Quick List: Your Fast Guide to Getting Here (You’ve got options!)
• Fly into Comox Valley Airport with direct flights from major Canadian cities
• Take a private or chartered flight directly into Campbell River Airport
• Drive from Vancouver via ferry to Nanaimo, then north to Campbell River
• Drive from Victoria along the scenic Island Highway
• Take the BC Ferries route from Powell River to Comox, then drive to Campbell River
Keep reading for detailed routes, insider tips, and the easiest ways to reach Campbell River for your fishing charter with Captain Keith. Or explore our full Campbell River Tour Guide.
Welcome to Campbell River
Campbell River is known as the Salmon Capital of the World for a reason. It offers wild beauty, thriving fisheries, and some of the most accessible saltwater and coastal landscapes on Vancouver Island. Whether you’re arriving from Vancouver, Alberta, or beyond, getting here is easier than many travellers expect. This guide walks you through every convenient travel option so you can arrive relaxed and ready for a premium fishing adventure with Captain Keith.
Flying to Vancouver Island
For most guests, flying is the fastest and easiest way to begin their Salmon Seekers journey. Two airport options bring you close to Campbell River, each offering its own benefits.
Option 1: Fly Into Comox Valley Airport (YQQ)
Located roughly 45 minutes from Campbell River, Comox Valley Airport is the region’s main air hub and the most convenient choice for most visitors.
Comox Valley Airport offers daily flights from Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton through airlines such as WestJet, Air Canada and Pacific Coastal Airlines. Once you land, the drive to Campbell River is smooth and scenic along Highway 19, taking you through coastal forests and glimpses of ocean inlets.
Car rentals are available on site, making it easy to continue your journey. Many guests choose this route because it strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flexibility.
Option 2: Charter or Private Flights Into Campbell River Airport (YBL)
Campbell River has its own airport with service for regional flights, private charters and helicopter transfers. If you prefer a direct arrival or you’re travelling with a group, this option gets you closest to the docks.
Private charter companies serve YBL from Vancouver and other coastal communities. This is an excellent option for guests who want to maximize time on the water or for corporate groups looking for a seamless travel experience.
Campbell River Airport is only a short drive from the marina where you’ll meet Captain Keith.
Travelling to Campbell River From Vancouver
If you’re coming from the Lower Mainland and prefer to stay on the ground, driving is a popular and scenic way to reach Campbell River.
Step 1: Take the Ferry From Vancouver to Vancouver Island
You can depart from either Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen. The two most common routes are
- Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay in Nanaimo
• Tsawwassen to Duke Point in Nanaimo
Both routes place you in Nanaimo, where you’ll connect to Highway 19 northbound.
BC Ferries crossings typically take around two hours. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends.
Step 2: Drive From Nanaimo to Campbell River
From Nanaimo, the drive to Campbell River is about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Highway 19 is direct, well maintained, and offers stretches of ocean views along the way. This is one of the most common routes for guests bringing their own gear or planning a longer Vancouver Island road trip.
Travelling From Victoria
If you’re spending time in the provincial capital before your fishing trip, getting to Campbell River is straightforward. The drive takes about 3 hours and follows the eastern coastline of Vancouver Island.
Follow Highway 1 north until Nanaimo, then continue on Highway 19 to Campbell River. This route passes through communities like Ladysmith, Chemainus, and Parksville, giving travellers a chance to break up the drive with local food or sightseeing.
Travelling From Powell River and the Sunshine Coast
For travellers starting on the Sunshine Coast, the most efficient route is the ferry from Powell River to Comox.
The crossing takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes and arrives in Comox, just 45 minutes south of Campbell River. This route is ideal for those who want to avoid the Vancouver ferry terminals while still enjoying an easy coastal journey.
Driving in From Alberta and Interior BC
Guests coming from the east often fly to Comox Valley Airport or choose to drive and take a BC Ferries route from Metro Vancouver. Flying is generally the most time efficient, but scenic highway trips paired with ferry travel can be a rewarding part of the journey.
Regardless of the route, Campbell River remains one of the most accessible destinations for a premium Vancouver Island fishing experience.
Arriving in Campbell River
No matter how you choose to travel, Campbell River is easy to navigate once you arrive. Hotels, restaurants, and waterfront accommodations are located close to local marinas. Parking is simple, and the city is known for being welcoming and relaxed.
Your adventure begins the moment you arrive at the dock. Captain Keith will greet you, get you set up with top quality gear, and walk you through what to expect for the day ahead.
Final Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Plan your ferry reservations early if travelling in summer.
• Flights into Comox fill up quickly during peak seasons.
• Allow some extra time on travel days to enjoy the scenery.
• Bring your confirmation details for your charter with Captain Keith so everything is seamless when you arrive.
Ready To Experience Vancouver Island Fishing at Its Best
Getting to Campbell River is easy, and every route leads you to an unforgettable day on the water. From premium gear to executive class comfort on board, Salmon Seekers delivers an elevated West Coast fishing experience.
Book your charter with Captain Keith today and start planning your trip to the Salmon Capital of the World.