Oyster River Potholes
A Vancouver Island secret (or perhaps not so secret) – the Oyster River Potholes are the perfect stop on any trip to or from Campbell River.
With some of the clearest waters you’ll ever experience, this is a secret worth sharing!
Location
The Oyster River Potholes are accessed from the Inland Island Highway (Highway 19), near the Cranberry Road exit. You can park along either side of the highway, making it easy to reach no matter which direction you’re coming from. Just be sure to pull fully off the road and use caution when getting out of your vehicle – traffic moves quickly here at 110 km/h.
Direction
To reach the potholes walk towards the Oyster River sign (you should be on the side of the bridge closest to Campbell River) and head underneath the bridge to the railing. Follow left along the river only a few minutes, and you’ll come across a series of potholes and a perfect spot to swim!
*There is another location further up river, however requires more forward planning and driving along a rough road to reach them.
Potholes
There are four main potholes perfect for swimming (and for snapping the best photos), but you’ll find more further along in either direction, plus plenty of deep areas for diving or jumping in!
Even on busy days, you can still enjoy your own little slice of the spot. It’s become one of my favourite places to swim – hopefully it’ll be yours too!
Whether you come for the refreshing swims, the photo-worthy views, or just to soak up a summer afternoon, the Oyster River Potholes are well worth a visit.
And if you’re looking to make a full day of it, there are plenty of nearby adventures to explore – from guided nature tours to kayaking trips along the coast. Check out some of my favourite local experiences below and turn your pothole visit into the perfect Vancouver Island getaway!
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