Further Up Island and Back to the Mainland
Comox, Campbell River & Powell River – July 23 - Aug 3
On Tuesday, July 23, we resumed our journey “up island” to Comox, located on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Everywhere we looked, we were surrounded by majestic forests, sparkling water, and towering mountains—some still snow-capped in mid-summer.
Like many Vancouver Island communities, the Comox Valley is rooted in Indigenous history. The original inhabitants were the K’ómoks First Nation, part of the Northern Coast Salish peoples. The name "Comox" comes from their language and reflects the area’s rich natural resources—abundant fish, fertile land, and dense forests.
European contact began in 1792 when Captain George Vancouver anchored in Comox Harbour aboard the HMS Discovery. By the mid-1800s, settlers had arrived and established agriculture, mining, and logging industries. The Port of Comox soon became an important hub for the Royal Navy and transport steamers. The early 20th century saw further development, especially with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway. In 1942, CFB Comox was founded, initially as a Royal Air Force base, and remains an active military installation today.
We were fortunate to spend six days in Comox, staying at the Airforce Beach Campground thanks to our great friends Gwen and Billy—friends we first met in Hawaii years ago. While based there, we enjoyed a wonderful mix of relaxation and exploration:
Gwen and Billy gave us a great tour of Comox, including Goose Spit Park and Comox Marina Park, followed by dinner at the Blackfin Pub with sweeping views of the waterfront.
We walked the long, sandy expanse of Airforce Beach.
Took a day trip to Campbell River, where we:
Hiked to the stunning Elk Falls Suspension Bridge
Toured the Quinsam Salmon Hatchery
Strolled the Campbell River harbour and enjoyed a seafood lunch
Returned to Nanaimo for another delicious lunch at Horang Korean Restaurant
Gave our travel trailer a “spa day” with a thorough exterior cleaning
Enjoyed a visit at our campsite from great friends Lito and Kelly, who we met in Hawaii many years ago and who also live in Comox
This was our longest stay in one campground so far, and we truly appreciated the slower pace.
With Billy & Gwen at Comox Harbour
Dinner at the Black Finn
Hiking to Elk Falls Suspension Bridge
Campbell River Waterfront
Airforce Beach, Comox
31 Ranger Tug's at a Comox Rendezvous
Lunch at Horang Korean Restaurant
Doe and two fawns at Airforce Campground
Campbell River
Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Campbell River has a rich history spanning thousands of years. The region is the traditional territory of the We Wai Kai (Cape Mudge) and Wei Wai Kum (Campbell River) First Nations.
Its fame as a sport fishing destination began in the 1920s and ’30s, drawing in celebrities like author Zane Grey and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The Tyee Pool became legendary for its giant Chinook salmon, and the Tyee Club of British Columbia, founded in 1924, introduced strict fishing rules—light tackle and rowboats only.
The construction of the Elk Falls pulp and paper mill in 1952 brought hundreds of jobs and helped anchor the local economy for decades. Logging, fishing, and forestry dominated much of the 20th century. Today, Campbell River is a thriving coastal community that proudly embraces its Indigenous roots and industrial heritage.
Back to the Mainland – Powell River
On Tuesday, July 29, we had the shortest travel day of our trip. We left Comox, drove a few minutes to the Little River Ferry Terminal, and took a 90-minute ferry to Powell River. From the ferry dock, it was just a short drive to our destination—Willingdon Beach Campsite, right on the waterfront. Total driving distance of under 7 kilometres.
We stayed in Powell River for six days, enjoying quality time with my cousin Kate and her family plus my sister Leslie (from Vancouver) who timed her usual summer visit to Kate & Evan with ours.
Powell River is perched on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, a stretch of mainland coast extending 180 km from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound. Rugged mountains isolate it from the rest of the province—though it’s on the mainland, access is only possible by ferry, private boat, or plane.
The Sunshine Coast lies within the traditional territories of the Tla’amin, Klahoose, shíshálh, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and Homalco Nations.
Powell River’s history is tied to industry. In 1910, the Powell River Company built the world’s first newsprint mill using groundwood pulp and hydroelectricity using the nearby dammed river. At its height, the mill was the largest of its kind, drawing workers from across Canada. A model company town grew around it, with neighbourhoods and amenities—many of which still exist today.
A highlight of Powell River is the original townsite, now a National Historic District. With its Arts and Crafts homes, grid layout, and landmarks like the Patricia Theatre (BC’s oldest continuously operating cinema), it offers a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century life.
After WWII, the community expanded with new schools, arts centres, and recreational facilities. The mill, later merged with MacMillan Bloedel, operated until its closure in 2005.
While in Powell River, we:
Swam in Powell Lake, just a short walk from Kate and Evan’s home
Drove to Lund with Kate and Leslie for lunch at the Boardwalk Restaurant overlooking the harbour, walked the docks and chatted with a Nordic Tug owner, and bought beautiful, locally made wool sweaters at the Pollen Sweater Store
Celebrated Emma and Evan’s birthdays with a cozy family dinner at Kate and Evan's house
Visited Emma and Bronte at their home to see all their major renovations, followed by a hike along the Sunset Park Trail with Emma, their dog Milo, Kate, and Leslie
Attended the Willingdon Beach Farmers Market, which Kate helped launch this spring
Picked wild blackberries, abundant all over town
Walked the Sea Walk (and picked more blackberries!)
Enjoyed a final goodbye dinner with Kate and Leslie at Coastal Cookery, overlooking the ocean
Powell River is a place of exceptional natural beauty—mountains, ocean, and forest all around. Its seclusion helps preserve this charm and supports a peaceful, slow-paced lifestyle. With fewer people and less transience than urban centres, it has a close-knit, friendly community and a surprisingly vibrant arts scene for its size.
That said, isolation does come with trade-offs. It requires two ferries to reach Vancouver. Travel can be time-consuming, expensive, and weather-dependent. Access to consumer goods and building materials may be limited and/or more expensive. Specialized healthcare often means a trip to the Lower Mainland. And in winter, the remoteness can feel isolating to some.
We had a marvellous time in Powell River and wholeheartedly encourage others to include it on their West Coast itinerary. You won’t be disappointed.
Ferry to Powell River swallows up hundreds of cars
Leslie, Kate, Evan & Fran
Tug'n at Willingdon Beach Campground, Powell River
Swam here at Powell Lake
Chief wild blackberry picker - they are everywhere
Wilkinson Beach Park - the site of the annual Lumber Festival - pole climbing is one of many competitions (they really are as tall as they look)
Chainsaw carving contest at Willingdon Beach Park
Lunch at the Boardwalk Restaurant in Lund
Kate, Fran, Leslie, Emma and Milo on our hike on Sunset Park Trail
Next Episode: Making our way to British Columbia’s Okanagan Region 🌿🍇
