This Package includes Hotel Breakfast and all meals when camping

Location: Quadra Island

Discover why Desolation Sound is one of BC’s most beloved kayaking destinations. Known for its calm, warm waters and dramatic mountain backdrops, this area is ideal for first-time or less experienced paddlers looking for an immersive, yet accessible, expedition.

Start with a relaxing night on Quadra Island before journeying to Cortes Island to begin your paddle. Glide past waterfalls, forested shorelines, and secluded bays as you connect with nature and enjoy expertly prepared meals. Expect daily swims, stunning sunsets, and a rich diversity of marine life - from intertidal creatures to playful seals.

Departures:

Selected Dates June to September

Due to the limited capacity of these tours, your selected date may be subject to change. Therefore, please ensure that any travel arrangements are only made upon confirmation. For further information, please call (0044) 01344 887862 prior to booking.

Rate Type (Per Person, $ CAD):

Adults $ 1,999.83; Children (3-10) $ 1,839.33

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.

Days 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: THE 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.

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

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 AND 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).

HIGH STAFF TO GUEST RATIO & SMALL GROUP SIZE

The maximum number of guests on any Wildcoast sea kayaking expedition is 12 and our staff to guest ratio is 1:6 or better. For each trip, our guides select the kayak routes based on your group’s kayaking skills and level of experience. You will enjoy a couple nights at one spot, or if you are with a more advanced group your kayak expedition could be racking up the nautical miles circumnavigating one of the more remote islands.

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 on your tour 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.

FAQ´S

1. I´m a solo traveller, 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!

2. 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.

3. 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).

4. 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.

5. 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 below to be sure you come best prepared!

6. What are the Campsites like?

The campsites are located in remote wilderness settings. Some of the campsites have sparse amenities. Tent locations may be uneven and the beaches are usually rocky. There are limited washroom facilities. Your guides will assist you to make this wilderness camping experience as comfortable as possible.

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST FOR YOUR KAYAKING ADVENTURE:

• Portable Battery Chargers/Power Packs for your cameras, video recorders, and mobile phone
• Water Bottle
• Clothing: days may be warm or cool (it is the wild coast after all). We recommend you bring:
• both summer clothing (shorts, t-shirts, swimsuit, etc.) and warm clothes (long pants, fleece jacket or wool sweater, long sleeve breathable shirts, etc.)
• rain jacket
• warm socks
• NOTE: you can leave cotton items at home or note that you will likely only wear them when at camp. When kayaking it’s priority to remain warm and dry.  Layering with synthetic materials is the best way to achieve this!
• Water shoes (sturdy strapped sandals, neoprene water shoes, or rubber boots) & camp shoes (running shoes and/or trail shoes)
• Sunscreen
• Sunhat or ball cap and a warm (wool or fleece) hat
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp or quality small flashlight
• Kayak gloves (optional)
• Insect repellent
• Your personal medications and toiletries (toothpaste, etc)
• Fast-dry towel(s) (no towels are provided by Wildcoast)
• Fishing gear (optional): PLEASE CONTACT for details on how to purchase a fishing licence prior to your trip
• Book or journal (for those quiet times)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Beverages: your trip includes both hot and cold non-alcoholic drinks. Please note that no alcohol consumption is permitted prior to or during water excursions. You are welcome to responsibly enjoy any alcoholic beverages you bring with you during other times at camp.

Tipping – gratuities are optional and not included in the cost of your tour. Tipping is an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have provided great service to you on your tour. Amounts are entirely a personal preference; however $5-10 per guide, per day can be used as a general rule.