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

There are few places on earth as stunningly beautiful as Desolation Sound, and exploring these warm and calm ocean waters is a sea kayaker's dream. Paddling amongst the towering mountains of the spectacular British Columbia Coast Mountain Range is a truly awe-inspiring adventure. The protected sea make this ideal for first time paddlers.
Hikes in the lush rainforest along the coast, sunset swimming in freshwater lakes on small islands and paddling to waterfalls dropping into the sea to name a few of the trip highlights. Find diverse wildlife watching (from a fascinating intertidal & bird world to large land & marine mammals) and stunning campsites on wild beaches and in secluded coves. Your extensively trained & passionate guides find the best paddling route possible and serve you 3 amazing meals each day.
Starting at
$1250 USD
$1695 CAD
Per Person

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

Easier Challenging

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 bet

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

Unbelievable how much time I spent smiling on this trip. I found myself smiling one time, even when I was having a very serious conversation with a fellow kayaker - I just couldn't help it, I was in such a beautiful place.

- Bob Gornet
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Spirit of the West Adventures - Image 15