July 21, 2026 Team Contributor
Travelers looking to avoid crowded tourist hotspots on Vancouver Island now have a new way to reach one of British Columbia’s lesser-known coastal destinations. The new Harbour Air Campbell River service is making it easier for visitors to access Campbell River, where nature-focused experiences, farm-to-table dining, and a slower pace of travel are taking center stage this summer.
Tourists can enjoy nature-focused experiences, a slower pace of travel, and farm-to-table dining this summer with this service.
The new daily seaplane connection links Campbell River with Vancouver Harbour, ruling out the need for ferry crossings and significantly shortening travel times. This route is expected to boost tourism to the region while opening up more convenient access to the East Coast of the island.
Harbour Air Campbell River service – explore the unseen Vancouver Island
Known as the gateway to Northern Vancouver Island, Campbell River sits between Strathcona Provincial Park and Discovery Passage and has long been popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
With the launch of this new air service, the local tourism operators intend to attract travelers who seek alternatives to busier destinations like Tofino and Victoria.
Naturally Pacific Resort is one of the area’s newest hospitality offerings, and it has positioned itself as a base for visitors looking to combine relaxation with outdoor adventure.
Activities range from saltwater fishing and whale watching to hiking and kayaking.
Sustainability, slow travel and food
The tourism push also highlights Campbell River’s rising culinary scene. Naturally Pacific Resort recently launched Grill + Sunset Terrace Patio featuring slow-smoked barbecue and produce sourced from its on-site Pacific Patch Garden.
The 22,500-square-foot garden provides ingredients for the resort’s restaurants while serving as an educational attraction where visitors can learn about orchards, beekeeping, greenhouses, and sustainable growing methods.
The resort has also partnered with Wilderness International, enabling guests who opt out of the daily housekeeping to contribute directly to British Columbia rainforest conservation efforts.
Why it is important
The new Harbour Air Campbell River service comes into the scene as travelers increasingly seek destinations that offer sustainability, nature, and fewer crowds. For Campbell River, this route offers a direct boost to tourism and strengthens access to Vancouver Island’s most iconic and scenic yet overlooked regions.
As summer travel demand stays strong across British Columbia, the Harbour Air Campbell River service can help shift more visitors toward Vancouver Island’s calm north, boosting local tourism while offering travelers a different coastal gateway.

