Campbell River, History
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Before the Europeans arrived on the west coast of Canada the Coast Salish First Nations people occupied the lands in and around Campbell River. The Coast Salish people lived off the ocean and rivers located in the area. In particular the Salmon ( referred to as "K'u ta 'la" ) was considered a special delight and spiritual delicacy.

Many First Nation tribes were mobile in the early days. Many times they were forced to move for food gathering or to take shelter from harsh winter conditions. In the early 1800's, the Coast Salish of Campbell River left their villages and moved south to what is now Comox and Qualicum. Soon after the Laichwiltach people from the Kwaguilth First Nations in Alert Bay migrated south into the vacated villages in Campbell River and to a new village at Cape Mudge on Quadra Island.

History indicates that the first European to discover Campbell River was Sir Francis Drake. Soon later, in 1792, Captain George Vancouver landed on the shores of Quadra Island which is off the east coast of Vancouver Island. On the outside coast of Vancouver Island (west coast) Captain James Cook discovered Nootka Sound in 1778.

Many of the destinations of today are named after the European explorers of our past. In 1860 Captain Richards aboard the H.M.S. Plumper was assigned to name and chart the area around Campbell River, BC. For example Cape Mudge on Quadra Island, BC was named after Captain Vancouver's First Lieutenant, Zachary Mudge who served aboard the H.M.S Discovery. Campbell River is said to be named after Captain Richards staff surgeon, Dr. Samuel Campbell.

In the 1880s many European settlers arrived in Campbell River to set up shop. Buildings were constructed. Trade was established. Roads were built. The growth of the community was fast. So fast that the people felt they needed to protect some of the land from development. It was then that Strathcona Park was created. Strathcona Park was British Columbia's first provincial park spanning over 250 hectares (600,000 acres) and is still Vancouver Island's largest park.

One of Canada's greatest naturalist and conservationists lived in Campbell River, BC in the 1900s. His name was Roderick Haig-Brown . He spent most of his life documenting environmental issues and writing many articles including 25 books. Today Roderick Haig-Brown's home located in Campbell River is a British Columbia Heritage Site with some of his writings on display.

In 1948 the Elk Falls John Hart Dam was built. The building of the dam created opportunity for the local people and changed the face of the community. In 1952 the Elk Falls Pulp and Paper Mill was built on the Discovery Passage and it was the areas largest employer.