Campbell River Travel Forum

I'll be in Campbell River next July for two days, where do I stay? Hope to get some whale watching in.

Painters Lodge, The Coast Discovery Inn. There are any number of smaller places also. Check out
http://www.travel.bc.ca/accommodations/index.php?action=show_listings&parent=TrA&community=campbell+river

There are better places than Campbell River to go Whale watching.

Telegraph Cove to the north is the home of the Orcas of Robson Bight-http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/eco_reserve/robsonb_er.htm and the best company to see them with is http://www.stubbs-island.com/english/index.html.

There are said to be companies from Campbell River that make the trip North by water-if you find one grab it for a beautiful but long trip trip.

Other options in and around CR include the now standard 'eco' sightseeing which is just roaring around in an inflatable rubber necking.Once you get past the stench from the paper mill the waters around Campbell River do hold some sea life-Seals, occasional Sea Lions, Eagles of course and maybe Whitesides (white sided Dolphins).

Salmon fishing in July can be decent depending on opening for Commercial Seiners in Johnstone Strait-if the seiners have been working then there are very very few fish to be had so ask around and choose carefully.
http://www.westernanglers.ca/home.htm for a well run safe professional experience.

I DO NOT recommend doing business with Oak Bay Marine Group-the owners of Painters Family Lodge-as it is now called.They are a bargain basement operation run by accountants and offer very poor value for your money.

A better choice would be http://www.capemudgeresort.bc.ca/

Thanks Sam!

We're still in the process of trying to put this trip together. It's my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary and a group of their four daughters and their husbands are going to be spending a week in B.C. We'll take a look at Telegraph Cove. I might be getting back to you for more help if you don't mind!

John