Tourism

The Campaign to Experience Local

The Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce and Destination Campbell River have launched an EXPERIENCE LOCAL campaign for tourism.

They ask that people show their support on social media by using the hashtags #DiscoverCampbellRiver and #BCTourismCounts. 

Elk Falls byTyler Cave Productions Photography provided by Destination Campbell River

The Challenge

Mary Ruth Snyder,  Executive Director of the Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce, which represents Cortes, Quadra and the rest of the Discovery Islands as well as Campbell River, says, “The biggest challenge for the tourism sector throughout the Campbell River area is that we may have to make it through a second summer without international travel. One summer, they were able to manage okay. They limped along with the domestic tourism. It is going to be very challenging to make it through a second summer, because following a second summer is a second winter when they have to keep lights on through the winter months to get to the Spring of 2022, when everyone is hoping the world is opened wide up again.” 

Tyee Spit, Campbell River, by Tyler Cave Productions Photography provided by Destination Campbell River

Experience Local

Last year the community got behind local tourism businesses and operators through the Explore Next Door campaign.

She says it is time to do it again. 

There are a multitude of ways you can help save our summer. 

“Here you have coming up Father’s Day, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries: all sorts of potential celebrations. One of the best ways you could celebrate is to choose a local experience,” said Snyder.

Aerial view of Heriot Bay, Quadra Island, by Bluetree Photography provided by Destination Campbell River

Some local ideas

“Maybe that experience is leaving Campbell River for the day, driving across Quadra to Cortes and enjoying some of the amazing amenities over on Cortes Island and going on a tour with the tour operators there. Or staying in Campbell River. Or maybe the people from Cortes come into Campbell River for the day and enjoy any one of the tours that are being offered here locally.” 

Snyder suggests that people get away by booking a room in one of Campbell River’s seaside motels or hotels, or finding a retreat on one of the neighbouring islands. 

“After being cooped up within four walls for 14 months … a little get-away, even if it’s just a little hop across the water, is still going to feel like getting away and that supports the local tourism operators.” 

She added that, “One of the really awesome day trips out of Campbell River could be a drive up to Gold River, Tahsis or Zeballos. Maybe a day of hiking in the Strathcona Regional Park, or a walk up to Elk Falls. It’s amazing up there. We have so many natural resources in the Strathcona Regional District! Get outside with your family and enjoy local experiences.”

(Hiking, biking, picnicking, exploring local beaches: there are numerous suggestions in the podcast above.)  

Discovery Fishing Pier, Campbell River, by Tyler Cave Productions Photography provided by Destination Campbell River

Explore Next Door

The idea of promoting local tourism took root last summer, when the local industry was reeling from the impacts of COVID 19. Snyder says the “Explore Next Door” campaign was a success. 

“The Chamber of Commerce collaborated with the City of Campbell River economic development team, the Downtown Campbell River BIA, Willow Point BIA. Everybody banded together over the past year to really support, and get the messaging out, to support local,” says Snyder. 

“Because of that, our retail stores really had a great Fall and into Christmas. It was enough to get them through to where we are now.” 

One of the other things contributing to the area’s success, was everyone pivoted early. 

They embraced e-commerce, curb-side pick-up, delivery and a number of other mechanisms that are still in place. 

“That has helped them take advantage of both markets: e-commerce and in person. So whatever it is you are looking for, you can now find it anywhere in Campbell River,” says Snyder.  

Fishing by Tyler Cave Productions Photography provided by Destination Campbell River

Links of Interest:

Quadra Island by Bluetree Photography provided by Destination Campbell River

Top photo credit: Kayaking on Cortes Island courtesy corteskayaks.com 

Sign-up for Cortes Currents email-out:

To receive an emailed catalogue of articles on Cortes Currents, send a (blank) email to subscribe to your desired frequency: