Campbell River

Campbell River sits where Vancouver Island’s wilderness meets the sea, earning its reputation as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” This isn’t just tourism marketing—the waters here genuinely produce some of the planet’s most legendary fishing, drawing anglers who’ve traveled from every continent to cast lines in Discovery Passage.

The numbers tell a story of steady growth and demographic shift. With 35,519 residents and 7.6% population growth since 2016, Campbell River attracts people seeking something most cities can’t deliver: immediate access to both ocean and old-growth forest. The median age of 48 reflects a community where experience matters, and with 26.1% of residents over 65, there’s substantial equity sitting in those single-detached homes that make up 60.8% of the housing stock.

What sets Campbell River apart isn’t just the natural setting—it’s the infrastructure that supports a real economy. Healthcare and social assistance employ 16.8% of workers, while retail trade captures another 13.4%. The forestry, fishing, and hunting sector at 7.7% employment might seem modest, but it anchors the community’s identity and brings serious money through the port.

The unemployment rate of 8.7% deserves context. This isn’t urban joblessness—it’s often seasonal workers between contracts or people choosing lifestyle over constant employment. When your backyard includes world-class hiking, kayaking, and fishing, the definition of “making it” shifts considerably.

For mortgage brokers, Campbell River represents the sweet spot of Island lending. Our maximum 65% LTV reflects confidence in a market supported by lifestyle migration, tourism infrastructure, and resource industry stability. The median household income of $78,000 combined with substantial home equity creates opportunities for debt consolidation, renovations, and bridge financing that simply don’t exist in markets where people are stretched thin on their first mortgages.

Campbell River proves that small-town British Columbia can offer big-city amenities—including reliable mortgage solutions for clients who’ve chosen substance over flash.