These prickly vines are found just about everywhere in Campbell River, particularly along roadside ditches which get plenty of sunshine.

The berries ripen in the late summer.

You might want to put on a jacket and wear long pants to prevent being pricked…repeatedly.;

Well, maybe not, but the city is widely regarded as the Salmon Capitol of the World – step aside Port Alberni and Ketchican, the River City even comes up first in an online search! True, there are still plenty of cod to be caught in the local waters, but salmon fishing is what put Campbell River on the map. You may want to check out the Museum at Campbell River or Painter’s Lodge to get a true essence of the history of sport fishing in this area.

Visit the museum to see an array of classic angling gear and Painter’s Lodge has a wonderful collection of black and white photos of Hollywood’s original stars – such as Bob Hope and John Wayne – who loved fishing for salmon here.

In Campbell River you can fish from Discovery Pier, a rowboat near the river mouth, or from a well-equipped power boat. You can also don waders and fish for pink salmon from shore – beside the Big Rock or further south at Oyster Bay – during the late summer and early fall.

And when the salmon aren’t biting, head out to the local lakes and streams to cast for rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Make sure to check out the local regulations and to buy a licence for both salt and freshwater fishing. Regulation booklets and licences are available at the local tackle shops.;

This community of 30,000 people and the surrounding region, is blessed by land and sea. An outdoor playground and vibrant cultural scene defines the Campbell River area. From cityscapes to wilderness escapes, this region is renowned for its spectacular beauty and friendly people with a spiritual connection to the land, the wildlife and the myriad recreational opportunities. From a relaxing fire on the beach within city limits to a backcountry trek, Campbell River can accommodate any scale of adventure. With restaurants, art galleries, museums and a performing arts theatre, there’s plenty to do around here. The area is also a jumping off point to B.C.’s north coast as well as it’s largest urban centres, Vancouver and Victoria – without the hassle and cost of those major metropolitan areas.;

There are hundreds of campsites in the Campbell River area in provincial parks and Forest Recreation Sites providing a whole range of services from hot showers and day programs to a simple, cleared spot that’s beside a pristine lake.

Light up the campfire and get out your guitar or memorize your freakiest ghost story for when the sun goes down on a perfect day of paddling or swimming, hiking or biking.

Camping is a way of life in Campbell River. It’s ingrained in the cultural psyche of the community creating lasting family memories of good times in spectacular settings.;

Miracle Beach Provincial Park, located half way between Campbell River and Courtenay, is a popular camping spot that has one of the nicest sandy beaches on Vancouver Island attached to it. You can’t camp on the beach but it is easily accessible and it makes camping at Miracle Beach Park one of the most unique places to pitch your tent or roll your RV into.

There are spacious private campsites, group camping facilities, a playground for the kids, hot showers, a large picnic area overlooking the water and a series of lovely trails winding through lush forest. At low tide, the beach features rich tide pools, perfect for observing a variety of marine life.

Can’t be beat.;

These Forest Recreation Sites are bare bones campsites that provide some of the most easily accessible camping anywhere. Lakes like Brewster, Mohun, Lower Campbell, and Amor are dotted with campgrounds ranging in size from two or three sites to 20 or so. There is also a private campground on Mohun Lake. These lakes are popular with the locals and you need to get out to them before the weekend if you have a hope of finding a spot.

Fishing, canoeing and boating are popular on these lakes and are family friendly. Some have fees and campsite hosts but few services outside of rustic outhouses.;

It was awesome and scary at the same time.

But this was no river. This was the world-famous Surge Narrows with the tide running full speed ahead. From a safe distance away, the group of six wide-eyed kayakers sat in their boats and wondered how in the world were they ever going to make it to the Octopus Islands, located on the northeast end of Quadra Island. But some mistakes – like misreading the tide guide – can prove fruitful when you have the time and patience, two things any good mariner should have. Fishing is a good way to wait for the tide to slacken. The freshly-caught cod had never tasted better when it was cooked up on sharpened sticks over a small driftwood fire on the rocky shore.

The sightseeing is spectacular too, especially from the crest of a small hill, on one of the tiny islands which lie near the end of the narrows. That’s where you can see the full force of Surge Narrows and appreciate its beauty as well.

A couple hours later, at slack tide, the group was able to get through and continue on after learning a valuable lesson: Always double-check the tide guide.

Launch your kayak from the west side of the Tyee Spit and head up river to the marsh lands where you’ll see ducks, waterbirds, eagles and kingfishers, to name a few.

One of the best times to go is late summer when the mighty Pacific salmon – chinook, coho and pinks – return to their home waters of the Campbell and Quinsam rivers. It’s something special to see a 50-pound Tyee salmon leaping out of the water!

Accompanying the salmon are other wildlife like eagles, seals and otter. And, if you are a beginner, it’s best to take a guided tour and play it safe. Remember to always wear a lifejacket.;

The Breton Islands are a small group of islands located off the east side of Quadra Island, which is accessible via ferry from downtown Campbell River.

The best place to launch your kayak is from Heriot Bay or, if you want to avoid boat traffic, Rebecca Spit Provincial Park.

From Heriot Bay it’s approximately a 3 km paddle, closer if you launch from Rebecca Spit.

The Bretons are home to a local colony of harbour seals and forested with tall firs which provide ideal perches for bald eagles.

If you don’t have your own boat, there are a few local companies which rent kayaks and also offer guided tours.;