How a small British Columbia city became the self-proclaimed salmon capital of the world

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Perched on the edge of Vancouver Island, Campbell River has long defined itself by its connection to the sea. From its origins as a hub for Indigenous nations to its transformation into a legendary destination for sport anglers, this coastal community balances industrial history with a deep-rooted obsession with salmon.

The area surrounding Campbell River was originally inhabited by the Kʼómoks and Coast Salish peoples. By the 18th century, the Kwakwakaʼwakw, specifically the Laich-kwil-tach, migrated into the region. These newcomers established themselves as a dominant force, eventually absorbing the local population. Their presence was noted by Captain George Vancouver in 1792, who encountered a small group of Salish-speaking inhabitants while exploring the channel now known as Discovery Passage. By the mid-19th century, the Laich-kwil-tach controlled the area, armed with European rifles, when the HMS Plumper arrived on a cartography mission.

The community's modern identity began to coalesce in the early 20th century. Named after Dr. Samuel Campbell, a surgeon on the HMS Plumper, the town officially established its post office in 1907. Its reputation as a premier fishing destination grew rapidly after the 1880s, fueled by the accounts of prominent anglers. The 1924 formation of the Campbell River Tyee Club, intended to address concerns over salmon over-fishing, cemented the city's status as a global hub for sport fishing. This allure even drew Hollywood celebrities like Bob Hope and Bing Crosby to local establishments such as Painter's Lodge.

Beyond its fishing fame, Campbell River evolved into a significant industrial center. Following the Second World War, the construction of the John Hart Dam and the Elk Falls Mill ushered in a period of rapid growth. While the mill eventually closed in 2009, the city remains a vital supply point for the northern reaches of Vancouver Island. Today, the city serves as a boundary between the developed south and the island's wilder northern landscapes, maintaining its heritage through fish hatcheries and a long-standing sister-city relationship with Ishikari, Japan, which is similarly defined by the importance of salmon.

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