DESOLATION SOUND KAYAKING EXPEDITION
Tour Overview
Experience the wilderness and coast mountain ranges of British Columbia on a Desolation Sound kayaking tour. An all inclusive, professionally-guided sea kayak expedition where we provide it all. You won’t even need to bring your own sleeping bag.
Escape from the Ordinary
Ideal for first time or less experienced kayakers, the Sound’s calm waters allow you to effortlessly paddle through narrow inlets while gazing up at the majestic mountains above. In addition to the spectacular scenery, you will find swimming in these warm waters to be an extra bonus on your amazing camping and sea kayaking vacation and tour.
Embarking on a Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour is a perfect escape from busy city life. Established by the B.C. government in 1973, Desolation Sound Marine Park consists of more than 14,000 acres of highland and 60 km of shoreline. It is the gateway to the Coast Mountain Inlets of British Columbia.
Coastal Cuisine
We strive to make your kayak vacation a trip of a lifetime. We know an important part of this experience is delicious, hearty, and plentiful food.
For our Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour we enlisted a local gourmet chef to design the menu and train our guides to be excellent wilderness cooks. Fresh meals prepared each day will leave your belly full and ready for all the adventures the new day brings.
Quality Expedition Tents & Warm Sleeping Bags
All gear needed for your trip (kayaks, paddles, tents, & dry bags) is included in the Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour trip price. Our equipment is kept in top-notch condition. From toasty sleeping bags to crawl into at the end of each day as you head off for a peaceful sleep to quality tents (including tents for singles so you don’t have to bunk with anyone else if you are a solo traveller).
Your First Night on Quadra Island
Included in your Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour is the first night at one of Quadra’s beautiful Resorts. A relaxing start and an opportunity to enjoy Quadra Island as you prepare for the spectacular days you will spend kayaking and camping throughout Desolation Sound.
On the day of your arrival a briefing at the resort will provide you with everything you need to know before launching early the next morning.
Scenery Like Nowhere Else on Earth
No matter what language(s) you speak, you’ll never have enough of the right words to verbally encapsulate the scenery you will behold as you kayak around Desolation Sound, B.C.
In order to fully appreciate the beauty of the Desolation Sound you have to put yourself in the very center of it all. By embarking on our guided Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour you will be able to paddle your way through British Columbia’s pristine wilderness and experience panoramic views like you’ve never seen before.
You will venture into the endless coves, bays and beaches surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Imagine experiencing how humbling it is to sit amidst such vast and stunning panoramas as you sit in your sea kayak.
It’s truly not an overstatement when some have quoted Desolation Sound as “one of the most scenically outstanding anchorages anywhere.”
Multiple trails lead to various freshwater lakes, streams, and hidden waterfalls. A maze of interconnected shallow coves create warm and stunningly clear lagoons. While you are there you can take some time to stretch out on sun-heated rocks and take it all in.
Wildlife
The peaceful waters and surrounding forests are home to bald eagles, seals, dolphins, humpback whales and sea lions.
High Staff to Guest Ratio & Small Group Size
The maximum number of guests on this Wildcoast kayaking expedition is nine and our staff to guest ratio is 1:5 or better. Wildcoast Adventures guides have a wealth of knowledge and experience and are always ready to answer your questions. What’s even more amazing is that they can cook too.
It is a cruising mecca during the summer months of July and August, so we avoid the crowds by operating our Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour during May, June and September. This provides the best opportunity to explore the Sound in the peace and serenity you can only find on a sea kayaking vacation.
Tour Highlights
- Remote Canadian Wilderness
- Towering Mountains & Warm Waters
- Custom Coastal Cuisine
- Quality Expedition Tents
- Warm Sleeping Bags
- Rich inter-tidal and local wildlife
- High Staff to Guest Ratio
- Small Group Size
- Accommodations at a Quadra Island Resort the Night Before You Launch
Desolation Sound Kayaking Expedition
2025 Trip Dates
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Your Arrival Day!
Your first night is at one of Quadra’s beautiful Resorts. A relaxing start and an opportunity to enjoy Quadra Island as you prepare for the days you will spend kayaking and camping in Desolation Sound. An afternoon briefing is held where we will provide you with a dry bag for your belongings and tell you everything you need to know before launching early the next morning.
Day 2-3
HEART OF DESOLATION SOUND
Your guides will pick you up at the resort and transport you to the ferry which will take you to your launch point on beautiful Cortes Island. After your kayak orientation, your first paddle takes you into the heart of Desolation Sound.
As each kayak trip is customized to suit the group’s paddling ability and interests, the areas you will explore and the locations you will camp are unique for each trip.
Day 4-5
NON-STOP EXPLORING
Each day after waking from a restful sleep be prepared for something awesome. From encountering wildlife, to hiking through ancient forests, and swimming in fresh water lakes.
Your expert guides each add their own flair to the trip providing a kayaking tour unlike any other.
Day 6
Journey Back
On your last day of your tour you will paddle back to your launch point and be transported back to the Wildcoast shop by mid-afternoon. A relaxing end point where you can hang out, grab a coffee and repack your belongings before heading onto your next destination.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About This Trip
Can you provide vegetarian or special dietary options?
Yes we provide excellent alternates for guests requiring a special menu. These modifications don’t compromise on the quality, freshness, or portion sizing of each meal (this may require an additional fee to cover the menu modification costs for your specific dietary requirement).
Do you provide all camping equipment at no extra cost?
On this trip, we equip you with high-quality tents and sleeping bags that are ideal for the climate and expedition kayak camping – at no extra cost. This is so we can be assured you are best outfitted for the climate and conditions. This also prevents our guests from having to travel to our location with cumbersome camping gear.
If you are traveling with a friend or partner we will have you share a tent. If you are a solo traveler you will get your own tent and not be “bunked” with a stranger.
We provide our kayak vacation guests with a durable dry bag to pack your personal items into, and answer any last-minute questions you might have, during your morning briefing.
Follow our helpful PACKING LIST to be sure you come best prepared!
How much paddling and distance is covered during this kayak trip?
Our guides determine the length of each days’ paddle based on the weather conditions, sea conditions, and group paddling skill/dynamic. As this is an expedition style trip you will be kayaking between campsites and spending up to five hours a day on the water. Each day’s paddle is broken up by a lunch stop, and opportunities to see & learn about the wildlife along the way.
I'm a Solo Traveler, Do I Pay Extra?
Nope! We think our trips are an excellent way for solo travelers to experience a fantastic adventures with others. There is no additional “single supplement” and we don’t bunk you with a stranger. For that reason, we do limit the number of solo travelers on our trips – so be sure not to miss out!
Do I need prior kayaking experience to join a tour?
While no experience is required to participate in this kayaking tour, we recommend that you enjoy a challenge, have a positive mindset and that you are in good physical shape. Our kayaks are stable, and safe to paddle. Wildcoast guides provide kayak instruction and safety procedures prior to your first launch, and assist during your kayak tour with tweaking your technique. Learn more
Testimonials
Fantastic trip. Guides took us through spectacular waters. Saw Humpback whales, seals, and countless birds. Food was fresh, healthy and wonderful. I’d do this trip again in a heartbeat.
TripAdvisor 5 Star Review
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