Bars & Pubs
Riptide Marine Pub
Campbell River
EAT & DRINK · CAMPBELL RIVER & QUADRA ISLAND
Grab a cold pint after a long day on the water. From waterfront lounges to island decks, here is where locals drink.
5 places · Updated October 2026Eat & Drink Guide · Campbell River Guide
Photo: Riptide Marine Pub via Google
01AT A GLANCE
The details that matter.
The local craft beverage scene centres around the coastal downtown and stretches out to Quadra Island. You will find independent taprooms, sunny patios, and menus heavy on fresh Pacific seafood. Many spots welcome families, making it easy to grab a table after fishing or touring the strait.
- Best Season
- May to October
- Book Ahead
- For large groups & fishing charters
- Best Area
- Downtown & Willow Point
- Good to know
- Many patios offer ocean views
02THE STORY
Local beer, island decks and a whisky made from the field next door.
The craft scene here is small and friendly: a downtown brewpub, waterfront taps and a short ferry ride to an island pub.
Beach Fire Brewing & Nosh House on 11th Avenue pours its own rotating beers with a full kitchen behind them. On the marina, Riptide Marine Pub is the place for a cold one with the boats coming in.
Take the ten-minute ferry to Quadra and the Heriot Bay Inn Pub has one of the best waterfront decks on the islands, open from noon daily.
South of town, Shelter Point Distillery makes single malt whisky from barley grown on its own farm by the sea. Bring a designated driver.
01EAT & DRINK GUIDE
Most-loved taprooms & pubs
Pints, patios and fresh coastal vibes.
Bars & Pubs
Beach Fire Brewing & Nosh House
Campbell River
Bars & Pubs
Tyee Pub & Lounge at Painter's Lodge
Campbell River
Bars & Pubs
MVP Pub and Family Restaurant
Campbell River
Bars & Pubs
Heriot Bay Inn Pub
Heriot Bay
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•KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Where Locals Drink on the Coast
Settle in with a cold glass of something brewed nearby. We mapped out the top taprooms and coastal decks to hit after a day outside.
The short answer
Start near the water at Beach Fire Brewing & Nosh House for scratch-made meals and local ales, or hit the Riptide Marine Pub for marina views. If you want an island trip, catch the ferry to the Heriot Bay Inn Pub.
01Downtown Area
The Marina Taprooms
The downtown waterfront packs several watering holes into a compact, walkable grid. You can easily grab a drink right after casting a line off the Discovery Fishing Pier, Canada's first saltwater fishing pier, or walking the paved Sea Walk.
A major anchor here is Beach Fire Brewing & Nosh House, known for its in-house brewing and from-scratch kitchen. Down the street, the Riptide Marine Pub faces the marina and brings in live bands. It is a solid place to watch the fishing fleet return from Discovery Passage.
This cluster makes the downtown grid the easiest place to start a night out. Most taprooms sit just a block or two off the main waterfront arterial, letting you park once and walk.
Local tips
- Start near the Discovery Fishing Pier and walk north.
- Leave the car behind to safely visit multiple downtown spots.
- Check the chalkboards for seasonal catches and fresh local seafood.
- Lock your bike at the racks if you are cycling the Sea Walk down to Willow Point.
02Neighbourhood Spots
Classic Lounges
Going beyond the downtown core reveals several neighbourhood staples. Down in the Willow Point area, MVP Pub and Family Restaurant draws a steady local crowd. The room is cozy and the kitchen turns out hearty meals, making it a reliable stop for a casual dinner.
North of town at Painter's Lodge, the Tyee Pub & Lounge at Painter's Lodge leans into local fishing history. The patio overlooks the exact waters where the Tyee Club has rowed for Chinook since 1924. You get a clear view of the passage along with your drink.
Checking out different neighbourhoods like Campbellton or Quinsam Heights gives you a better feel for where residents actually spend their weekends.
Local tips
- Grab a patio table at the Tyee Pub & Lounge for a heritage setting and ocean sightlines.
- Go to MVP Pub if you have a larger group that needs a diverse menu.
- Look up current hours online before driving out of the downtown core.
03Across the Strait
Island Escapes
Getting on the water is part of the routine here. A 10-minute BC Ferries ride from downtown drops you at Quathiaski Cove on Quadra Island. Drive across the island to reach the historic Heriot Bay Inn Pub, which sits right on the eastern shoreline.
Located near Rebecca Spit, this property is a gathering point for islanders and travellers waiting for the Cortes Island ferry. The outdoor seating backs right up to the ocean, giving you a front-row seat to passing sailboats and marine life.
The ferry trip over is scenic in its own right, giving you clear views of the Coast Mountains and the tidal currents of Discovery Passage.
Local tips
- Review the BC Ferries schedule early, as summer sailings often run late.
- Call ahead to confirm opening times during the shoulder season.
- Walk the driftwood beaches at Rebecca Spit Provincial Park before sitting down for a pint.
- Ask the server about the daily fresh catch specials.
04Food and Drink
Patios and Plates
Summer weather demands a good patio. Riptide Marine Pub has a massive wooden deck that fills up fast, complete with marina views and weekend bands. Beach Fire Brewing keeps a stylish, comfortable outdoor space right in the downtown grid. For a quieter scene, the deck at the Tyee Pub & Lounge at Painter's Lodge puts you right on the ocean.
You will eat well here. Most kitchens lean heavily on regional ingredients. Beach Fire Brewing runs a scratch kitchen with creative pub meals, while MVP Pub and Family Restaurant sticks to generous portions of comfort food. As the Salmon Capital of the World, local menus always highlight battered fish and chips or grilled salmon burgers.
These rooms double as community hubs. Pull up a stool and you will likely overhear guides talking about the day's fishing conditions or hikers trading trail reports from Strathcona Provincial Park.
Local tips
- Arrive early on sunny weekends to claim a table outside.
- Check social media accounts for weekend band lineups and cover charges.
- Book a table in advance if you have a large party during the summer fishing season.
05All Ages
Bringing the Kids
Travelling with children does not mean skipping the local taprooms. MVP Pub and Family Restaurant is a staple for parents, complete with a dedicated kids menu and a relaxed room. Beach Fire Brewing also welcomes minors and keeps plenty of options on the menu for younger eaters.
Up at Painter's Lodge, the Tyee Pub & Lounge gives kids a chance to watch passing boats and floatplanes while parents finish their meals. Over on Quadra Island, the Heriot Bay Inn Pub allows minors in certain dining areas and has plenty of outdoor space.
Staff are used to seating families who just finished hiking Elk Falls or walking the trails at the Quinsam River Hatchery. Most spots pour local sodas or non-alcoholic options, making it easy to settle in for a casual afternoon.
Local tips
- Pick a spot near the beach or a park so kids can burn off energy after eating.
- Call ahead to make sure the restaurant has enough high chairs for your group.
- Plan your visit for the mid-afternoon when dining rooms are quieter.
06Logistics
Getting Around
A little planning goes a long way. Many people spend the morning on a guided salmon charter in Discovery Passage or a grizzly watching trip up Bute Inlet before heading to the pub. Booking these tours early leaves your afternoon wide open for a well-earned drink.
Getting around Campbell River is easiest by car. Highway 19 is the main north-south artery, while Highway 28 heads west into the mountains toward Strathcona Provincial Park. If you want to drink on Quadra Island, you can walk onto the BC Ferries vessel downtown and take a taxi on the other side.
Staying downtown means you can rely on your feet. The waterfront and the paved Sea Walk down to Willow Point are flat and easy to walk. Figure out your route and secure a designated driver or taxi before you order your first round.
Local tips
- Reserve fishing and wildlife charters months in advance for the summer season.
- Rent a bike to pedal the Sea Walk between the downtown core and Willow Point.
- Double-check the last ferry sailing time so you do not get stranded on Quadra Island.
- Save local taxi numbers in your phone before you head out.
•THE FULL LIST
All 5 breweries & pubs.
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•FAQ
Good to know
Beach Fire Brewing & Nosh House is a staple, pouring house-made ales alongside a from-scratch food menu right in the downtown core.
