Our Cottage Guidebook
Sightseeing
Just steps away from the cottage. This bike friendly path takes you into Willow Point (south) or into downtown Campbell River (north).
Seawalk
SeawalkJust steps away from the cottage. This bike friendly path takes you into Willow Point (south) or into downtown Campbell River (north).
WILLOW POINT REEF (there are no signs, but it is fairly easy to find). You can access it from the small parking lot across the road from the Crow’s Nest store.
I have included a map in the pictures to help.
If you love creatures of the ocean, make sure to check out the Willow Point Reef during low tide. It is definitely a must-see!
Willow Point
WILLOW POINT REEF (there are no signs, but it is fairly easy to find). You can access it from the small parking lot across the road from the Crow’s Nest store.
I have included a map in the pictures to help.
If you love creatures of the ocean, make sure to check out the Willow Point Reef during low tide. It is definitely a must-see!
This walk along the Discovery Passage and the Campbell River Estuary boasts great views of Quadra Island, wildlife and cruise ships in the summer. From July 15th to September 15th witness a Campbell River tradition: The Tyee Club rowers and anglers trying to catch a salmon over 30lbs in a wooden rowboat. Take a detour down to the rocky beaches and dip your toes in the chilly Pacific Ocean for a true local experience. Catch a bit of the sunset from the viewing platform on the estuary side of the spit.
Tyee Spit
This walk along the Discovery Passage and the Campbell River Estuary boasts great views of Quadra Island, wildlife and cruise ships in the summer. From July 15th to September 15th witness a Campbell River tradition: The Tyee Club rowers and anglers trying to catch a salmon over 30lbs in a wooden rowboat. Take a detour down to the rocky beaches and dip your toes in the chilly Pacific Ocean for a true local experience. Catch a bit of the sunset from the viewing platform on the estuary side of the spit.
Take a walk along the beautiful Discovery Pier, a popular spot for anglers of all ages. The Pier provides great views of Quadra Island and the Discovery Passage, and is one of Campbell River’s most unique attractions. Open 24 hours a day, the Pier is wheelchair accessible and fully lit. It has built-in rod holders, bait stands, fish cleaning tables, covered areas, picnic tables and benches.
The Ice Cream Shop provides rod and tackle rentals, licenses, and is famous for their delicious ice cream cones and wraps. They are currently (as of September 2022) open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30-4:30.
Discovery Fishing Pier
Discovery Fishing PierTake a walk along the beautiful Discovery Pier, a popular spot for anglers of all ages. The Pier provides great views of Quadra Island and the Discovery Passage, and is one of Campbell River’s most unique attractions. Open 24 hours a day, the Pier is wheelchair accessible and fully lit. It has built-in rod holders, bait stands, fish cleaning tables, covered areas, picnic tables and benches.
The Ice Cream Shop provides rod and tackle rentals, licenses, and is famous for their delicious ice cream cones and wraps. They are currently (as of September 2022) open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30-4:30.
As one of Canada’s largest salmon rearing facilities, the Quinsam Hatchery has been in operation since 1974 playing a vital role in restoring natural spawning runs to the Campbell and Quinsam Rivers during the fall months. The highlight for visitors is the fish floor inside the hatchery’s interpretive centre: it is a glass floor covering a re-creation of the nearby rivers with salmon, trout and other native aquatic species. Providing visitors with information about the salmon life cycle and conservation, the hatchery is open 8:00 am to 3:30 pm daily.
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Quinsam River Hatchery
4217 Argonaut RdAs one of Canada’s largest salmon rearing facilities, the Quinsam Hatchery has been in operation since 1974 playing a vital role in restoring natural spawning runs to the Campbell and Quinsam Rivers during the fall months. The highlight for visitors is the fish floor inside the hatchery’s interpretive centre: it is a glass floor covering a re-creation of the nearby rivers with salmon, trout and other native aquatic species. Providing visitors with information about the salmon life cycle and conservation, the hatchery is open 8:00 am to 3:30 pm daily.
The Aquarium is open Thursday to Monday from 10 am to 7:30 pm and Tuesday/Wednesday from 10:00-4:30 (as of May 2022) at the Discovery Pier in Campbell River. Specimens from representative local species are collected from the marine environment in the spring and returned to the area of collection at the end of the season.
The Discovery Passage Aquarium offers fun and unique hands-on educational experiences for people of all ages. Come to see, touch and feel our incredible local marine species and habitats and discover the diverse marine life of Discovery Passage and Islands.
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Discovery Passage Aquarium
621B Island HwyThe Aquarium is open Thursday to Monday from 10 am to 7:30 pm and Tuesday/Wednesday from 10:00-4:30 (as of May 2022) at the Discovery Pier in Campbell River. Specimens from representative local species are collected from the marine environment in the spring and returned to the area of collection at the end of the season.
The Discovery Passage Aquarium offers fun and unique hands-on educational experiences for people of all ages. Come to see, touch and feel our incredible local marine species and habitats and discover the diverse marine life of Discovery Passage and Islands.
The ferry terminal to Quadra Island is 7 km from the cottage (about a 10 minute drive).
It’s part of the Discovery Islands (also included is Cortes Island).
Check out their website for ideas on what to see and do while visiting - http://www.quadraisland.ca/
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Quadra Island
The ferry terminal to Quadra Island is 7 km from the cottage (about a 10 minute drive).
It’s part of the Discovery Islands (also included is Cortes Island).
Check out their website for ideas on what to see and do while visiting - http://www.quadraisland.ca/
Year round family fun just 50km (40 minute drive) from the cottage.
Mt. Washington Alpine Resort is a year-round recreation destination located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Summer features a new 2.3-kilometre ZipTour, lift-accessed mountain biking, quad bungee trampoline, scenic chairlift rides, disc golf, miniature golf, boardwalk chess and checkers, shopping and dining.
In the winter guests enjoy accessing over 1,700 acres and 505 vertical metres of alpine terrain, 55kms of cross-country skiing and 25kms of snowshoeing trails along with a dedicated Nordic lodge, Tube Park and Fat Bike trails. Far from ordinary, the Resort is home to a rising generation of Winter Olympic and Team Canada Athletes.
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Mount Washington
Mount Washington RoadYear round family fun just 50km (40 minute drive) from the cottage.
Mt. Washington Alpine Resort is a year-round recreation destination located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Summer features a new 2.3-kilometre ZipTour, lift-accessed mountain biking, quad bungee trampoline, scenic chairlift rides, disc golf, miniature golf, boardwalk chess and checkers, shopping and dining.
In the winter guests enjoy accessing over 1,700 acres and 505 vertical metres of alpine terrain, 55kms of cross-country skiing and 25kms of snowshoeing trails along with a dedicated Nordic lodge, Tube Park and Fat Bike trails. Far from ordinary, the Resort is home to a rising generation of Winter Olympic and Team Canada Athletes.
This beautiful park is just South of our cottage (about 10km/12 min. drive), across from the Driftwood Restaurant, and a must see for all the bird watchers out there. The park provides wonderful beach access and gorgeous panoramic views. Oyster Bay Shoreline Park provides 1.72 Hectares of land and holds a ton of history. In the 1930’s, the park was home to a relief camp which was later developed in the 1940’s for a logging camp. You will find home to many habitats at Oyster Bay Shoreline Park including wildlife and many plant species.
To learn more about Oyster Bay Shoreline Park, please visit: https://bcnatureguide.ca/bc-nature-viewing-sites/vancouver-island-region/oyster-bay/
Oyster Bay
4335 BC-19AThis beautiful park is just South of our cottage (about 10km/12 min. drive), across from the Driftwood Restaurant, and a must see for all the bird watchers out there. The park provides wonderful beach access and gorgeous panoramic views. Oyster Bay Shoreline Park provides 1.72 Hectares of land and holds a ton of history. In the 1930’s, the park was home to a relief camp which was later developed in the 1940’s for a logging camp. You will find home to many habitats at Oyster Bay Shoreline Park including wildlife and many plant species.
To learn more about Oyster Bay Shoreline Park, please visit: https://bcnatureguide.ca/bc-nature-viewing-sites/vancouver-island-region/oyster-bay/
Coffee & Tea Shop
A coffee shop on the beach! Sit and relax while enjoying the stunning ocean view. You might even catch a sighting of a pod of killer whales.
This coffee shop is less than 2km from our cottage. Walk north along the Seawalk.
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FoggDukkers Coffee
907 S Island HwyA coffee shop on the beach! Sit and relax while enjoying the stunning ocean view. You might even catch a sighting of a pod of killer whales.
This coffee shop is less than 2km from our cottage. Walk north along the Seawalk.
The Java Shack
1041 Shoppers RowCute, locally owned coffee shop with great food!
Locally owned & operated, and just a short walk from the cottage.
Grab a coffee and head out for a walk along the seawalk.
Serious Coffee Campbell River
2253 S Island HwyLocally owned & operated, and just a short walk from the cottage.
Grab a coffee and head out for a walk along the seawalk.
Just 2km from the cottage!
In addition to their specialty coffee and drink selections, they offer a variety of healthy food options for breakfast, lunch, or a mid-day snack. They’re proud to be partnered with Discovery Coffee from Victoria and they work with several local businesses to bring you baked goods, teas, and seasonal offerings.
There is also a second location that just opened up in Discovery Harbour (downtown).
The Island Grind Coffee & Tea
801 Hilchey RdJust 2km from the cottage!
In addition to their specialty coffee and drink selections, they offer a variety of healthy food options for breakfast, lunch, or a mid-day snack. They’re proud to be partnered with Discovery Coffee from Victoria and they work with several local businesses to bring you baked goods, teas, and seasonal offerings.
There is also a second location that just opened up in Discovery Harbour (downtown).
Stonehouse Teas offers over 120 different types of loose leaf teas, locally roasted organic Aroma coffee and other local tea accessories. They carry everything you need to make the perfect cup of tea including teapots, infusers, tea cups and travel mugs. They have a full-service cappuccino bar and serve other specialty drinks like our famous chai latte. A large selection of cold beverages including, bubble teas, frappes, iced teas and Italian sodas are on the menu as well. Their selection of scones, muffins and signature seasonal cakes and cookies including our famous carrot cake are baked daily.
Stonehouse Teas
605 11 AveStonehouse Teas offers over 120 different types of loose leaf teas, locally roasted organic Aroma coffee and other local tea accessories. They carry everything you need to make the perfect cup of tea including teapots, infusers, tea cups and travel mugs. They have a full-service cappuccino bar and serve other specialty drinks like our famous chai latte. A large selection of cold beverages including, bubble teas, frappes, iced teas and Italian sodas are on the menu as well. Their selection of scones, muffins and signature seasonal cakes and cookies including our famous carrot cake are baked daily.
History
Discover the area’s rich fishing history at the Maritime Heritage Centre. Behold the fully restored motor vessel BCP 45, a table seiner made famous on the Canadian five dollar bill in the 1970s. Now a national historic site, guests are allowed to hop aboard the restored table seiner and explore the cabins below deck. In addition to the BCP 45, the Centre also has an eclectic collection of maritime artifacts that range from model ships to Navy paraphernalia.
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Maritime Heritage Centre
621 Island HwyDiscover the area’s rich fishing history at the Maritime Heritage Centre. Behold the fully restored motor vessel BCP 45, a table seiner made famous on the Canadian five dollar bill in the 1970s. Now a national historic site, guests are allowed to hop aboard the restored table seiner and explore the cabins below deck. In addition to the BCP 45, the Centre also has an eclectic collection of maritime artifacts that range from model ships to Navy paraphernalia.
Trails
The Beaver Lodge Lands have a wide variety of trails that are loved by locals and visitors alike. To get started, we suggest the main Rail Trail, which is roughly 2.75 km long and takes approximately 40 minutes to walk one way. This trail was developed on an old logging road, which created a path that is fairly wide and level. All the trails in the Beaver Lodge Lands are multi-use and suitable for all ages and skill levels: bikers, walkers, strollers and horseback riders are all welcome.
This is one of our favourite trails and is part of the 28km Greenways Loop route.
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Beaver Lodge Forest Land
South Dogwood StreetThe Beaver Lodge Lands have a wide variety of trails that are loved by locals and visitors alike. To get started, we suggest the main Rail Trail, which is roughly 2.75 km long and takes approximately 40 minutes to walk one way. This trail was developed on an old logging road, which created a path that is fairly wide and level. All the trails in the Beaver Lodge Lands are multi-use and suitable for all ages and skill levels: bikers, walkers, strollers and horseback riders are all welcome.
This is one of our favourite trails and is part of the 28km Greenways Loop route.
This popular hiking trail overlooks the site of the famous 1958 Ripple Rock blast, which was the largest non-nuclear explosion in the world at the time. While the detonation was dangerous, the trail is the opposite. At 4 kms long in each direction, this moderate trail provides scenic viewpoints overlooking Menzies Bay and the Seymour Narrows.
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Ripple Rock Hike Trailhead
British Columbia 19This popular hiking trail overlooks the site of the famous 1958 Ripple Rock blast, which was the largest non-nuclear explosion in the world at the time. While the detonation was dangerous, the trail is the opposite. At 4 kms long in each direction, this moderate trail provides scenic viewpoints overlooking Menzies Bay and the Seymour Narrows.
For avid hikers… this is NOT an easy trail (30km and 1600m elevation), but the view makes it worth it!
📸 Thank you to our recent guests who shared this photo with us!
Flower Ridge Trailhead
Westmin RoadFor avid hikers… this is NOT an easy trail (30km and 1600m elevation), but the view makes it worth it!
📸 Thank you to our recent guests who shared this photo with us!
GREENWAYS LOOP is a 28km recreational trail that connects the FROG (forest, river, ocean & greenway). Cross the road from the cottage and you’ll find yourself on the Greenways Loop (the cottage is located at approximately the 22km mark).
Here’s a link to download the map. https://dlink.maps.me/guides_page?url=route%2F784fc1ff-b960-4c38-b183-8282b55c8a0trwkl
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Campbell River
GREENWAYS LOOP is a 28km recreational trail that connects the FROG (forest, river, ocean & greenway). Cross the road from the cottage and you’ll find yourself on the Greenways Loop (the cottage is located at approximately the 22km mark).
Here’s a link to download the map. https://dlink.maps.me/guides_page?url=route%2F784fc1ff-b960-4c38-b183-8282b55c8a0trwkl
Approximately a half hour drive to the trailhead from the cottage.
Great place to hike and see waterfalls at the end. Nymph Falls Trail is a 2.6 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until September.
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Nymph Falls Nature Park
4481 Forbidden Plateau RdApproximately a half hour drive to the trailhead from the cottage.
Great place to hike and see waterfalls at the end. Nymph Falls Trail is a 2.6 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until September.
Hike through the Canadian wilderness to Elk Falls Provincial Park to observe the falls and catch views of the canyon. Originally established to protect the falls and canyon, the park today offers many hiking trails and campgrounds for outdoor lovers and tourists. You can traverse the canyon via a suspension bridge and observe the falls from above.
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Elk Falls Suspension Bridge
Millennium TrailHike through the Canadian wilderness to Elk Falls Provincial Park to observe the falls and catch views of the canyon. Originally established to protect the falls and canyon, the park today offers many hiking trails and campgrounds for outdoor lovers and tourists. You can traverse the canyon via a suspension bridge and observe the falls from above.
Food scene
Ideal Cafe
2263 N Island HwyOur favourite breakfast spot!
Open daily from 7-3:30.
One of our favourite places to grab fish and chips! They also have burgers, wraps, soup, and donuts… yummy!
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Dockside Fish & Chips
C DockOne of our favourite places to grab fish and chips! They also have burgers, wraps, soup, and donuts… yummy!
Great food and great view of the ocean!
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Quay West Kitchen(Casual Dining) & Catering Ltd
921 Island HwyGreat food and great view of the ocean!
All the beers are made in house, as well as the delicious food. Everything is made from scratch with local ingredients. Honey ale from local bee keepers, local fish and shellfish, and produce grown right here in urban gardens.
They often have live music/bands so check out their FB page for events happening during your stay.
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Beach Fire Brewing and Nosh House
594 11 AveAll the beers are made in house, as well as the delicious food. Everything is made from scratch with local ingredients. Honey ale from local bee keepers, local fish and shellfish, and produce grown right here in urban gardens.
They often have live music/bands so check out their FB page for events happening during your stay.
Session offers a variety of both meat and plant-based food options, complemented by a rotating tap list of craft beer and ciders. They strive to one day become one of the best restaurants in Campbell River by continuously offering fresh and locally crafted products to ensure a memorable experience every time you come through our doors.
Also…
Visit their spin room for a unique fitness experience. Come break the mold, lose yourself in the music, spin under the light of the disco ball, and have an incredible workout in a motivating environment.
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Session Taproom, Kitchen + Spin
926 Island HwySession offers a variety of both meat and plant-based food options, complemented by a rotating tap list of craft beer and ciders. They strive to one day become one of the best restaurants in Campbell River by continuously offering fresh and locally crafted products to ensure a memorable experience every time you come through our doors.
Also…
Visit their spin room for a unique fitness experience. Come break the mold, lose yourself in the music, spin under the light of the disco ball, and have an incredible workout in a motivating environment.
Fratelli Pizzeria just re-opened (Feb 2024) in their new location downtown. This is the best pizza place in Campbell River!!!! Make sure you order early as they are often sold out.
They also offer delivery so you don’t have to venture out:)
Fratelli Pizzeria
1140 Shoppers RowFratelli Pizzeria just re-opened (Feb 2024) in their new location downtown. This is the best pizza place in Campbell River!!!! Make sure you order early as they are often sold out.
They also offer delivery so you don’t have to venture out:)
This Restaurant/Lounge is located in Willow Point (5 minute walk from the cottage). They host music and comedy nights so make sure you check their website or Facebook page during your stay.
They have an outdoor patio with heaters to keep you cozy.
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SoCal Restaurant & Lounge
2231 S Island HwyThis Restaurant/Lounge is located in Willow Point (5 minute walk from the cottage). They host music and comedy nights so make sure you check their website or Facebook page during your stay.
They have an outdoor patio with heaters to keep you cozy.
Want to make a home cooked meal while staying at the cottage?
Smith & Lee Local Butcher have made themselves a favourite destination for their selection of quality meats and cheese and their own in-house-made sausages.
They also have a monthly calendar that contain all the ingredients for meal kits!
Check our their FB page for more information!
Smith & Lee Local Butcher
1270 Dogwood StreetWant to make a home cooked meal while staying at the cottage?
Smith & Lee Local Butcher have made themselves a favourite destination for their selection of quality meats and cheese and their own in-house-made sausages.
They also have a monthly calendar that contain all the ingredients for meal kits!
Check our their FB page for more information!
Jigger's Grill
2660 Spit RoadA seasonal fish and chip restaurant located on the Spit!
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON
Located just south of the cottage in Willow Point. Many of our guests highly recommend this little sushi place!
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Miki's Sesame Sushi
80 Island HwyLocated just south of the cottage in Willow Point. Many of our guests highly recommend this little sushi place!
History
May 18- September 30 - open daily from 10-5.
This modern museum features theatre rooms showing the film footage of the legendary explosion of “Ripple Rock” in 1958. An interactive exhibit showcases the First Nation culture with a mask display.
Also, a logging steam donkey, logger’s cabin and replica of the Willow’s Hotel are featured.
Through numerous exhibits and an extensive research library visitors can learn the history of northern Vancouver Island.
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The Museum at Campbell River
470 Island HwyMay 18- September 30 - open daily from 10-5.
This modern museum features theatre rooms showing the film footage of the legendary explosion of “Ripple Rock” in 1958. An interactive exhibit showcases the First Nation culture with a mask display.
Also, a logging steam donkey, logger’s cabin and replica of the Willow’s Hotel are featured.
Through numerous exhibits and an extensive research library visitors can learn the history of northern Vancouver Island.