We decided to wind down our North Vancouver Island adventures with a stay at Dolphin’s Resort in Campbell River, where a group of 1940’s rustic cabins command a view of both the Discovery Passage and Coast Mountains.
The resort is nicely spread out between pine trees and colourful foliage.
Several generations of local owners have maintained and decorated these 13 cabins over the decades. For two nights, cabin five, a duplex cabin with jacuzzi, outdoor seating, wood-burning fireplace and full kitchen is ours to enjoy. Many of the cabins (including this one) overlook the ocean.
A flatscreen TV is about the only modern amenity in our cabin. Antiques and curios fill the cabin, from two tiny beside tables to a wooden door unit containing hooks and a built-in bench. What the cabin lacks in tech-friendly outlets, it makes up for in wrought iron hooks, beautiful wooden walls and floors, plus that wood-burning fireplace set onto brick tiles.
The waves lapping at the shoreline below, just a short stroll along the path from the front door, add a serene quality to our stay, with ever-changing skies and birds skimming the water.
This is autumn in Campbell River, and with it, clouds break into periods of bright sun, then return to host a few rain showers.
The resort was full on the weekend of our stay (and bookings are high even through the pandemic), but I imagine if we’d had the chance to view other cabins, they’d each have their own charm and decor.
A small wooden dining table for two in the kitchen is handy for afternoon coffee, a couple of meals and snacks.
Dining
The resort’s own Anglers Dining Room, open year-round, serves up breakfast and dinner with a West Coast flair.
It too offers a beautiful oceanfront view, historic fishing decor and a rustic wood interior. Menus highlight seasonal, sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients paired with BC wines, beer and cocktails.
This cabin is ideal for couples or small families, and in the world of COVID, having a private cabin to call home offers a safety bubble that many will find comforting.
The unique property is about a five-minute drive from downtown Campbell River, perfectly suited for fishing, whale-watching tours, hikes and kayaking.
Dolphin’s Resort is located at 4125 Discovery Drive in Campbell River, BC.
A one-night stay was compliments of Dolphin’s Resort for the purpose of this feature. We paid for the second night (note there is a two-night minimum stay in the cabins). Opinions, as always, remain our own.