an123.


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Public Transport and Ferries

IslandLink Bus: Nanaimo-Campbell River CAD $51 one-way (4x daily, 2–3 hours; islandlinkbus.com). BC Transit local routes CAD $10–$15 (bctransit.com). Greyhound to Port Hardy ~CAD $50–$70, 7 hours.

Ferries: Quadra Island (from Campbell River) CAD $10 passenger round-trip (~$20.65 vehicle), frequent 15-min sailings (bcferries.com). Horseshoe Bay-Nanaimo: As above.

Shuttles: Tour operators (e.g., whale watching) offer pickups—ask for Campbell River-Telegraph Cove (~CAD $30–$50).


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Parking Info

Free at Elk Falls (5 lots, RV-friendly, overflow available). Parks like Miracle Beach free. Downtown street parking limited/free short-term; paid lots CAD $2–$5/hour. Extra vehicle at campsites ~CAD $12 max.

Traveler Tip: “Align buses with tours,” per MuftiVancouver. Cruising Maya: Hug shores in eddies to beat currents if boating.


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What you Can Expect to See Near Campbell River

Tahsis

Tahsis

Tahsis is an accessway to many hiking trails. This village municipality is situated at the top of the steep-sided Tahsis Inlet and is surrounded by breathtaking wilderness and abundant wildlife. Some of the best water activities like ocean kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, recreational fishing or sport fishing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are popular.

Sutton Range

Sutton Range

The Sutton Range is a group of mountains and a subrange of the Vancouver Island Ranges that form the greater Insular Mountains. The amazing rock formation and alpine scale make the mountains within the range perfect for climbing. While you're atop Sutton Peak, Victoria Peak, Warden Peak, and mainland coast mountains are within your sight.

Sophia Range

Sophia Range

The Sophia Range is a low small group of mountains on Nootka Island. Visiting the range would be fascinating overlooking inlets. The spectacular sights of the hills wrapped in trees ornamented with beautiful wildlife and birds are amazing while ascending. The range and the nearby park are a wealth of outdoor activities as paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Artlish Caves

Artlish Caves

As it is said, "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence." Did you know it takes a long process for a cave to be created? Artlish Caves is no exception. It is the largest active river cave in Canada, and the running water is why these series of caves were carved out from the ground, which is still happening. While you are inside the caves, sharpen your eyes to find bats, spiders, and other creatures in the darkness.

Coral Cave

Coral Cave

If you desire to search for hidden parts of nature to discover exciting facts, Coral Cave is a suitable option. Before stepping into it, you need to have caving skills. The beauty of the cave is doubled by the stunning rainforest that surrounded the entrance. While you are inside, you may see the flooded parts of the cave. Let's get into it to find more and realize the time effect for thousands or millions of years.

Thanksgiving Cave

Thanksgiving Cave

Devote more time, get a challenging goal for yourself, and pack your equipment. It is time to face the longest and deepest cave on Vancouver Island, Thanksgiving Cave. Caving inside this mostly tight and beautiful cave is not a beginner's suitable exploration, but for an expert caver, the adventurers' rush worth any trouble. If you are a beginner, don't worry. Tahsis is the caving capital of Canada, so you have different chances nearby.

Upana Caves

Upana Caves

Going deep into the forest is worthy enough to visit the stunning Upana Caves. Listen to the sound of a river passing by and detect several entrances with the famous one behind the spectacular Upana Caves Waterfall. Inside entrances, you may find birds' nests. Watch the evidence of years of existence by holes like the one in cheese. The stunning galleries and passages you'll explore while going down would be incredible.

Genevieve Range

Genevieve Range

The Genevieve Range offers a fascinating tour within Nootka Island with spectacular sights for mountaineers. The range's area is a remote paradise for those seeking peace and seclusion. While ascending peaks, the range allows breath-taking sights of the ocean, enormous trees below your feet covering hills along with lakes and creeks dotted the area and plenty of wildlife.

Haihte Range

Haihte Range

The Haihte Range overlooking Tahsis and Zeballos is home to some of the largest remaining glaciers on Vancouver Island. It experiences many cloudy days due to being close to the coast. The high terrain, including long aesthetic lines, is perfect for skiing at the lower glacier shelves, and visitors would enjoy excellent alpine climbing at jagged spires along the main ridge.

Best Time to Visit

Planning your hike on Vancouver Island's West Coast Trail (WCT) requires careful consideration of seasonal conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Below is a detailed overview of the optimal times to visit, along with key factors to consider:

Month

Weather Conditions

Trail Accessibility

Considerations

May

Variable; cooler temperatures with increased rainfall.

Trail open; some campsites may be closed.

Less crowded; prepare for wet conditions.

June

Mild temperatures; moderate rainfall.

Trail open; most campsites operational.

Increasing number of hikers; moderate weather.

July

Warmer temperatures; drier conditions.

Trail open; all campsites operational.

Peak season; higher demand for permits.

August

Warm temperatures; drier conditions.

Trail open; all campsites operational.

Peak season; higher demand for permits.

September

Cooling temperatures; increased rainfall.

Trail open; some campsites may be closed.

Less crowded; prepare for variable weather.

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Alireza Moghimehfar

2025 February 19

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