On Vancouver Island, the combination of golf and fishing is hard to beat

It’s a well-known fact: golf and fishing go together like cake and ice cream. Chips and salsa. Wine and cheese. You get the idea. It’s a match made in heaven. And, if you’re on board with that blissful “marriage,” you no doubt have your favorite spots to take the birds in the morning and hang out in the afternoon. (Or vice versa.) My favorite destination for “fins and skin?” Vancouver Island.

Why? Simply put, the salmon fishing is legendary and the golf is top notch.

Easily reached by air (Victoria and Comox are the two main airports on the island) or ferry (BC Ferries runs the 1.5-hour route several times a day from several mainland terminals near Vancouver), Vancouver Island has long been considered one of the most good of the island in North America. In fact, travel media heavyweight Conde Nast has consistently touted the VI as one of the best island vacation destinations in the world. Unspoiled Pacific Northwest landscapes, outstanding restaurants and resorts, pleasant atmospheres, deserted beaches, magnificent coastal paths, world-class whale watching – this is just a sampling of the many attractions on this 300-mile-long island.

And if golf and fishing are your game, you’re better off spending most of your time up north on the island near Campbell River. However, you should definitely spend some time exploring Victoria’s spectacular Inner Harbour, craft breweriescafe and beauty like European. Victoria, which is the provincial capital of British Columbia, has plenty of tourist attractions and a rich maritime history.

A two-night stay in Greater Victoria at the Westin Bear Mountain, which is home to two outstanding Nicklaus-designed golf courses, would be the ideal way to start your adventure. The terrain into which both streams (Mountain and Valley) dip and sink is rocky and rugged and never boring. The moss-covered rocks, the tall cedar and arbutus trees, the deep valleys, the living streams, the spring-fed lakes; the sum of the parts is a drama-filled brand of golf that many would argue is the best on the island.

Located approximately 165 miles north of Victoria on the Island Highway (sometimes the drive is breathtaking), Campbell River is a small coastal outpost often called the “Salmon Capital of the World.” The centuries-old history of fishing here is mainly due to the geographical structure. The channel here (Discovery Passage) narrows, passing the fish through the waters just offshore of the Campbell River. And five different species of salmon—Chinook (also called King), Coho, Pink, Chum, and Sockeye—all migrate through the passage in massive numbers. Also, for travel planning purposes, salmon runs begin in May and run through October. August and September can be phenomenal, which coincides perfectly with the best time to play golf.

However, while the fishing on the Campbell River is excellent, the channel can be busy. Especially in summer. Everyone wants a piece of the action. My advice? First play your round of golf in Campbell River – Story Creek is a must and extra rounds at Campbell River Golf Club and Crown Isle Golf Resort are definitely worth including – then head to a gated lodge on the west side of the island for a few unforgettable day of salmon fishing. (More on that later.)

When it comes to golf and where to stay in Campbell River, the obvious choice is Naturally Pacific Resort. A new luxury hotel located just minutes from downtown Campbell River, Naturally Pacific is a boutique hotel experience that has all the bells and whistles. Phenomenal dining, luxurious spas, indoor/outdoor pools and spacious, contemporary suites are just a few of the selling points.

For golfers, perhaps the best attribute is the location; about twenty paces from the first tee of Campbell River Golf Club. A proving ground of the park that boasts arguably the best course conditions west of Augusta (no joke), CRGC is the quintessential resort golf experience. The course is beautiful, relatively straight and easy to play, and, yes, the course conditions are off-the-charts good.

Story Creek Golf Club, located south of Campbell River in a dense mixed forest, is a different kind of experience. And, if you like courses woven through the desert, this is one you’ll enjoy. To hit a house, building, or any other man-made structure, you’ll need to hit the ball about 4,000 yards off the line—a unique skill that only a select few players possess (I might be one of them). . Designed by prolific Canadian architect Les Furber, Storey Creek is also a strong, well-rounded test that demands precision from the tip. But it’s the peaceful “outdoorsy” atmosphere here that stands out.

Although Crown Isle Golf Resort in nearby Courtenay there is residential development, the Graham Cooke designed golf course is picturesque and enjoyable from start to finish. It’s another strong testament to the Pacific Northwest with tall trees, lots of water and a gorgeous clubhouse that reigns supreme over the property. This course has hosted numerous Canadian PGA Tour events and, currently, is a qualifying site for the PGA Tour Americas. So yes, the 7,000-yard course at sea level and rolling terrain is demanding for the average Joe. Tip: play one tee up from where you would normally play.

Once you’ve earned all of your “skins,” you’ll want to focus on your “feathers” for the rest of your adventure. On my last trip to the Campbell River region (June 2024), I was fortunate enough to visit one of the premier fishing lodges in the Pacific Northwest. Moutcha Bay Resort, located roughly two hours west of Campbell River in Nootka Sound, knocks it out of the park for some spectacular salmon fishing.

Owned and operated by Nootka Marine Adventures, Moutcha Bay Resort specializing in custom fishing adventures in the salmon-rich waters of Nootka Sound. In addition to the new luxury yurt accommodation (they actually have three separate lodges in the area), this resort boasts the best guides, the best modern fishing fleet (they are the only lodge in BC that has Seakeeper 3 Stabilizers that eliminate slippage, reduce seasickness), gourmet food, full-service marina, gift shop, kayaking and SUP on the harbor, plus much more. Also, the scenery of the west coast from the accommodation on the coast is spectacular.

On my adventure, not only did we catch our quota before noon (two per person of each species), but we also visited a number of historic sites in this historic region. For example, at the head of Nootka Sound, Friendly Cove is one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in North America. People have lived there for more than 4300 years. The harbor is also where Europeans first made contact with First Nations people in British Columbia. (In 1759, seeking shelter from a storm, Captain James Cook steered his ship into Friendly Cove and encountered residents who were, in short, “friendly.”) Friendly Cove is also home to a historic and beautifully maintained lighthouse. , operated by Parks Canada. Walking around this ancient village and exploring the place after we finished fishing was one of the highlights of my trip.

Of course, given the success of my great adventure, a few cold craft beers were in order on my last night in Moutcha Bay. After all, I was coming home in “feathers and skins.” And beer, if you ask me, goes well with everything.

Andrew Penner is a freelance writer and photographer based in Calgary, Alberta. You can follow him on Instagram here: @andrewpennerphotography.