Each fall masses of salmon return to the Campbell River to spawn. We're lucky to have an opportunity to swim with the salmon runs, and witness this spectacle from such a sensational vantage point. Fisheries officials have asked that snorkelers enter the river below the Quinsam River to avoid disturbing the spawning runs. Please don't swim near salmon spawning (digging) in the shallow areas on gravel beds. Disturbances during this stressful time could seriously impact mating success and egg survival. Judicious use of the river will ensure that we can all continue to enjoy it.
The logging bridge at Detweiler and Highway 28 is the preferred entry. There's lots of room for parking and easy access to the water from a sandy shoreline. Gear up on the beach above the bridge, adjust your outfit in the shallow water, then float through the centre span and you're on your way.
You'll see more fish if you lie quietly in the water and let the current carry you along. Splashing and diving will scare the salmon and disturb the fly fishermen who are also using the river. Watch out for Spring Salmon, Pinks, Coho and Chum; you'll also see trout and crayfish. Sometimes you'll find seals hunting near the exit point.
As you approach the highway bridges, stay to the right. The left bank is very shallow. There are a few short stretches of faster water, studded with boulders over which the river rushes. Relax and enjoy the ride. In a wetsuit, you'll float high in the water and be carried over and around obstacles.
The best exit point is at the dead end of Maple Street, (behind the Quinsam Hotel). Take a look at the spot before you drive up to the logging bridge, so that you'll recognise it easily from the water. A steep bank of tumbled rock enters the water at the end of Maple Street. Just down river, a path and much lower rocky shoreline offers a good place to climb out. A back eddy here makes it easy. There's plenty of room to park a pick up vehicle at the end of the road. Load up your gear and head back to the logging bridge; one run is never enough.
You can rent the gear to float the river from Beaver Aquatics. We provide a four-hour rental of wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins, for $30.00 (plus tax) per person. Reservations are recommended (We need to know height, weight and shoe size). Check out our rentals page for more information.
Please be aware that this is a natural adventure. The only guarantee of safety is to use your own common sense and good judgement.
