Desolation Sound Expedition
Mountains, Warm Waters & Wild Coves.
A 6-day guided sea kayaking and camping expedition in Desolation Sound, BC, departing Quadra Island. Paddle calm, warm waters beneath towering coastal peaks and camp on remote beaches, with all the gear provided.
Departures June, late August & September | 6 Days | From $1,978.21 CAD + GST
About the Adventure
Escape from the ordinary.
Experience the wilderness and coast mountain ranges of British Columbia on a guided Desolation Sound sea kayaking expedition. The Sound’s calm waters let you paddle through narrow inlets while gazing up at the mountains above, and swimming in the warm waters is an extra bonus.
Established by the BC government in 1973, Desolation Sound Marine Park spans more than 14,000 acres of highland and 60 km of shoreline, and is the gateway to the Coast Mountain inlets of British Columbia. Over six days you’ll venture into endless coves, bays and beaches, camping in remote wilderness settings along the way.
It’s a perfect escape from busy city life, and an all-inclusive, professionally guided trip where we provide it all. You won’t even need to bring your own sleeping bag.
Highlights
- Towering mountains and warm waters
- Remote Canadian wilderness
- Rich intertidal life and local wildlife
- Custom coastal cuisine designed by a local gourmet chef
- Quality kayaks, expedition tents and warm sleeping bags provided
- A night at a Quadra Island resort before you launch
- Small groups of up to 9 guests, with at least 1 guide per 5 guests
- No kayaking experience required, though experience and good fitness are recommended; ages 12 and up
2027 Departure Dates
Green = spaces available. Grey = sold out.
Duration
6 days (5 nights)
Guide Ratio
1 Guide / per 5 Guests or better, with a maximum of 9 guests
Start Point
The Wildcoast Shop, 685 Heriot Bay Road, Quadra Island – a short distance by foot or by car from the BC Ferry Terminal in Quathiaski Cove.
Impact
Protecting this ecosystem is central to everything we do. We follow a strict code of conduct and all marine wildlife regulations, ensuring wildlife is viewed from respectful distances and given the space it needs to thrive. Your price includes a $25 sustainability fee, which is donated directly to local conservation initiatives. Wildcoast Adventures is proudly owned by the Wei Wai Kum First Nation.
2027 Trip Price
$1,978.21 CAD per person
Prices include a $25 sustainability fee and are subject to 5% GST.
Skill Prerequisites
Experience recommended, not required · Ages 12+ · Max 9 guests · 1 guide per 5 guests
Paddling Intensity: 3/4
No experience is required, but we recommend that you enjoy a challenge, have a positive mindset and are in good physical shape. As this is an expedition-style trip, you’ll paddle between campsites and spend up to five hours a day on the water, with a lunch stop and chances to learn about the wildlife along the way. Your guides choose each day’s route based on the weather, sea conditions and your group’s skill and experience, and provide kayak instruction and safety procedures before your first launch.
Camp Comfort: 1/4
No previous camping experience is required. We provide quality expedition tents, warm sleeping bags and dry bags, including your own tent if you’re a solo traveller. Campsites are in remote wilderness settings with limited facilities, and your guides help you set up camp and make it as comfortable as possible.
Wilderness Immersion: 4/4
This is a true off-the-grid expedition. You’ll paddle and camp in the remote coves and bays of Desolation Sound, moving to a new campsite as you travel, with no cell service for most of the trip.
Guests should be comfortable with the quiet of the wilderness and the unpredictability of nature, from the weather to the wildlife sightings.
Feeling unsure? Please contact us, we are happy to answer your questions!
About Desolation Sound
Desolation Sound is one of BC’s most beloved kayaking destinations, known for calm, warm waters and dramatic mountain backdrops. You’ll venture into endless coves, bays and beaches surrounded by towering peaks, and sit amidst vast, stunning panoramas from your sea kayak. It has even been described as “one of the most scenically outstanding anchorages anywhere.”
Trails lead to freshwater lakes, streams and hidden waterfalls, and a maze of interconnected shallow coves creates warm, clear lagoons. Take time to stretch out on sun-heated rocks and take it all in. The peaceful waters and surrounding forests are home to bald eagles, seals, dolphins, humpback whales and sea lions, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. We always view wildlife from respectful distances.
The Sound is a cruising mecca in July and August, so we avoid the crowds by operating this trip in the quieter shoulder season, giving you the best opportunity to explore in peace and serenity.
On the traditional territories of the Liǧʷiłdaxʷ and Klahoose peoples.
Your Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival on Quadra Island
Your first night is at one of Quadra’s beautiful resorts, with breakfast included. Enjoy a relaxing start and some time on Quadra Island as you prepare for the days ahead. An afternoon briefing provides you with a dry bag for your belongings and everything you need to know before launching early the next morning.
Day 2
Into the Heart of Desolation Sound
Your guides pick you up at the resort and transport you to the ferry, which takes you to your launch point on beautiful Cortes Island. After your kayak orientation, your first paddle takes you into the heart of Desolation Sound. Each trip is customized to suit the group’s paddling ability and interests, so the areas you explore and the places you camp are unique to each trip.
Day 3 – 5
Exploring the Sound
Each day, wake from a restful sleep and be prepared for something awesome: paddling past waterfalls and forested shorelines, hiking through ancient forests, swimming in warm waters and freshwater lakes, and watching for wildlife along the way. Your expert guides each add their own flair to the trip, providing a kayaking tour unlike any other.
Day 6
Journey Back
On your last day you paddle back to your launch point and are transported to the Wildcoast Shop by mid-afternoon. It’s a relaxing end point where you can hang out, grab a coffee and repack your belongings before heading to your next destination.
What’s included
- Hotel Night on Quadra Island – One night at a Quadra Island resort before you launch, with breakfast included.
- Guide Services and Kayak Instruction – Expert, certified guides throughout your adventure.
- Kayaking Gear – Quality kayaks, paddles and dry bags for the whole trip.
- Camping Gear – Expedition tents, including a tent of your own if you’re a solo traveller, and warm sleeping bags.
- Wilderness Camping – Remote campsites throughout Desolation Sound.
- Gourmet Meals – All meals at camp, with a menu designed by a local gourmet chef and prepared by your guides. Dietary needs are accommodated at no extra cost.
What’s not included
- Travel to and from Quadra Island (flights and ferry)
- Accommodation before or after the trip
- Meals outside of the trip
- Trip cancellation or other travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal gear (see packing list)
- Tips for guides (optional but appreciated)
What Our Guests Say
“Wild Coast Adventures delivered an experience that completely blew past our expectations. From start to finish, our guides, Zoe, Emily, and Robin brought years of collective experience to the table that gave us absolute confidence and made us feel entirely in capable hands. … They also brought incredible local depth to the trip, sharing fascinating facts of area history, deep knowledge about the local wildlife, and all kinds of banter that brought the whole landscape to life.
And the food? Forget typical camp cooking. Every meal they pulled together was leagues beyond what we expected, turning every breakfast, lunch and dinner into a highlight. … If you’re on the fence about stepping out of your routine for this, jump. It’s worth every second.”
Patricia, Wilderness Expedition guest
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Trip Experience
Do I need prior kayaking experience to join?
No experience is required, but we recommend that you enjoy a challenge, have a positive mindset and are in good physical shape. Our kayaks are stable and safe to paddle, and our guides provide kayak instruction and safety procedures before your first launch, and help with tweaking your technique along the way.
How much paddling and distance is covered?
Our guides determine the length of each day’s paddle based on the weather, sea conditions and your group’s paddling skill and dynamic. As this is an expedition-style trip you’ll 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 and learn about the wildlife along the way.
What are the campsites like?
The campsites are located in remote wilderness settings. Some have sparse amenities, tent locations may be uneven and the beaches are usually rocky. There are limited washroom facilities. Your guides will help make this wilderness camping experience as comfortable as possible.
What wildlife might I see?
The waters and forests of Desolation Sound are home to bald eagles, seals, dolphins, humpback whales and sea lions. Wildlife is unpredictable and sightings are never guaranteed. We view all wildlife from respectful distances and follow all marine wildlife regulations.
Why is this trip not available in July and August?
Desolation Sound is a cruising mecca in July and August, so we avoid the crowds by operating this trip in the quieter shoulder season, giving you the best opportunity to explore in peace and serenity.
Gear & Food
Do you provide all camping equipment at no extra cost?
Yes. We equip you with high-quality tents and sleeping bags that are ideal for the climate and expedition kayak camping, at no extra cost, so you don’t have to travel to Quadra Island with cumbersome camping gear. We also provide a durable dry bag for your personal items. If you are travelling with a friend or partner you will share a tent.
What should I pack?
Follow our helpful packing list to be sure you come best prepared.
Can you provide vegetarian or special dietary options?
Yes. We provide excellent alternatives for guests with dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets as well as food allergies, at no additional cost. These modifications never compromise on the quality, freshness or portion size of each meal.
Group Size & Solo Travel
I’m a solo traveller, do I pay extra?
No! Our trips are an excellent way for solo travellers to experience a fantastic adventure with others. There is no single supplement, no limit on the number of solo travellers, and we don’t bunk you with a stranger – you will have your own tent.
What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group size on this trip is 9 guests, with a guide-to-guest ratio of 1:5 or better.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age for this trip is 12 years old. Guests aged 12 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Travel & Logistics
Where do we meet, and how do I get there?
Your first night is at a Quadra Island resort, and an afternoon briefing is held on the day of your arrival. The Wildcoast Shop is at 685 Heriot Bay Road, a short distance by foot or by car from the BC Ferry Terminal in Quathiaski Cove. See our Getting Here page for details.
When does the trip return?
On Day 6 you paddle back to your launch point and are transported to the Wildcoast Shop by mid-afternoon, so please plan onward travel accordingly.
Should I choose the Desolation Sound or the Discovery Islands Expedition?
Both are 6-day guided expeditions from Quadra Island with the same price, gear and meals. Desolation Sound is known for calm, warm water and dramatic mountain scenery, runs in the quieter months of June and September and takes a maximum of 9 guests. The Discovery Islands Expedition explores a maze of forested islands and tidal channels, runs from late May to September and takes a maximum of 10 guests.
Where does the kayaking start?
On Day 2 your guides pick you up from your Quadra Island resort and travel with you by ferry to the launch point on Cortes Island, at the entrance to Desolation Sound.
Policies & Requirements
What are the payment terms and booking requirements?
Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your spot. Each guest is also required to complete a waiver and medical questionnaire no later than 2 weeks before departure.
What happens if a trip is cancelled due to weather?
We operate in most weather conditions, and our guides are expertly trained to adapt daily itineraries for guest safety. In the rare event that safety concerns prevent a launch, our team will work with you based on our standard operating procedures and safety protocols.