No matter the time of year you’re looking to visit Campbell River, knowing where to stay is always at the top of the planning ‘to do’ list. On Vancouver Island, getting cozy is always in season. If you’re looking to cozy up during the cooler months of the year with accommodations that make you feel miles away from civilization, with the comforts of the city close-by, you’ll want to save this list!
Slow down and cozy up this season in our coastal town, with nature and the comforts of the city right at your fingertips.
Close to the City Centre
If you want to comfort of cozy accommodations with the amenities of a small city right at your finger tips, check out these spots below.
Thunderbird Resort & RV Park
Thunderbird RV Park and Resort is an Indigenous owned business and has provided year round accommodations for over 40 years in Campbell River. The peaceful and scenic resort is located in the heart of the city and conveniently located close to all shopping amenities. For the avid RV’er or van life liver, they also offer 5 fully serviced RV sites to suit your RV’ing needs including spacious big rig friendly pull-through and ocean view sites.
They offer 4 beautiful cottages which are located in the area of the park named – Tl’a Deece – which translates “where the sea water meets the fresh water”. Each cottage is named after a local animal or mythic being from the traditional stories. Local artists were invited to create individual carvings and they are displayed in front of each cottage. Their cozy cottages with spectacular views of the estuary and ocean complete with hot tubs on private decks.
To learn more visit – https://thunderbirdrvpark.com/
Dolphins Resort
Dolphins Resort stands on a 4-acre heritage property with sweeping views of the Discovery Passage and the Coast Mountains. Built-in the 1940s, Dolphins Resort is one of British Columbia’s original sportfishing destinations. The Resort has been kept in fabulous condition over the years by generations of doting owners. Each cabin has its own unique personality to suit yours. Envision your own personal hot tub and wood-burning fireplace to come home to at the end of your adventure-packed day.
Dolphins Resort offers a number of fishing vacations that appeal to anglers of all skill levels. They offer guided ocean fishing charters, overland fly fishing trips, and operate a high-end helicopter fly-fishing program. For the non-fishermen, whale watching, glacier tours, and other unique coastal experiences are at your fingertips.
To learn more visit – https://www.dolphinsresort.com/
A Short Drive From the City
If you’re looking to get a little further away from the city centre, and really feel like you’re cozying up somewhere far away, check out these spots.
Oyster Bay Resorts
Oyster Bay Resorts is located between Campbell River and Courtenay/Comox. Their unique chalets have sprawling ocean views of Georgia Strait and daily seaside sunrises and sunsets from your private deck. Perfect for families and reunions, the resort offers wireless internet service, books/games, horseshoe pits and bocce ball court. For large groups, their outdoor pagoda has gas barbecues and picnic tables, along with a fire pit to relax by and roast marshmallows in the evening. They also have a cottage with accessibility features that makes it wheelchair accessible, and they also allow small pets to join you during your stay.
To learn more visit – http://www.oysterbayresort.com/
Browns Bay Resort
Located just north of Campbell River, Browns Bay Resort is the perfect base for adventure in Campbell River. Their accommodations offer a taste of refined island life in many fashions: seaside cabins, float house suites, glamping tents, and a fully serviced RV Park. Tucked into the shoreline of the Seymour Narrows, this location provides easy water access if you’ve brought your own boat. However, even without a vessel, you’ll have first-class tickets to regular wildlife sightings via travelling whales, resident eagles, pods of dolphins, and more. Check out the nearby Ripple Rock Trail, mountain bike on one of the local trail networks, or stay right in your wild luxury paradise for the day. If you’re there in the fall, you’ll be privy to their chum derby, a popular event among locals and return visitors. Kitchen amenities are available on-site, however, there is also the Narrows floating restaurant featuring all-you-can-eat crab dinners and other popular cuisines.
To learn more visit – https://brownsbayresort.com/
Planning Ahead
When planning a trip to Campbell River it is important to keep a few important factors in mind:
- If you are taking BC Ferries from the mainland over to Vancouver Island it’s best to reserve your spot ahead of time, especially if you are traveling during a holiday or on the weekend.
- Campbell River is a 3 and a half hour drive from Victoria, and an hour and 45 minute drive from Nanaimo.
- If you’re flying into the Comox Valley Airport, you will need to arrange a rental car ahead of time in order to drive to Campbell River.
- Always make sure you book your accommodation ahead of time whether it’s a hotel, cabin, private or provincial campsites.
- Rec sites in the region are first come first serve, some hosted sites have fees. Rec sites take a little bit of extra work to find as they are dispersed along logging roads (these roads are gravel and can be very rough) so keep that in mind if it’s a part of your plans.
