Campbell River is not always high on people's wish list.. it should be! This small town is cutely carved into the side of a valley overlooking the wildlife-rich inside passage. There are flights via seaplane and major B.C airports and the area is easily reached in ninety minutes by car from Nanaimo.
The reason why I think it is a great weekend vacation is that there are so many potential things to do but accommodation and dining is more affordable than other places like Whistler, Tofino or Victoria. You can leave Vancouver on Friday afternoon and still experience two full days of adventuring. The area is also heavily geared for families with plenty of attractions within thirty minutes drive.
The town has a wharf with an aquarium and plenty of seafood and sushi for dinner. With a population of 35,000 there are interesting options to try including fantastic pizza-beer combinations at the Session Taproom and deliciously loaded Whistlin' Waffles.
During the day you are blessed with a multitude of things to try including:
Walking the Elk Falls Provincial Park suspension bridge trail and old growth forest (very easy walk, dog friendly)
Strolling through Alpine Meadows in the Strathcona Provincial Park
Kayaking or canoeing to Cortes/Discovery islands
Catching the ferry over to Quaddra Island
Guided white water river rafting
Taking a fishing charter for the day
Skiing nearby Mount Washington Resort
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