Included: An experienced kayaking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 5-day Desolation Sound kayak tour All kayaking equipment (including kayaks, PFDs, paddles, pumps, ropes and sponges) All meals and snacks from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5 Non-alcoholic beverages (coffee, teas, juices, water) Camping equipment including tents, camp pillows, Therma-rest sleeping pads, tarps etc. Park and land use permits Sustainability fee Add-ons Sleeping bags Rain gear Not included: Flights to the area Airport transfers Ferries Taxis Alcoholic or carbonated beverages Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

To enjoy this Desolation Sound kayak tour, you’ll need a moderate level of fitness and some outdoor experience. You’ll paddle at a relaxed pace for 4-6 hours daily , covering 6-8 nautical miles (11-15 km) per day. You’ll need to be comfortable carrying and lifting your personal gear, as well as navigating rocky and uneven shorelines. Since the terrain can be challenging, good mobility is required to handle steep or slippery beaches. Your guides will pace the adventure to the group’s needs and you’ll have plenty of breaks to stretch and explore the shoreline.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Clothing for paddling A full set of rain gear (jacket and pants, rentals available with advance notice) Two long-sleeved synthetic shirts One long-sleeved fleece or mid-weight layer One pair of quick-dry or synthetic pants A pair of water shoes (gumboots, crocs, neoprene booties, or sandals with straps—no flip-flops) One sun hat A pair of sunglasses Clothing for camp Two shirts One fleece or sweatshirt One pair of camp pants (yoga pants or synthetic/quick-dry) Two long underwear or base layers (keep one pair for sleeping) One pair of shorts Four warm socks Underwear (a mix of cotton and synthetic) One bathing suit One toque/beanie A pair of camp shoes (runners, light hikers, or sturdy sandals) Other items Sleeping bag: 3-season bag in a compression sack (rentals available with advance notice) Headlamp and spare batteries Personal toiletries (eco-friendly/biodegradable) Quick-dry compact towel, face cloth, and wipes Sunscreen and bug spray Hand sanitizer and mask Water bottle A few Ziplocs and garbage bags (for extra waterproofing) Optional Binoculars, camera, and spare batteries Book, journal, cards, or small games Phone charging battery bank Paddling gloves Spare eyeglasses and contact lenses Medication (if flying, pack necessary medication in your carry-on luggage) Carbonated or alcoholic beverages (no-alcohol-on-the-water policy; please wait until kayaking for the day is done) Guide team gratuity (cash or credit card; note a 3% surcharge applies to credit card gratuities) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season and activity.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Desolation Sound kayak tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants. A Desolation Sound kayak tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 12 may be permitted to join this Desolation Sound kayak tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has kayakers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Desolation Sound kayak tour is either Quadra Island, BC, or Cortes Island, BC . To get there, most people fly into C ampbell River Airport (YBL) . From there, you can reach Quadra Island via a short ferry ride from Campbell River, followed by another ferry ride from Quadra Island to Cortes Island. You’ll meet your guides on Quadra Island at 7:30am or on Cortes Island at 9:30am on Day 1. From there, the group will travel to the first launch site at Squirrel Cove. Please let your guides know which island you’ll be meeting them on after booking.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

COAST MOUNTAINS | BRITISH COLUMBIA

Desolation Sound Kayak Expedition: Paddle, Hike & Swim

5.00 ()

Rocky cliffs and bays of Desolation Sound

Freshwater swimming in a lake in Desolation Sound

Kayaks in the water at sunset in Desolation Sound

View of the Coast Mountains from a kayak in Desolation Sound

Kayaks parked at the end of the day in Desolation Sound

Seals resting on the rocky shore of Desolation Cove

From $1,320 ()

Duration

5 days

Season

June through September

Accommodation

Standard: Tents

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Accommodation
Reviews
Things to know

North of everything familiar lies a pocket of Pacific waters that breaks all the rules. Here in Desolation Sound, fjords run warm enough for long swims, and time bends to match the tides. Over five days, we’ll drift between coves overlooking the Coast Mountains and quiet island camps, moving at a pace that lets everything sink in. Our mornings unfold over breakfast by glassy waters. Afternoons blend kayaking with hikes and swims while harbor seals pop up to check our progress. When night falls, we’ll swap stories beneath stars that haven’t heard of city lights. Strange how a place called Desolation Sound could feel this much like paradise.

Adventure highlights

Perfect pace

Savor each moment between kayaking, hiking, swimming, and lounging at camp
Warm waters

Dive into swimmable fjords with sweeping views of the Coast Mountain range
Wild company

Float alongside curious seals and porpoises in their natural habitat

Download itinerary

Itinerary

Embark on a five-day journey through BC's clearest waters and warmest fjords! Each morning in Desolation Sound brings new coves to paddle, trails to hike, and sheltered bays perfect for a refreshing swim. We'll share our days with local seals, make camp on forested islands, and wake up to mountain views that never get old. An expert guide with intimate knowledge of the area leads the way to all the best spots. All the details are taken care of—top-quality kayaks and safety gear, cozy camping equipment with proper sleeping setups, and fresh meals and snacks from first lunch to final paddle. Ready to discover why Desolation Sound keeps calling people back?

Your adventure starts either on Quadra Island or Cortes Island—let your guides know where you’ll be meeting them before the trip! If we’re meeting on Quadra, we will catch the 8:20am ferry to Cortes Island (45-minute ride) and then travel to our launch site at Squirrel Cove.

After packing our kayaks, we’ll spend some time reviewing kayaking skills, tips for comfort, and of course safety procedures before our journey begins. Our route takes us on a paddle towards the fjords of Desolation Sound, providing us with a stunning mountain backdrop. There are a number of beautiful sites within an afternoon’s paddle. Keep your eyes open for harbor seals or Dall’s porpoises along the way!

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Camp
We’ll savor 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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camp
Each day in this area brings its own adventure, and we’ll let nature and our interests set our pace. We might paddle through the scattered islands, go on interpretive forest walks, swim in freshwater lakes, practice some on-water skills, or simply lounge at our island campsites.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Camp
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.

We expect to return to Quadra Island between 3-5 pm, but since wilderness travel can be unpredictable, it’s best you plan to stay in the area for this night just in case of delays.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Desolation Sound Kayak Expedition: Paddle, Hike & Swim

Adventure Brochure

Brochure sent, check your inbox

If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

5.00

Spirit of the West Adventures

Spirit of the West Adventures was founded in 1997 from a passion for kayaking, wildlife, and the stunning coast of British Columbia. Since then, they have been the catalyst for many people’s outdoor activities. Based right on the coast, Spirit of the West provides ecologically responsible sea kayaking tours and showcases the breathtaking marine life and landscapes of the region. With a commitment to safety, adventure, and environmental stewardship, certified guides ensure every trip is as safe and memorable as can be.

Accommodation

Campsites

During our Desolation Sound kayak expedition, we’ll stay in tents in different locations. We’ll set up camp on wooden platforms or grassy bluffs overlooking the ocean. Most sites feature basic facilities including pit toilets, and we’ll carry backup systems for comfort and privacy. Nearby freshwater lakes offer welcome swim and rinse-off spots throughout the trip (bring biodegradable soaps if you plan to use them). While our campsites are shared marine park sites, we’ll choose our spots based on weather, route, and what gives our small group the best experience—sometimes staying an extra night when we find that perfect location.

5.00 (4 reviews)

Spirit of the West Desolation Sound

Jay T (source: Tripadvisor)

This was our second adventure with Spirit of the West and we are now looking to do another. They surpassed expectations. The guides, the knowledge, food, planning, expertise etc all absolutely first rate. We enjoyed the most beautiful areas of B.C. and the other people and our guides. I would totally recommend any trip with Spirit of the West.

Beautiful kayaking in Desolation Sound

jon s (source: Tripadvisor)

Superb from start to finish. Helpful informative office staff, great guides, good food, good gear, and stunning paddling on beautiful Desolation Sound. Cannot recommend enough.

Desolation Sound Tour

Awiltgen (source: Tripadvisor)

The 5 day Desolation Sound Tour was wonderful!! I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure. Kayaking in the beautiful scenery, camping on the islands and great food!

Could not have asked for a better vacation

AlexDoor (source: Tripadvisor)

Recently went on the Desolation Sound trip with Spirit of the West. Fantastic trip – great guides, amazing location, and outstanding food. As a fairly experienced kayaker and camper I was a bit unsure what to expect. The kayaking in and scenery in this area are fantastic and the guides were really able to tailor it to the group’s skill level.
I would most definitely recommend this trip and will hopefully be lucky enough to join this company again on one of their other adventures. No complaints at all.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced kayaking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 5-day Desolation Sound kayak tour
  - All kayaking equipment (including kayaks, PFDs, paddles, pumps, ropes and sponges)
  - All meals and snacks from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5
  - Non-alcoholic beverages (coffee, teas, juices, water)
  - Camping equipment including tents, camp pillows, Therma-rest sleeping pads, tarps etc.
  - Park and land use permits
  - Sustainability fee
Add-ons
- - Sleeping bags
  - Rain gear
Not included:
- - Flights to the area
  - Airport transfers
  - Ferries
  - Taxis
  - Alcoholic or carbonated beverages
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
To enjoy this Desolation Sound kayak tour, you’ll need a moderate level of fitness and some outdoor experience. You’ll paddle at a relaxed pace for 4-6 hours daily, covering 6-8 nautical miles (11-15 km) per day.

You’ll need to be comfortable carrying and lifting your personal gear, as well as navigating rocky and uneven shorelines. Since the terrain can be challenging, good mobility is required to handle steep or slippery beaches. Your guides will pace the adventure to the group’s needs and you’ll have plenty of breaks to stretch and explore the shoreline.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

Clothing for paddling
- - A full set of rain gear (jacket and pants, rentals available with advance notice)
  - Two long-sleeved synthetic shirts
  - One long-sleeved fleece or mid-weight layer
  - One pair of quick-dry or synthetic pants
  - A pair of water shoes (gumboots, crocs, neoprene booties, or sandals with straps—no flip-flops)
  - One sun hat
  - A pair of sunglasses
Clothing for camp
- - Two shirts
  - One fleece or sweatshirt
  - One pair of camp pants (yoga pants or synthetic/quick-dry)
  - Two long underwear or base layers (keep one pair for sleeping)
  - One pair of shorts
  - Four warm socks
  - Underwear (a mix of cotton and synthetic)
  - One bathing suit
  - One toque/beanie
  - A pair of camp shoes (runners, light hikers, or sturdy sandals)
Other items
- - Sleeping bag: 3-season bag in a compression sack (rentals available with advance notice)
  - Headlamp and spare batteries
  - Personal toiletries (eco-friendly/biodegradable)
  - Quick-dry compact towel, face cloth, and wipes
  - Sunscreen and bug spray
  - Hand sanitizer and mask
  - Water bottle
  - A few Ziplocs and garbage bags (for extra waterproofing)
Optional
- - Binoculars, camera, and spare batteries
  - Book, journal, cards, or small games
  - Phone charging battery bank
  - Paddling gloves
  - Spare eyeglasses and contact lenses
  - Medication (if flying, pack necessary medication in your carry-on luggage)
  - Carbonated or alcoholic beverages (no-alcohol-on-the-water policy; please wait until kayaking for the day is done)
  - Guide team gratuity (cash or credit card; note a 3% surcharge applies to credit card gratuities)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season and activity.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Desolation Sound kayak tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.
A Desolation Sound kayak tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 12 may be permitted to join this Desolation Sound kayak tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has kayakers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Desolation Sound kayak tour is either Quadra Island, BC, or Cortes Island, BC. To get there, most people fly into Campbell River Airport (YBL). From there, you can reach Quadra Island via a short ferry ride from Campbell River, followed by another ferry ride from Quadra Island to Cortes Island.

You’ll meet your guides on Quadra Island at 7:30am or on Cortes Island at 9:30am on Day 1. From there, the group will travel to the first launch site at Squirrel Cove.

Please let your guides know which island you’ll be meeting them on after booking.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits

You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Super Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.