In 1983, the City of Campbell River established a sister city relationship with Ishikari in Hokkaido, Japan. This 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 to Ishikari. In exchange, Ishikari presented the Torii gate. In Shinto tradition in Japan, Torii gates recognize a special location or place. The gate is located in Sequoia Park, across from the Museum at Campbell River.
In 2013, at the 30th anniversary event, the Campbell River and Ishikari celebrated having one of the most successful Sister City relationships in Canada. As part of these celebrations, a delegation from Ishikari joined in Campbell River’s Canada Day celebrations. In September of that year, a delegation from Campbell River visited Ishikari to celebrate their Salmon Festival.
In 2023, delegations once again visited each City to celebrate the 40th anniversary.
The efforts of the Campbell River Twinning Society helped build the sister-city relationship. The Campbell River Twinning Society disbanded in 2024.