Brown's Bay Resort in Campbell River

We were looking for a cabin on the ocean that slept four, as well as a location that had either its own marina or at least a boat launch. I also knew I wanted to head north. After much research, Brown’s Bay Resort in Campbell River ticked all the boxes.

Quick Resort Facts

Cabins, Suites and Glamping tents
RV Park with full hook-ups available, all with an incredible ocean view
Tenting sites in the forest
Onsite store and restaurant
Resort hot tub (1)
Clubhouse and Fitness Room
Playground
Communal firepit
Laundry
Washrooms with hot showers
Fishing pier with a fish cleaning station
Marina and Fuel Dock

Brown's Bay Resort in Campbell River offers log cabins that overlook the ocean. Vancouver Island View

About Brown’s Bay Resort

This full-service resort near Campbell River overlooks Seymour Narrows, a 5 km section of Discovery Passage known for its strong tidal currents and the infamous Ripple Rock. (More about Ripple Rock can be found below).

Accommodations

There are 5 large fully-stocked log cabins and a full beach-house available to rent, all with gorgeous ocean views. Sit on your private deck and watch the many large vessels navigating the narrows, or possibly even some wildlife. While we were there, we spotted a group of otters mingling on the large rocks just below our deck and a pod of dolphins swimming through the passage.

Float suites and rooms are also available at the onsite marina.

Glamping tents provide a bit more rustic charm but are still full of many of the features we have all come to know and love. The deluxe, luxury oceanfront tents are fully equipped with everything you need, including a full three-piece bathroom with hot water! The cliff-side tents come with power but are geared towards those looking for a more tent-like experience (although you still aren’t really roughing it!). Kitchen essentials, bedding, linens and towels are provided with any of the Glamping tents.

Book your accommodations here: Brown’s Bay Resort

If camping in your own RV or tent is more your thing, then you might be interested in setting up at the Ripple Rock RV Park. Part of Brown’s Bay Resort, this RV Park offers 57 full-service sites both on the water and in the trees. Although these sites aren’t overly private, your view will most likely make up for that. There is also a dedicated tenting area hidden among the large trees.

Brown's Bay Resort in Campbell River. Vancouver Island View

Resort Features

The resort has a large clubhouse, featuring a full kitchen, plenty of seating, a wood-burning stove and a pool and foosball table. Next to this building, you’ll find the indoor hot tub, a small fitness room, and a small outdoor playground. Please note, Covid changes the way these facilities can be used and may not be available at all times.

The Fishing Pier is a great spot to cast your line or just sit back and enjoy your surroundings. For those that do catch a fish, a fish-cleaning facility is right there for you. This area is also where you will find the communal firepit.

The office and store offer many necessities, including ice, beverages, sundries, RV supplies, clothing, and an assortment of giftware.

Narrow’s Floating Restaurant features a wide array of menu options. It’s open seasonally for lunch and dinner and provides beautiful bay views.

Near the tenting sites, you’ll find a lovely little trail that winds its way through a mature forest. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and get away from the hot sun.

Book this resort now: Brown’s Bay Resort

The Marina and Fuel Dock

The full-service marina features the following amenities:

Moorage – Daily, Monthly, or Annually with accommodation for large vessels up to 100 feet
Power and Water
Shower Facilities
Boat Ramp
Parking
Wi-Fi

There are two boat ramps available onsite. One near the marina while the other is near the cabins. Both ramps are quite steep, and no dock is provided. For this reason, launching the boat into the water and taking it back out again requires a higher tide. Having no dock to tie up to or stand on also makes it a two-person job, one to drive the boat, the other to drive the vehicle and boat trailer to the parking area.

At the Fuel Dock one can get:

Gas, Diesel, and Oil Services
Ice and Bait
Boat Supplies, including local fishing maps and tackle
Snacks, Ice Cream, and Beverages

Getting There

Brown’s Bay Resort is located 23km north of the city centre of Campbell River. Getting to the resort requires driving on a gravel road for approximately 4.8 km.

From Campbell River:

Follow Hwy 19 through Campbell River heading north towards Port Hardy
Turn right onto Brown’s Bay Road (this is where the gravel starts)
Use the signs to guide you

Ripple Rock

This underwater mountain was responsible for either sinking or damaging more than 120 vessels and claiming 114 lives. In 1958, the mountain was destroyed (blown up with explosives), and 635,028 tonnes of rock and water erupted in a blast that reached 1,000 feet.

To this day, the destruction of Ripple Rock mountain is considered a marvel of engineering. A 4km (one way) hiking trail leads to a spectacular view overlooking this famous site. What you see now is a clear and safe path for the many vessels travelling through the area.

The Ripple Rock trailhead is found off Hwy 19, approximately 7 km’s south of Brown’s Bay Resort.

Black bear spotted on the shores of Campbell River. Vancouver Island View

Things to Do Nearby

Nearby Campbell River has much to offer visitors. There are a number of tours available for those who wish to see wildlife, both on land and in the ocean, as well as fishing charters. Fishing is a popular sport in Campbell River. In fact, it’s nicknamed the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ for its unbeatable fishing experiences.

Here are a few recommendations of some great guided tour ideas that leave from Campbell River: