Campbell River - General Information
The vibrant and young community of Campbell River lies along the east coast of the heart of Vancouver Island. It is beautifully set between the Discovery Islands to the east and Strathcona Park to the west. This metropolitan town is situated on the frontier of wilderness in British Columbia, Canada. In many ways, the town of Campbell River is a natural destination as it is long known called as the “Salmon Capital of the World”.
The town of Campbell River is as big as the cities in Vancouver Islands of Canada. It offers a busy scene of arts and culture. It is surrounded with shopping malls with and ambience and look of the 1950s. The town is situated in a region abundant with natural resources. Its towering West Coast fosters a flourishing forestry industry of sawmill and pulp mills operations, and logging companies. Mining industry is also active in Campbell River with diverse products of minerals that include coals, silver, gold, lead, copper, and zinc.
Before the European explorers had entered the surrounding waters of Campbell River long time ago, the first inhabitants consider the place very special because of its harmony with the nature and abundance of salmons. The inhabitants occupied small villages that are scattered along the coast as they fished for salmon. They also believed the town of Campbell River has spiritual significance for honored ceremony and arts.
Campbell River’s origin name lacks absolute proof. However, the possibility that the river was named after Dr. Samuel Campbell, the assistant surgeon of the British survey ship called the HMS Plumper. This ship surveyed the Johnstone Strait and other parts of the coastline in British Columbia between the 1850s and 1860s. Today, the river is a designated BC Heritage River.
It was in 1792 when the Campbell River was first discovered by the Europeans. The discovery was headed by Captain George Vancouver as his expedition sailed up to the Georgia Strait in search of the Northwest Passage. Upon its discovery, Campbell River became a renowned spot in the world for incredible salmon fishing, immense fjords, and spectacular snowcapped mountains. Campbell River is one of the four major fishing centers on Vancouver Island. It is internationally famous for its freshwater fishing and ocean water.
The life cycle of salmons in Campbell River involves hatching, feeding, traveling to the ocean and returning to its birth river. As they return to their birth river, they attract and sustain wide varieties of animals like the ravens, otters, whales, eagles, wildlife bears and more.
The Campbell River is truly a unique destination for outdoor recreational activities and sightseeing. A huge part of its local culture is the wildlife, trees, mountains, lake, rivers, and oceans. All kinds of activities of all ages are available such as fishing, hiking, kayaking, whale watching, boating, and camping. Golfing is also available.
The laid-back and friendly atmosphere of the Campbell River is what makes people come back to the place for vacation. Quality shopping opportunities are very visible in the place wherein most of the items sold like native artworks and woodcarvings are made by the local artisan and artists.
The annual drift wood carving event is a favorite both by locals and by visitors in Campbell River. Many people from different parts of the world come to this place to witness the event. Amazing exhibits can also enjoy at the museum where remains of the first nations of the river are featured.