We were looking for a cabin on the ocean that slept four and 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
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
Five large, fully-stocked log cabins and a full beach house are available to rent, all with gorgeous ocean views. Sit on your private deck and watch the many large vessels navigating the narrows, and possibly even some wildlife. While 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 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! These cliff-side tents have power but are geared towards those looking for a more tent-like experience (although you still aren't 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 RV or tent is more your thing, 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 on the water and in the trees. Although these sites aren't overly private, your view will most likely compensate for that. There is also a dedicated tenting area hidden among the large trees.
Resort Features
The resort has a large clubhouse with a full kitchen, plenty of seating, a wood-burning stove, a pool, and a foosball table. Next to this building, you'll find the indoor hot tub, a small fitness room, and a small outdoor playground.
The Fishing Pier is a great spot to cast your line. A fish-cleaning facility is right there for those who catch a fish. 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.
You'll find a lovely little trail near the tenting sites that winds its way through a mature forest. It's a great spot to stretch your legs and escape 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 is 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 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 and 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 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. Now, you see 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 south of Brown's Bay Resort.
Use the AllTrails app to help guide you along.
Things to Do Nearby
Nearby Campbell River has much to offer visitors. Several tours are available for those wishing to see wildlife on land and in the ocean. As fishing is a popular sport in Campbell River, there are many fishing charters, too. 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:
- Grizzly Bear Expedition
- Whale Watching Tour
- Big Animal Encounter
- Kayaking with Whales and Wildlife
- Whales, Wildlife & Culture
- Indigenous Culture & Wildlife Tour
- Self-guided tour of the amazing driftwood sculptures in and around Campbell River
I highly recommend checking out Octopus Islands, which is found off the northeast side of Quadra Island, for anyone who owns their own boat.
Have you been to Brown's Bay Resort? Let us know about your experience in the comment section below.
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