desolation sound marine provincial park

This is one of the best kayaking areas around all things considered. Mostly calm waters, very protected and in a bit of a rain shadow. For beginners there are excellent guided companies out of Powell River and Lund with top notch equipment available. Parks now charge a nominal fee of $5/night and for that they have put in tent pads and more outhouses through out. Lots of sea lion rocks, friendly harbour seals and deer with the occasional brown bear on the mainland sites only. Downside is that the landings and take outs may add a bit of challenge, especially on the Curmes. Busy on weekends in the summer, but usually not bad during the week. Outfitters have their own sites, not infringing on the busy Parks site which is considerate. Best put in's are Lund for the Copelands or Oekoever for Grace/Curme/Kinghorn or North OR go to Cortes for less people, but longer distances and undeveloped sites (no tent pads/outhouses)

We (two couples) were cruising the Sound for a week in 36 foot sailboat. The Park and the anchorages were terrific, and provided lots of opportunities to see nature at its finest. One week is not enough to see it all, so we will be back. The weather in late September was a bit iffy, but we were told it was more like November weather for that area. So, cruising into September, even October should usually be fine. Weather in June, July, and August should be more reliable, but I expect most good anchorages would be crowded. Make sure you have a cruising atlas or similar local information so you will know where to go ashore for nature walks, etc.

Outstanding views and numerous rustic water access only camping. The warm clear waters are ideal for swimming of view of sea life below at the intertidal zones.

There is not a lot to dislike, we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the area, the scenery is outstanding, the people are so friendly and helpful. There is a lot of history in this area, and so much wildlife, seals, eagles, and we were fortunate enough to see several whales, one with a baby. It is an interesting place to visit and the scenery is an added bonus

It is stunning and the water is sooooo warm. Defiantly a must see! It is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful

Desolation Sound is gorgeous and a must see while in northern BC but don't go there for solitude during peek season. Most anchorage locations are packed and tent sites on land few and far between.

This our go to place for summer holidays on the boat. Great prawning, best swimming along the coast, swim all day long! Great anchorage for large & small boats.

Hiked in thier with my pack to watch the high tide at Cripple Rock .Amazing .One of my favorite spots And their was no rain loved it.

We were on a 10 day sail trip through desolation sound Lund is a perfect place to stop on your up or on your way home . They have everything you need plus a great bakery for treats while u are away :) enjoy!!

We departed on June 28 and sailed for 5 nights through Desolation Sound. We ⛵ sailed and motored to Refuge Cove, Toba Inlet, Gorges, Prideaux Bay and more. Just beautiful and surreal surroundings. A great trip was had by all on a 42.5' DUFOUR out of Powell River chartered through Cooper Boating.

I love sailing in Desolation Sound...it's huge and filled with beautiful inlets and coves. The water is deep and dark and the mountains are high. Sailing in the channels, it's evident the geology of the area is shaped by glaciers, with U-shaped valleys running down to the main channels. There are many anchorages and some are quite busy; Prideaux Bay is popular and can be crowded, Melanie and Laura Coves are nearby and Melanie Cove has a bar that dries at low tide, so caution is necessary if your boat has a deeper draft. Once in the cove, it becomes a bit of a spectator sport watching boats transit over the bar (we have been witness to some really bad maneuvers!). One of my favorite places to sail is up the Toba Inlet, which is a very large fjord with waterfalls and beaches where you can bear watch. It's water changes to a turquoise as you approach the head of the inlet, because of the glacier's melt water, which mixes with the sea water in the inlet. There are stores in Squirrel Cove and restaurants, places to have ice cream and one restaurant has numbers on it's tables, so you can "judge" the docking abilities with an Olympic flair (it's a fun way to spend some time...after you have been judged on your docking skills). A word of caution: Galley Bay is a mosquito haven! Do not anchor there or you will be fighting the critters all night. I wound up taping our hatch and even with the boat closed up, the determined buggers came through the anchor locker! It was a miserable night for my husband, me and the dog. But, I have to say, sailing in Desolation Sound is very special; put it on your List and go hang out on the hook in Melanie Cove, score someone's docking skills and try to win the garbage-barge toss...you'll be happy you made the trip.

I've sailed Desolation many times and still am awed by the way the mountains meet the water here - waterfalls appear and disappear, mountain peaks are covered with snow, oysters to be had in Waddington Channel, Melanie cove still a great anchorage, all's good

What a place. We rented Kayaks and spent the entire day kayaking. We were the only kayakers out there that day and it was glorious. Pack some lunch and find a nice beach for a picnic.Can't wait to go back

Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park is one of those tranquil places where time stands still.Drop anchor in Prideaux Bay on the inside of Eveleigh Island. The waters are really warm in the summer and fishing is great.This is paradise.Hope this helps.

A great view of nature from the ocean's perspective. Little islets and coves, sea life, birds, boats, with snow-capped mountains in the background. Wilderness everywhere.