Renting in Campbell River in 2026

Campbell River is the main supply and service hub of northern Vancouver Island, with a population of about 38,300 as of Statistics Canada's 2025 estimate. Long known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," it has grown well past its fishing-town roots into a diversified base for aquaculture, mining, and BC Hydro operations feeding the North Island.

Campbell River's rental market leans harder toward single-family houses than most towns of its size: search demand for houses for rent in Campbell River consistently outpaces demand for apartments, reflecting both the town's suburban-style housing stock and a workforce that skews toward families relocating for resource-sector jobs. If you're renting here, expect a wider selection of detached and semi-detached homes on the market than purpose-built apartment units, particularly outside the compact downtown core near the waterfront.

The local economy runs on the following:

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  Campbell River Hospital, rebuilt in a roughly $300 million project completed 2017-2018
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  BC Hydro, operating a hydroelectric generating station in the area since 1947
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  School District 72 (Campbell River)
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  Aquaculture and mining across the North Island

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  Discovery Passage, the strait between Vancouver Island and Quadra Island, ranked among the world's top dive sites
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  Discovery Pier, a 600-foot public fishing pier and local landmark
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  The Tyee Club (established 1924), tied to Campbell River's identity as the "Salmon Capital of the World"
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  Elk Falls Provincial Park and its waterfall

Every rental in Campbell River is governed by the BC Residential Tenancy Act. Key rules that apply regardless of town size:

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  Rent increases are capped at 2.3% for 2026 and 2.2% for 2027.Once every 12 months, with at least 3 full months' written notice.
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  Security deposit capped at half a month's rent.A separate pet damage deposit, also capped at half a month's rent, is allowed on top of it.
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  Landlord entry requires 24 hours' written notice.For repairs, showings, or inspections.
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  Disputes go to the RTB.A $100 flat fee applies to file a Dispute Resolution application.
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  A condition inspection report is required at move-in and move-out.If a landlord skips it, they forfeit the right to claim against the deposit for damage.

Deep guides for each of these topics are in the SQRFT guide library.

• Statistics Canada 2021 Census Profile
• School District 72 (Campbell River)
• BC RTB