On Vancouver Island, the golf-and-fishing combo is tough 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 bliss-filled “marriage,” you’ve no doubt got your favorite places to bag birdies in the morning and land lunkers in the afternoon. (Or vice versa.) My favorite destination for “fins and skins?” Vancouver Island.

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

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 multiple times a day from a couple of mainland terminals near Vancouver), Vancouver Island has long been regarded as one of the best island getaways in North America. In fact, travel media heavyweight Conde Nast has repeatedly touted VI as one of the best island vacation destinations in the world. Pristine Pacific Northwest scenery, outstanding restaurants and resorts, easy-going vibes, uncrowded beaches, sublime seaside trails, world-class whale-watching — this is just a sampling of the many attractions on this 300-mile-long island.

And if golf and fishing is your game, you’re best off spending the bulk of your time farther north on the island near Campbell River. However, you should definitely spend some time exploring Victoria’s spectacular Inner Harbour, craft breweries, cafes and European-like charms. Victoria, which is British Columbia’s provincial capital, has plenty of tourism appeal and a rich marine history.

A two-night stay in Greater Victoria at Westin Bear Mountain, which is home to two outstanding Nicklaus-designed golf courses, would be the ideal way to get your adventure underway. The terrain that both courses (Mountain and Valley) dip and dive through is rocky and rugged and never boring. Moss-coated rock outcroppings, towering cedar and arbutus trees, deep ravines, spirited creeks, spring-fed lakes; the sum of the parts is a drama-filled brand of golf that many would say is the best on the island.

Located approximately 165 miles north of Victoria on the Island Highway (the drive is, at times, stunning), Campbell River is a small seaside outpost that’s often called the “Salmon Capital of the World.” The centuries-old fishing history here is due, in large part, to the geographic setup. The channel here (the Discovery Passage) narrows, funnelling fish through the waters just offshore of Campbell River. And five different salmon species — Chinook (also called King), Coho, Pink, Chum and Sockeye — all migrate through the passage in mass numbers. Also, for trip planning purposes, the salmon runs start in May and go through October. August and September can be phenomenal, which conveniently coincides perfectly with the best time to play golf.

However, while the fishing in Campbell River is excellent, the channel can get busy. Especially in summer. Everyone wants a piece of the action. My advice? First play your golf in Campbell River — Storey Creek is a must and additional rounds at the Campbell River Golf Club and Crown Isle Golf Resort are definitely worth incorporating — and then head to a tucked-away lodge on the west side of the island for a few days of unforgettable salmon fishing. (More on that later.)

In terms of the golf and where to stay in Campbell River, the obvious choice is Naturally Pacific Resort. A brand 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 food, luxury spa, indoor/outdoor pools and spacious and contemporary suites are just some of the selling points.

For golfers, perhaps the best attribute is where it’s situated; about twenty steps from the first tee of the Campbell River Golf Club. A sporty parkland test that boasts, perhaps, the best turf conditions west of Augusta (not kidding), the CRGC is the quintessential resort golf experience. The course is beautiful, relatively straight-forward and easy to play, and, yes, turf conditions are off-the-charts good.

The Storey Creek Golf Club, which is located just south of Campbell River in a dense mixed forest, is a different type of experience. And, if you enjoy courses woven through wilderness, this is one you’ll savor. In order to hit a house, condominium, or any other manmade structure of any kind, you’ll have to hit your ball about 4,000 yards off line — a unique skill that only a few select golfers (I might be one of them) possess. Designed by prolific Canadian architect Les Furber, Storey Creek is also a strong, well-rounded test that requires precision off the tee. But it’s the peaceful “in nature” atmosphere here that really stands out.

Although the Crown Isle Golf Resort in nearby Courtenay has residential development, the Graham Cooke-designed golf course is scenic and enjoyable from start to finish. It’s another strong Pacific Northwest test with towering trees, plenty of water and a wonderful clubhouse that reigns regally 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 at-sea-level yardage and undulating terrain is demanding for the average Joe. Tip: play one tee up from where you normally would.

After you’ve won all your “skins,” you’ll want to focus on your “fins” for the next portion of your adventure. On my last trip to the Campbell River region (June 2024), I was fortunate to visit one of the premier fishing lodges in the Pacific Northwest. The Moutcha Bay Resort, located approximately two hours west of Campbell River on Nootka Sound, knocks it out of the park for a spectacular salmon fishing foray.

Owned and operated by Nootka Marine Adventures, The Moutcha Bay Resort specializes in custom fishing adventures in the salmon-rich waters of Nootka Sound. In addition to brand new luxury yurt lodging (they actually have three separate lodges in the area), this resort boasts the best guides, the best state-of-the-art fishing fleet (they’re the only lodge in BC that has Seakeeper 3 Stabilizers that eliminate pitch-and-roll, reducing seasickness), gourmet food, full-service marina, gift shop, kayaking and SUPing in the cove, plus much more. Also, the west coast scenery from the seaside accommodation 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 storied region. For example, at the very tip of Nootka Sound, Friendly Cove is one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in North America. People have been living there for over 4,300 years. The cove 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 to Friendly Cove and met the residents who were, in short, “friendly.”) Friendly Cove is also home to a historic and beautifully-kept lighthouse operated by Parks Canada. Walking around this ancient village and exploring the site after we were done fishing was one of the highlights of my trip.

Naturally, given the success of my big adventure, a couple of chilled craft beers were in order on my final night at Moutcha Bay. After all, I was coming home with “fins and skins.” And beer, if you ask me, pairs well with anything.

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