The Bay du Vin River drains approximately 315 km² of Northeastern New Brunswick, flowing in a long, linear basin oriented southwest to northeast before emptying into the Miramichi Inner Bay near the community of Bay du Vin. The river has a meander length of roughly 50 km along its main branch.

One of the river's most distinctive visual characteristics is its red-hued water, which results from the peat moss soils of the surrounding landscape. The river is considered an "orphan" tributary within the broader Miramichi drainage basin, meaning it receives relatively little management attention compared to other waterways in the system.

Highway 440 provides paved access to several points and crossings along the main branch, and the Bay du Vin River Road offers additional access. Camps and cottages are concentrated from the hamlet of Rosaireville downstream through approximately 10 km of the middle reach, indicating this stretch sees more human activity. At least 32 of the river's roughly 50 km of meander length have been travelled by canoe during habitat assessments, suggesting the river is navigable for a substantial portion of its length.

Summer temperatures in the region average around 19.2°C in July, while January averages -10.7°C. Notably, the river is documented to experience warm summer water temperatures, which have been identified as a significant environmental factor. Crown lands along the Bay du Vin are managed through lease-hold arrangements with J.D. Irving, which may be relevant for paddlers planning access or camping along the route.