Top 10 Cabins for Rent on Vancouver Island — For Boaters Who Want to Fish

Discover why The Bear & Tide is a top-tier destination for ocean lovers who want to fish, explore & stay in comfort with a taste for wilderness and a good bed at the end of the day.

For local Vancouver Islanders with boats, the best kind of getaway doesn’t involve highways or crowded resorts — it starts on the water.

Whether you’re dropping traps for crab and prawns, trolling for chinook, or cruising for orcas and dolphins, there’s nothing like anchoring in a quiet channel and spending the night somewhere wild — and warm.

Here’s our guide to the Top 10 types of cabins for rent on Vancouver Island, tailored specifically for self-guided boaters, anglers, and wildlife watchers — and why The Bear & Tide stands apart as the ultimate float-in, fish-out experience.

1. Boat-Access-Only Cabins

These are made for mariners. Tucked away in remote coves or channels, they offer something no road-access cabin can: solitude, silence, and spectacular marine views.

*The Bear & Tide is boat-access only — located in Chatham Channel, in the heart of the Broughton Archipelago. You tie up at our private dock and settle into a cozy cabin surrounded by wildlife and calm waters.*

2. Cabins with Excellent Fishing Access

Great cabin, better fishing. Some cabins may look cute on the outside — but if you’re chasing chinook, coho, or halibut, location is everything.

*Our waters are legendary for fishing. Guests regularly land salmon, rockfish, and lingcod nearby — no guide required. And there’s even a spot to clean your catch back at the cabin.*

3. Cabins Near Crabbing and Prawning Grounds

There's nothing like dropping a trap on your way in, then hauling up your own wild seafood dinner hours later.

*The Bear & Tide is ideally situated for Dungeness crab and spot prawns. We’ll even point you to the productive spots locals love (but rarely talk about).*

4. Wildlife-Viewing Cabins

Why book a whale-watching tour when you can spot them from your cabin deck? Some of the best wildlife viewing happens when you're just sitting still.

*Orcas cruise the channel. Dolphins feed in the current. Bald eagles nest nearby. We don’t need to stage wildlife here — they’re just part of the scenery.*

5. Remote, Quiet Cabins (Without Roughing It)

You want the wilderness — but also a good night’s sleep, a warm shower, and a full kitchen. The best cabins balance comfort with remoteness.

*Our cabins are solar-powered, thoughtfully designed, and built for comfort. Think: hot coffee, fresh linens, and cozy woodstoves after a salty day on the water.*

6. Safe Anchorage & Dock Access

Many beautiful cabins aren’t boater-friendly — no dock, exposed shoreline, or nowhere to tie up safely.

*We offer protected deep-water dock space with easy tie-ups, even for larger boats. Safe anchorage, secure mooring, and zero stress.*

7. No Crowds, No Noise, No Traffic

The best kind of boating retreat avoids marinas packed with generators, floatplanes, and other weekend warriors.

*At The Bear & Tide, there are only two cabins. No parties, no RVs, no marina noise — just nature and space to breathe.*

8. Multi-Day Basecamp Cabins

For those exploring the archipelago or headed toward the mainland inlets, a good basecamp gives you time to rest, refuel, and reset.

*Stay for a night or a week. Many guests use The Bear & Tide as a waypoint on longer boating journeys through the Broughtons.*

9. Cabins with a Local Touch

Sometimes it’s the little things — good local advice, a dry spot to gear up, or a friendly check-in — that make a trip.

*We live here, fish here, and love this coastline. You’ll get honest, local insights on where to explore, what to avoid, and how to make the most of your time.*

10. Cabins That Actually Feel Wild

If you’ve got your own boat, why stop short of the real thing? Go beyond the resorts, marinas, and paved roads — and find somewhere that still feels like the edge of the map.

*The Bear & Tide is off-grid, boat-in, wildlife-rich, and wildly comfortable. It’s not just a cabin — it’s a destination.*

Where to Launch Your Boat

Two great launch points for reaching Chatham Channel:

- **Telegraph Cove** – Ideal for boaters launching from Port McNeill and the North Island.

- **Kelsey Bay (Sayward)** – Convenient for those coming from Campbell River or Comox Valley.

*We provide detailed navigation tips, tide info, and travel suggestions when you book.*

Ready to Boat In and Stay Awhile?

Whether you’re chasing fish, exploring remote coves, or just looking for an unforgettable float-in retreat, The Bear & Tide offers a rare combination of wilderness, comfort, and real Vancouver Island magic.

✅ Boat-access only

✅ Private dock

✅ Incredible fishing & seafood harvesting

✅ Orcas, dolphins, eagles & more

✅ Off-grid cabins with comfort and charm

Book your off-grid cabin escape today