We do what we love. After nearly 20 years guiding sea kayaking trips in British Columbia, we still feel a sense of anticipation and excitement when pushing off from shore at the beginning of an expedition. With us, you’ll find engaged and professional guides, amazing food and top-notch gear and logistics to allow you the best experience whale watching, paddling and reconnecting with nature. We offer a range of trip styles to choose from such as base camp, expedition, mothership and family tours.
Overview
Trip Highlights
- Professional guiding service
- All kayaking equipment included
- Hiking, kayaking skills development, shellfish harvesting
- Towering mountains
- Wholesome and local food when possible.
We do what we love. After nearly 20 years guiding sea kayaking trips in British Columbia, we still feel a sense of anticipation and excitement when pushing off from shore at the beginning of an expedition. With us, you’ll find engaged and professional guides, amazing food and top-notch gear and logistics to allow you the best experience whale watching, paddling and reconnecting with nature. We offer a range of trip styles to choose from such as base camp, expedition, mothership and family tours.
Quick Facts
Paddlesport
- Kayaking
Activity
- Sea Kayaking & Touring
Experience/Service
- Paddling Trip
Waterway
- Coastal
Destination
- North America
Length
- 5 Days
Accomodation
- Wilderness Camping
Guided
- Yes
Outfitted
- Fully
Special Interest
- Photography
Adventure Level
Itinerary
Meeting Place
SQUIRREL COVE
CORTES ISLAND, BC
Day 1:
If you are carpooling to Cortes Island with us, meet us at 7:30 am at the Spirit of the West office on Quadra Island. We will work together to unload the kayaks from the trailer and your guides will demonstrate how to pack your gear for the expedition. We will then head out after lunch!
Day 2:
Savour our first hearty breakfast in the great outdoors before we pack up and head off on today’s adventure. We continue on into the enchanting islands, kayaking Desolation Sound where we take our time exploring as we head towards our desired camping site for the evening.
Day 3:
These days may entail paddling through the scattered islands, interpretive forest walks, swimming in freshwater lakes, practicing some on-water skills, or simply lounging at our island campsites.
Day 4:
These days may entail paddling through the scattered islands, interpretive forest walks, swimming in freshwater lakes, practicing some on-water skills, or simply lounging at our island campsites.
Day 5:
We will journey back to Cortes Island along the rugged shores of West Redonda Island. A visit to Refuge Cove or the lovely protected lagoon of Squirrel Cove will be our last stop of our 5-day kayak journey. A return in the early afternoon will allow for the time needed to return to Quadra Island.
Dates & Packages
Desolation Sound Expedition
Professional guiding service
All kayaking equipment (including kayaks, PFDs, paddles, pumps, ropes and sponges)
Meals (lunch day 1 to lunch day 5)
Cooking equipment
Camping equipment including tents and Therma-rest sleeping pads
Water taxi service
Park and land use permits
If you are planning on bringing any of your own equipment please double-check the packing list to ensure you
have the appropriate gear and please let our office know in advance of the tour to avoid us bringing duplicates.
What Guests Are Saying
"I'm an English teacher and for the first time in a very long time I couldn't think of any words to describe what I was seeing. It was that spectacular. Thank you for putting together such an excellent team. I had an extraordinary experience."
- MornaLeave a review
