The easiest way from Campbell River to the Ripple Rock Trail is by car. Confirm the trailhead location and current parking on a map app or a regional trail listing before you leave, because the trailhead is reached by a side road off the highway.
Driving to the trailhead
Ripple Rock is the submerged hazard in Seymour Narrows, in Discovery Passage near Quadra Island, and the trail is the hike that looks toward it. The route runs from Highway 19 onto local roads, and the exact turns are best taken from a current map instead of memory. Save an offline map first, since phone coverage can drop on the way.
Leave early if you can. Small trailhead parking areas fill up on sunny days, and a late start can mean waiting for a space. Park only where parking is allowed, and do not block the road.
Without a car
No public bus to the trailhead was found. The BC Transit trip planner shows what runs in the Campbell River area, but plan on a taxi or ride for the last stretch. The Campbell River taxi page lists local options, and the taxi fare estimator gives a rough idea of the cost. Arrange the pickup for the return before you head up the trail, because getting a ride from a trailhead is harder than from town.
Coming over from Vancouver
The usual route is a BC Ferries sailing to Vancouver Island, then Highway 19 north to Campbell River. Check the BC Ferries sailing schedule and the road conditions for the current times and any delays. Campbell River also has an airport, and the airline schedules show which flights are running.
On the trail
Wear sturdy shoes, carry water and charge your phone. Wet roots and rock are slippery, so poles can help in the rain. In fall and winter, dress in layers and turn back if the trail turns slick or the weather worsens. Take your litter out with you and watch for wildlife.
The Museum at Campbell River has exhibits on the history of Ripple Rock and the 1958 blast that cleared it, which makes a good stop before or after the hike.