Campbell River - "Salmon Capital of the World"

First Nation's legend recounts the story of a grizzly bear that tried to reach Vancouver Island by leaping Georgia Straight, despite the warning of the Great Spirit. When his paw touched the ocean he turned into a "Big Rock". When you spot his stony bulk along the shoreline you will have arrived at Campbell River; the entrance of Discovery Passage, the gateway to the North Island, and the "Salmon Capital of the World". Residents celebrate the North Island's natural beauty by carving turns in fresh powdered snow, camping beneath the coniferous canopy, sunning on the white sand of Miracle Beach, or angling for a hit-on-the-line.

Captain George Vancouver reached Campbell River, spanning the 50th parallel, in the late 18th century though First Nations communities had thrived along the bountiful coast for thousands of years. Since the 1880s small logging operators earned their livings by bringing down timber with double-bitted axes and crosscut saws, climbing the height of a tree with wedged springboards and caulk boots. Campbell River was built by hard working pioneers who valued their families, an honest day's work, and respected what nature provided. In time lumber milling, fisheries, pulp and paper, and mining offered alternative careers for breadwinners.

Today, Campbell River has adapted to a changing world. Recognizing the attraction of natural adventure, eco-friendly entrepreneurs have helped to create opportunities for a town that continues to pioneer. Stroll Discovery Fishing Pier after the Farmers' Market, admire the latest carvings of Transformation on the Shore, snorkel with the salmon down the Campbell River, or scuba dive on the sunken HMCS Columbia. Ocean clarity is world renowned in the scuba community, but watch out for the infamous Giant Octopus beneath the Pier. The Award winning Campbell River Museum reveals a history intertwining First Nations and new pioneers. The Museum's mask-story of Siwidi and the Chief of the Undersea World is so compelling you will stay for a second telling; or crowd into the period-theatre to witness the filmed 1958 explosion of Ripple Rock - the world's largest non-atomic explosion to date and recognized as a "National Historic Event".

The 32,000 residents of Campbell River and its surrounding area hold fast to traditions that matter. Since 1924 the elite Tyee Club has awarded membership to those who have landed a 30 lb (plus) Chinook salmon by rowing the Tyee Pool, no motorboats allowed. Roderick Haig-Brown has inspired the desire to protect local rivers through his love of fly-fishing, and adventurers have followed the protected trails of Big Den, Central Strathcona, and the Comox Glacier in Strathcona Park - BC's oldest Provincial Park. Campbell River pays tribute to its traditions at the Campbell River Salmon Festival; Canada's largest logging sport competition, oyster and salmon cook-offs, fishing derbies and fireworks are all part of the celebration.

Campbell River is not alone in natural beauty. Quadra and Cortes Islands are short ferry trips from Campbell River and provide a profusion of ecological treasures. Both Islands are home to established arts communities and welcomed retreats from a busy world. Eagles, deer, seal, sea lions, and whales share the Islands' forests, meadows, and waterways. Some of the world's fastest tidal currents run between Quadra and Maurelle Islands at Surge Narrows and Cortes Island is the doorway to Desolation Sound. North of Campbell River, the smaller townships of Gold River, Sayward, Port Hardy, and Port McNeill present a more personal connection to nature and neighbours, and offer excellent real estate options for active lifestyles.

The North Island has grown into an adventure destination for individuals, families, and retirees from across the world; communities offer affordable real estate and one-of-a-kind properties for those who have come to play, relax, or invest. Coast Realty Group (Campbell River) opens the gateway to the rest of your life by putting People.Above all.