Why Retire Here

It's the Marine Environment...

In the 1860's Captain Richards, on the HMS Plumper named this area in honor of his ship's surgeon, Dr. Samuel Campbell. The city has maintained a strong link with the sea ever since. Today Campbell River overlooks the main water route along the Pacific Coast. Cruise ships, deep sea freighters and huge barges loaded with freight in transit to Alaska are interspersed with sailboats, yachts and other pleasure boats in an endless panorama of marine traffic

Campbell River remains closely connected to the sea. It's our work area and our playground. Brawny tug boats plow these waters, testament to the hard work they perform in moving a flotilla of heavy freight both north and south. Several varieties of fishing vessels leave a white wake in these blue waters. In recent years Cruise ship watching has become a sun deck pass time for many residents. The waterway that flows directly by Campbell River, known as Discovery Passage, is the route used by all cruise ships destined for Alaska. There are 25 vessels that pass through these waters each week providing exciting viewing for visitors and resident cruise ship spotters.

It's a pleasure to walk the moorage wharves of tall and graceful sailboats finding names such as 'Wind Dancer', 'Chinook Wind' and 'Swallow'. The Yacht basin has names of a more affluent character; 'Cellular 1'. 'Merger,II' and 'Acquisition III' Larger fishing vessels reflect their story: 'Pacific Nomad,,, 'Pacific Harvester', 'Cape Caution'. The smaller independent fishers often adopt a feminine theme for their vessels: 'Laurel Lin', 'Judy', and 'Sandy Ann'.

Many retirees are boating enthusiasts, but even if you are a landlubber you will find Campbell River's marine environment an endless source of interest.