Dolphins Resort, a sprawling waterfront slope of tucked away cedar cabins and ocean-view lodges, is exactly what you’d picture of a North Island getaway, except better.
Dolphins Resort sits directly on the Discovery Passage, and the five-minute drive from downtown means that every outdoor activity (and there are lots) is easily within reach. Campbell River claims to be salmon capital of the world, and one thing that is certain is that this sliver of rugged Island terrain affords nature lovers a lot: whale watching, biking, paddle boarding, kayaking, and of course, fishing.
Fishing is still the biggest draw to Campbell River, and Dolphins, which started out as a tea house in the 1940s, offers a taste of remote relaxation even if you’re not there to fill your freezer with sockeye. Not every cabin at the resort is created equally (but this is why we love it). The Beach House is a West-Coast-meets-Cape-Cod mash-up that sits right on the water with ample “would’ya look at that view?” windows, a large private deck and a hot tub. While the Beach House features rustic-chic grey shiplap, most other cabins still retain a patina of their storied history: you’ll find wood panelling, stone-hearth fireplaces, and green and beige plaid couches inside.
The Discovery Lodge suite sits parallel to the Beach House and also has one of the best locations and ocean views, but at 5,300 square feet, this is the place you’re staying with a group of friends, or every member of your rec league team. It has double-height ceilings, a panoramic view (complete with a private oceanfront deck that runs the entire width of the lodge), gourmet kitchen, wood-burning brick fireplace, eight-person hot tub, wet bar and a billiards room.
All of the cabins at Dolphins come with a fully equipped kitchen, however, it’s an undeniable joy to have a place to eat mere steps from your door when you’ve had a second or third vacation glass of wine and can’t begin to imagine cooking a full meal.
Anglers is the on-site restaurant, and while its prices lean more toward fine dining than the neighbourhood pub, you get what you pay for: butter-poached B.C. ling cod, seared scallops, sockeye salmon and apple-cider-brined tenderloin are just a few of the items on the menu. And, unlike a lot of resort kitchens, they serve breakfast too.
The cabins at Dolphins can be yours starting at $219 a night, but expect to pay $279 or more for the ocean-view rooms like the Beach House. Winter rates on now.
Book your stay at Dolphins Resort.
Dolphins Resort
4125 Discovery Drive, Campbell River
