Why Retire Here

Arts & Culture

Cultural life in Campbell River is one of our unheralded assets. While many groups provide community participation opportunities, others offer high-level entertainment. The possibilities for personal involvement at whatever level suits you is virtually unlimited.

Cultural Landmarks:

Island Highway

The striking regional Museum at Campbell River overlooks the inner passage and from its main foyer, one can scan on to Quadra Island, and beyond that, the Mainland mountains. This museum offers permanent exhibits and a series of events scheduled year round. As well, a gift shop offers fine First Nations carved jewelry, local interest books, and an array of gift items.

Campbell River's waterfront features a very unique community project in the Maritime Heritage Centre. This imposing building, built by the Daybreak Rotary Club on the foundations of a former sewage treatment plant, now features the fully-restored 80 year-old seine boat BCP 45. This is the fishing vessel that was featured on Canada's $5.00 bill and was a popular exhibit at Vancouver's Expo 86. The Maritime Heritage Centre also features a unique maritime museum and sea-view meeting rooms. Free tours of the Centre and BCP 45 restoration project are conducted by the volunteers 5 days per week all year

Downtown Campbell River

The recently expanded Campbell River Art Gallery is located downtown in the Tyee Plaza and showcases local and West Coast work as well as a variety of programming. Volunteers and new members are welcome.

Immediately across the street, the large Vancouver Island Regional Library sits adjacent to the Tidemark Theatre, a performing arts theatre that presents a yearly schedule of musical events as well as performances by local theatre, dance, and musical groups.

Willow Point

Once a separate little community, Willow Point is now a business and cultural area of Campbell River ten minutes south of downtown along the ocean. It houses the Campbell River Community Arts Council office and arts instructional area in the Sybil Andrews Cottage, a well-known early artist from this area. Frank James Park, again just steps away, is the home to many chain-saw carvings, and houses the annual Shoreline Arts Festival in July, which draws chain saw carvers from all over the world.

North Campbell River

Hidden away a mere ten minutes north of the downtown area on the Gold River Highway, is one of Campbell River¹s greatest treasures, the Haig-Brown House. The Haig-Brown family is honored for their rich contribution to the development of Campbell River. Roderick Haig-Brown was a writer, renowned fisherman and conservationist. His wife Ann was an educator, librarian, mother, compassionate friend and hostess to all who came by. The Transition House is named the Ann Elmore House in her honour. The original home site and the house itself are preserved for generations to come and are open for group use, and casual strolling.

Campbell River & District Public Art Gallery
1235 Shoppers Row 250) 287-2261
Campbell River, B.C art.gallery@crcn.net
V9W 2C7
www.crartgal.ca

Winter Hours - 12:00 to 5:00, Tuesday – Saturday
Summer Hours - 10:00 to 5:00, Monday – Saturday

The Gallery offers continually changing exhibitions, a gift shop, classes, workshops and art appreciation talks. Over 60 volunteers assist in every facet of the gallery experience. Call or check our web site for more info on how you can bring art into your life.

Words on the Water

Words on the Water is an annual festival of writers for readers, held annually in March in the Maritime Heritage Centre. Both well-known and emerging writers from the West Coast engage in panels, readings, talks, and workshops. This highly-acclaimed festival is of interest to everyone who loves reading.

The date for Words on the Water in 2007 is Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31.

Opportunities for Enjoyment

The Arts Calendar is crowded with groups offering musical, theatrical, dance, arts and crafts, and written arts opportunities.
Community Links