The City of Campbell River has been twinned with Ishikari in Hokkaido, Japan since 1983. The sister city relationship was inspired because both communities are known for their salmon. While Campbell River is the self-declared salmon capital of the world, Ishikari is known as a town of salmon.
In 1993, as part of the 10th-anniversary celebrations, the City presented a totem pole carved by Bill Henderson, and Ishikari presented the torii gate, which stands in Sequoia Park, across from the Campbell River Museum.
At the 30th anniversary event, the Campbell River/Ishikari connection was celebrated as one of the most successful Sister City relationships in Canada. A delegation from Ishikari visited to participate in Campbell River’s Canada Day celebrations, and in September of that year, a delegation from Campbell River visited Ishikari to celebrate their Salmon Festival. Delegations also visited each City as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations.
The dedicated efforts of the Campbell River Twinning Society were instrumental in the sister-city relationship before it disbanded in 2023.