Campbell River is on the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It's called the Salmon Capital of the World for a reason. Getting here is easier than you think — direct flights, accessible ferries, and a beautiful drive through BC's coast. Here's how to plan it.
Getting Here by Air
From Vancouver (YVR)
Pacific Coastal Airlines flies direct from Vancouver South Terminal (YVR) to Campbell River (YBL). Flight time is about 45 minutes. Both airports have wheelchair assistance available — request when booking. Alternatively, fly to Comox (YQQ), 45 minutes south of Campbell River.
From Calgary or Edmonton
WestJet and Air Canada fly to Comox (YQQ) with connections through Vancouver. Or fly direct to Vancouver and take the short hop to Campbell River. Total travel time is about 4-5 hours with the connection. All major carriers offer wheelchair assistance.
From Toronto or Ontario
Air Canada and WestJet fly Toronto (YYZ) to Vancouver (YVR) — about 5 hours. Then connect to Campbell River or Comox. Budget a full travel day. Consider spending a night in Vancouver to break up the trip and explore the accessible Seawall.
Driving + BC Ferries
The Vancouver Island Drive
From Vancouver, take BC Ferries from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo (Departure Bay). The ferry is 2 hours and fully wheelchair accessible — elevators, accessible washrooms, and priority boarding for vehicles with wheelchair passengers.
From Nanaimo, it's a scenic 2.5-hour drive north on Highway 19 to Campbell River. The highway is well-maintained with regular accessible rest stops.
- - BC Ferries: Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay (Nanaimo) — 2 hours
- - Drive: Nanaimo to Campbell River — 2.5 hours (Highway 19)
- - Total from Vancouver: ~5 hours including ferry
- - Reserve ferry online at bcferries.com (recommended in summer)
Accessible Hotels in Campbell River
Coast Discovery Inn
Accessible rooms with roll-in showers. Central location, close to restaurants and the marina. Pool and hot tub on site. One of the most popular options for our guests.
Comfort Inn & Suites
ADA-accessible rooms available. Complimentary breakfast, free parking. Located on the highway with easy access to town. Newer property with modern accessible features.
Painter's Lodge
Historic fishing lodge right on the water. Some accessible rooms available — call ahead to confirm. Restaurant on site with waterfront dining. A Campbell River classic.
Need help choosing? Tell us your accessibility needs and we'll recommend the best hotel for your situation. We've had guests at all of these and know which rooms work best. Ask us.
Getting Around Campbell River
- Rental Cars
National, Budget, and Enterprise have locations in Campbell River. If you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle, book well in advance or bring your own adapted vehicle on the ferry.
- BC Transit
Campbell River has accessible public transit with low-floor buses. Routes serve the main hotel areas and downtown. handyDART paratransit is available for registered users.
- Taxi & Rideshare
Local taxi companies can accommodate folding wheelchairs. For power chairs, arrange accessible transport in advance. We can help coordinate pickup from your hotel to the marina.
Beyond Fishing: What to Do in Campbell River
Quadra Island Day Trip
A 10-minute accessible ferry ride from Campbell River. Visit the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre, explore Cape Mudge, or simply enjoy the island pace. The ferry terminal is accessible with priority boarding.
Elk Falls Provincial Park
The suspension bridge and canyon viewpoint have paved accessible trails. Spectacular waterfall views — one of the most photographed spots on the island. Free admission.
Downtown & Seawalk
Campbell River's waterfront seawalk is paved and accessible. Restaurants, shops, and the Maritime Heritage Centre are all along the route. Watch eagles and seals from the pier.
Museum at Campbell River
Fully accessible museum covering First Nations history, logging, and fishing heritage. Great rainy-day activity. Gift shop with local art.
Sample Trip Itineraries
3-Day Quick Trip (BC Visitors)
- Day 1: Drive from Vancouver or fly from YVR. Check into hotel. Explore the seawalk and grab dinner downtown.
- Day 2: Fishing charter! 5 hours on the water. Afternoon: rest or visit Elk Falls. Celebrate your catch at dinner.
- Day 3: Quadra Island day trip or crabbing tour. Afternoon: head home with a cooler of fish.
4-Day Alberta Trip
- Day 1: Fly Calgary/Edmonton to Comox or Campbell River. Check in, settle, explore town.
- Day 2: Morning fishing charter. Afternoon: rest and enjoy your catch for dinner.
- Day 3: Crabbing & sightseeing tour or Quadra Island day trip. Visit Elk Falls.
- Day 4: Sleep in. Explore downtown Campbell River. Afternoon flight home.
5-Day Ontario Vacation
- Day 1: Fly Toronto to Vancouver. Explore the accessible Seawall (22 km paved waterfront). Stay in Vancouver.
- Day 2: Morning in Vancouver (Granville Island, Stanley Park). Afternoon: fly or drive to Campbell River.
- Day 3: Fishing charter! 5 hours fighting Pacific salmon. Evening: celebrate with fresh fish dinner.
- Day 4: Quadra Island circumnavigation tour. Wildlife, scenery, and ocean air. Visit the Museum.
- Day 5: Pack your cooler of fish, fly home via Vancouver. You'll be back.
Our Campbell River Partners
We work with local businesses that understand accessibility and welcome wheelchair users. These are places we personally recommend to our guests.
Accessible Dining
- Dicks Fish & Chips — Local favourite on the water. Level entry, spacious interior.
- Quay West Kitchen & Catering — Upscale waterfront dining. Accessible entrance and washrooms.
- Ideal Cafe — Breakfast spot downtown. Flat entry, wide aisles.
Accessible Activities
- Elk Falls Suspension Bridge — Paved trails, accessible viewpoints.
- Museum at Campbell River — Fully accessible. First Nations and local history.
- Quadra Island Ferry — Fully accessible, 10-minute crossing, priority boarding.
Need Help Planning?
Tell us where you're coming from, your accessibility needs, and when you want to visit. We'll help you put together the perfect trip — flights, hotels, tours, the works.