The way to get from Campbell River to Gold River is to drive Highway 28, which links the two towns directly across the northern part of Vancouver Island. The highway is close to 100 km long, so plan on a good part of an hour and a half or more, depending on weather and stops.
Highway 28 through Strathcona
The road starts in Campbell River and heads west along Upper Campbell Lake. It then runs through Strathcona Provincial Park beside the Elk River before dropping toward Gold River on the coast. Much of it is two lanes with bends and hills, so it feels slower than the distance suggests.
Fill the tank in Campbell River. Services are thin once you leave town, and a long drive on a winding road is not the place to watch the fuel gauge.
Weather and road conditions
The highway climbs through mountain country, and snow, ice, rain or fog can change a trip quickly in the colder months. Check DriveBC for closures, construction and weather alerts before you set off, and again if the forecast turns. Winter tires are a sensible choice for this road from autumn through spring.
Daylight helps on the winding sections. If you plan a late departure in winter, build in extra time or consider leaving the next morning.
If you would rather not drive
A local driver knows the road and the conditions. For a ride from Campbell River, see Campbell River taxi, and ask about the fare for a long run before you book. For a rough price on any trip, the taxi fare estimator gives a starting figure.
Public transit between the two towns is not something to count on, so look at the BC Transit trip planner for current options before you rely on it. Visitors with a vehicle will also want to check the Gold River end for the services they need, since the town is a quiet place compared with Campbell River.
Whichever way you travel, tell someone your plan and expected arrival time. Phone coverage can drop along parts of the route, so download an offline map before you leave town.