THE COMFORT LIFE REPORT:Berwick by the Sea
Lifestyle options:
Cost (from):
$3,400
Suites:
130 suites (Studio, 1-bed, 1-bed + den, 2-bed, 2-bed + den)
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Our Perspective
How we see Berwick by the Sea
Winner of multiple building and design awards, Berwick By the Sea has one of the most breathtaking locations we’ve ever seen, overlooking the Strait of Georgia. It’s a special place that, to our minds, immediately leaps onto a short list of the best retirement communities in all of Canada. For seniors anywhere in the country who’ve been exposed to the beauty of BC and want to retire in “the most beautiful place on earth,” this place is worth taking a closer look at.
We can’t squeeze all the superlative aspects into a review, but we’ll offer some of the bigger highlights. The starting rate’s affordability is striking. The amenities will remind you of the very best resort you’ve ever been to. Chef-prepared meals are a cornucopia of gustatory pleasure. The lifestyle and activities here are fulfilling and engaging. Suites are spacious yet affordable, especially considering the location. The Tyee Lounge is one of a kind, featuring a panoramic view of the ocean as you lounge with friends beside a lit fireplace. The Berwick Theatre shows everything from great movies to sporting events. Surrounded by this environment, people find their enthusiasm for life revitalized. (That may be one reason exercise classes here are so well-attended.)
Berwick By the Sea is found in the centre of Canada’s only Mediterranean climate, where some January days you can walk outside without a coat. The location seems to infuse people with a calmness and a joy in living that you’ll find palpable when you take a tour, and you’ll likely witness that the moment you set foot in the door. We’ve heard a few people living here who openly enthuse about “loving all of the people here.” Staff here wear their commitment on their sleeves, and they openly adore working with seniors. You'll never want to leave.
We asked residents and their families about life at Berwick by the Sea.
Access verified Reviews here
Community’s Perspective
How Berwick by the Sea sees itself
Who are you as a community?
A vibrant community created by caring people where the needs of the residents come first. Welcome to a new standard of retirement living in the heart of beautiful Campbell River, BC. Berwick by the Sea offers flexible, upscale and affordable senior living options. Community, caring and living to the fullest, that’s senior living at Berwick Retirement Communities.
- Opened in: 2014
- Ownership: Private. A member of Berwick Retirement Communities
What do you do differently or uniquely well?
Berwick offers a resort-style lifestyle in unparalleled locations throughout British Columbia. it's inspired senior living designed to empower independent seniors to thrive, stay active and engaged. Our resort-style amenities and services enable residents to age on their own terms. With multiple dining venues from restaurant-style dining rooms, a grab n' go Bistro and traditional English pubs offering seasonal menus and local wines, fitness centres with state-of-the-art equipment, many thoughtfully designed multipurpose spaces for more opportunities to engage with others or pursue interests on your own time, expansive suites with kitchenettes, and a robust wellness program all designed to help you maintain your independence.
What supports do you offer residents as they adjust to life there?
As advocates for seniors, we believe that by learning about their lives and interests, and helping them articulate their needs and wants, we can truly facilitate the transition from a situation that is not quite working anymore, whether to our community or elsewhere. In the event that one of these amazing people decides to call Berwick their home, we are then able to welcome them in a way that says, “This is home.”
How are residents supported if their needs change?
At Berwick by the Sea, our focus is on helping you continue living independently, with the flexibility to introduce assistance when needed. We take a personalized approach, getting to know how you like to live, so any added services feel seamless rather than disruptive. It’s also a comfortable option for couples with different needs, where one may require some assistance while the other remains fully independent. You can both live here and enjoy a life together in a setting that feels like your own.
Under what conditions would you advise someone against choosing your community?
Berwick by the Sea is not be the right fit for someone who needs clinical care. Our community is designed for independent seniors who want to maintain control over their day-to-day life, with support available but not central. Our residents love the coastal lifestyle. They value privacy and choice and enjoy our vibrant residence full of wonderful personalities.
What might residents find surprising about your community?
We are proud to be locally-owned and operated by father and son, Gordon and Chris Denford. From the opening of our very first retirement community, the Denford’s realized the importance of creating a warm and welcoming community that put the needs of our residents first. Gordon and Chris are actively involved in the development and operation of each unique location and their philosophy of accessible, approachable and effective listening allows Berwick to adapt quickly to the residents’ changing needs. Their openness and commitment to our residents can be felt in every aspect of life at all our Berwick’s.
How will your community change in the next five years?
Berwick by the Sea will continue to refine its coastal lifestyle offering. That means elevating dining, wellness, and shared spaces in ways that reflect how residents want to live today. We’ll keep enhancing opportunities for connection and personal pursuits, in our calm, oceanfront setting.
What five facts about your community should people know?
- The atrium is a Japanese oasis where you can find koi fish & Japanese maples
- There is a picture of Berwick's Interior Designer, Tracy, on the 6th floor hallway with Cathy Painter & her dad Joe Painter fishing in the tyee pool. She was once a fishing guide in this area.
- Berwick overlooks Discovery passage where you can see numerous species of whales, sea life, eagles, cruise ships.
- When Ripple Rock blew at 9:31:02 am April 5, 1958, the sight was stupendous. Seven hundred thousand tons (635,028 tonnes) of rock and water erupted in a blast that reached a height of 1,000 feet (305 m).
- We opened our doors in 2016
- Approximately 80%+ of the residents at BCR are longtime residents of the Campbell River community
Insider Perspectives
Interview videos
What people with insider's knowledge of Berwick by the Sea shared with Comfort Life.
Watch our interview with Larry and Betty Pollard to learn about the unique experience offered by Berwick by the Sea.
Verified reviews of Berwick by the Sea
What residents and their loved ones say about Berwick by the Sea in reviews.
Norm, resident
"I moved into Berwick by the Sea, “Independent Living” facilities in July 2020. This was done after considerable research and number crunching to convince myself that it was do able, considering my pension, my savings and the sale of my Condo in Sask. and the savings of the monthly cost of taxes, utilities and condo fees. After 2 ½ years, I am convinced that I made the right decision. Independent living means I am free to come and go as I wish. I am still living alone but there are always fe..."John, resident
"For me moving to Berwick by the Sea was never a consideration. I had always owned my own home and that is what I planned to do when I moved to Campbell River. After I investigated the Berwick advantages, I decided I would try it and now it would be difficult for me to consider making a change. At Berwick I have my meals, my housekeeping, my laundry service and most importantly I have found a building full of new friends I can visit with while enjoying the exercise room, the coffee breaks and the..."Sally, resident
"Last year I made the decision to explore senior independent living. I took a tour of Berwick and was impressed with what I saw and could see myself living here. When we discussed the monthly rates I wasn’t sure if I could afford it. I was given a package outlining all that Berwick provided including a form where I could outline my current expenses and compare them with what I would pay at Berwick. Much to my surprise, I found that what I was currently paying was more than what I would pay at B..."Lifestyle
Lifestyle options
Independent Living (definition)
Cost from $3,400
At Berwick by the Sea, we are constantly looking to redefine what active aging means for our residents. We respect your independence and will always provide the highest standard of professional service, delivered in a warm and friendly manner, to ensure you feel right at home. Our Independent Living offers an escape from the day-to-day chores of running a home, preparing meals and keeping up with housekeeping. Our extended recreational sports and extensive health and wellness programs provide endless opportunties to engage as little or as much as you choose. Take up a new sport, channel your inner artist, build new friendships or discover a new passion. When you choose Berwick by the Sea, your all-inclusive seaside lifestyle includes your suite complete with heat, hydro, air-conditioning and classic cable TV and Internet. You will enjoy three delicious chef-prepared meals and snacks daily, weekly housekeeping and linen service to keep your home sparkling, full access to our active living programs, access to our transportation services including the Berwick Bus and Berwick Around Town (BAT) car, and our 24/7 emergency pendant monitoring ensures that you have security and support around the clock if you need it. Enhanced Living Services are here to help when you need some extra support to maintain your independence. We will work with you to schedule additional services, as and when you need them, to ensure that you remain independent and able to enjoy life to the fullest.
Includes
- Meals (3x/day)
- Daily tidy
- Housekeeping (1x/week)
Independent Living at Berwick by the Sea falls within the average monthly costs for retirement communities in British Columbia
Assisted Living (definition)
Cost from $3,400
Enhanced Living Services are here to help when you need some extra support to maintain your independence. We will work with you to schedule additional services, as and when you need them, to ensure that you remain independent and able to enjoy life to the fullest.
Includes
- Meals (3x/day)
- Daily tidy
- Housekeeping (1x/week)
- Medication administration (Extra fee)
- Resident Reminders (Extra fee)
Assistance with
- Bathing (Extra fee)
- Dressing (Extra fee)
Assisted Living at Berwick by the Sea falls within the lower monthly costs for retirement communities in British Columbia
Suites
- Type: Studio
- Ownership: Rent
- Cost: $3,665
- Size: 329sq/ft
- Companion fee: +$800
- Details:
- Cable TV in room (included)
- Call Bell System
- Kitchenette
- Patio/Balcony
- Personal phone number in room (included)
- Safe
- Contact:
- Type: 1-bed
- Ownership: Rent
- Cost: $4,525
- Size: 605sq/ft
- Companion fee: +$800
- Details:
- Cable TV in room (included)
- Call Bell System
- Kitchenette
- Patio/Balcony
- Personal phone number in room (included)
- Safe
- Contact:
- Type: 1-bed + den
- Ownership: Rent
- Cost: $5,750
- Size: 740sq/ft
- Companion fee: +$800
- Details:
- Kitchenette
- Contact:
- Type: 2-bed
- Ownership: Rent
- Cost: $6,500
- Size: 847sq/ft
- Companion fee: +$800
- Details:
- Cable TV in room (included)
- Call Bell System
- Kitchenette
- Patio/Balcony
- Personal phone number in room (included)
- Safe
- Contact:
- Type: 2-bed + den
- Ownership: Rent
- Cost: $10,150
- Size: 1365sq/ft
- Companion fee: +$800
- Details: not provided
- Contact:
Dining
We never underestimate the importance of delicious meals created with fresh, local ingredients, beautifully prepared and served. Our Red Seal chefs create menus that will not only tempt your taste buds and delight your senses but are also designed to provide optimum nutrition. At Berwick, we believe in supporting our local bakers and farmers to ensure that our meals are prepared with the highest quality local ingredients available. Our five different lunch and dinner meal options include flavourful homemade soups, fresh-baked bread, artfully seasoned entrées, delectable desserts and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are designed to provide lots of choices for all tastes. We know that you may prefer to eat a little differently each day to accommodate your schedule of activities and daily fluctuations to your appetite. That is why you will find no assigned seating at Berwick by the Sea. Whether you choose to enjoy our full table service in the elegant dining room or informal self-serve in the bistro with its own unique menu, our flexible meal options are designed to accommodate you. Host a family affair or special occasion in our beautifully appointed private dining room. We never underestimate the importance of food service and dining options; that is The Berwick Way.
Meal service : Bistro: (daytime), Table service, Tray service in suite (included)
Seating type : Open seating
Special diets : Ethnic, Low sodium, Vegetarian
Amenities & Services
Residence Amenities & Services
The amenities at Berwick by the Sea have been designed with you in mind. We have created unique rooms and spaces for you to enjoy alone or with friends. Whether you are seeking some peace and quiet or an energetic activity to put a smile on your face, our common areas are yours to enjoy.
Arts and crafts
Billiards
Community Garden
Emergency call system (pendent)
Fitness Studio
Games Room
Internet
Laundry machines
Library
Mail box
Movie theatre
Onsite foot care
Parking (indoor)
Patio/Courtyard/BBQ
Pet friendly
Pond/Lake
Private bus for outings, regular trips
Private dining room for family/friends
Recreation facilities onsite
Religious Services & Holiday Celebrations
Walking Path
Wellness Center
Wheelchair Accessible
Programs & Activities
The amenities at Berwick by the Sea have been designed with you in mind. We have created unique rooms and spaces for you to enjoy alone or with friends. Whether you are seeking some peace and quiet or an energetic activity to put a smile on your face, our common areas are yours to enjoy.
Arts and Crafts
Assisted Walks/Trails
Bible Classes
Billiards/Pool Tables
Bingo
Bocce Ball
Brain Fitness
Card Games
Continued education
Day Trips
Entertainment
Excursions
Exercise Program
Gardening
Movie Nights
Parties
Religious & Holiday Services
Resident social / activity club
Shuffleboard
Theatre
Volunteering
Weekly Shopping Trips & Excursions
Staff & Care
General Manager's Message
Loren Butler
“I’m thrilled to take on this new role,” says Loren. “I remain actively involved in our community, and I’m excited to continue building on everything our residents love — while also bringing in fresh ideas and opportunities.”
Staff
| Medical and other support staff | |
|---|---|
| Personal Support Workers | |
| Foot care specialist | visiting 1x/month |
Number of care staff:
- Daytime:
- Weekends:
- Nights:
Care services
Care options available:
- Guest stays available (cost from $125)
News
Recent News
Why Now Is the Smart Time to Downsize: Retirement Living Insights from NextStep’s Melanie Murray
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Melanie Murray, founder of NextStep Advisory Solutions, to talk about what individuals and families should consider when thinking about downsizing... ... read more.
Why Now Is the Smart Time to Downsize: Retirement Living Insights from NextStep’s Melanie Murray
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Melanie Murray, founder of NextStep Advisory Solutions, to talk about what individuals and families should consider when thinking about downsizing... ... read more.
Environmental Wellness: Nurturing Health, Connection, and a Legacy for Generations to Come
When we talk about wellness for seniors, conversations often focus on physical health, social connection, or mental well-being. ... read more.
Berwick Qualicum Beach Is Honoured for Its Achievements in Active Aging
Berwick Qualicum Beach received the ICAA Best in Wellness award AND the ICAA Active Aging Spirit Award! We couldn’t be prouder of this small and mighty community. ... read more.
Berwick Roars For The BC Lions!
With the CFL’s BC Lions playing in Victoria, instead of their usual BC Place in Vancouver, this game was billed as Pacific Touchdown, it being the first time the team played on the island. ... read more.
What surprised me most about moving into a Berwick?
What has surprised you about moving into Berwick? What were your biggest fears and how did you overcome them? ... read more.
Neighbourhood
Neighbourhood
If you are looking for an Oceanside adventure in retirement living then it has to be Berwick by the Sea. With its spectacular views of the Discovery Passage and Quadra Island, your home at Berwick by the Sea has been uniquely designed to reflect the natural colours, textures and nautical setting of North Central Vancouver Island. This warm, inviting community offers a relaxed and comfortable environment in a strategically located neighbourhood. Banking, shops and personal services are all within walking distance with easy access to the unique boutiques on Shoppers Row, music and drama at the Tidemark Theatre, a variety of activities and services at the Campbell River Community Centre and Vancouver Island Regional Library. So whether you decide to walk, ride or take advantage of the Berwick About Town (BAT) Mobile car service, you will be within easy reach of all the shops and services you want and need. With 50 kilometres of walking trails and 1500 hectares of parkland in Campbell River, your home at Berwick by the Sea is ideally located to give you full access to the outdoor living that you most enjoy. You will soon feel right at home at Berwick by the Sea as you are warmly welcomed to this vibrant community by residents and staff. Berwick by the Sea offers you an opportunity to be nurtured in body, mind and spirit, as you laugh, have fun and enjoy an unparalleled lifestyle. Invite your family and friends to visit; they will be warmly welcomed and invited to share in your life at Berwick by the Sea.
Berwick by the Sea is located at 1353 16th Ave., Campbell River, British Columbia, V9W 0C4.
What's nearby:
Campbell River Community Centre
Campbell River Ferry Terminal
Vancouver Island Regional Library
Shoppers Drug Mart
Tidemark TheatreCompare Berwick by the Sea with nearby communities
| Compare with | Lifestyle options | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Berwick Comox Valley | Independent Living, Assisted Living | Comox, British Columbia |
| Berwick Qualicum Beach | Independent Living, Assisted Living | Qualicum Beach, British Columbia |
| Berwick Parksville | Independent Living, Assisted Living | Parksville, British Columbia |
| Berwick On The Lake | Independent Living, Assisted Living | Nanaimo, British Columbia |
| Granville Gardens - Verve Senior Living | Independent Living, Assisted Living | Vancouver, British Columbia |
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