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Sound in Discovery Islands, British Columbia
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Desolation Sound is a popular boating and kayaking destination north of the Sunshine Coast in the province of British Columbia. It is an area of huge mountains and wilderness with little civilization and untouched cruising grounds. For purposes of this guide, it includes the eastern portion of the Discovery Islands (East and West Redonda Islands), Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park and Toba Inlet. This article does not include information about Cortes Island, which has its own article and forms the western edge of Desolation Sound.
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The highlight is Cassel Falls, which fall directly into the ocean. There is a hiking trail to Cassel Lake, as well as fishing and swimming in both the ocean (Teakerne Arm) and Cassel Lake.
A park set around a small fjord with fishing, wilderness camping and anchorage. There is also a short trail to Black Lake, with a hiking trail along the lakeshore, swimming and fishing. Swimming is not recommended in Roscoe Bay. There are pit toilets but no other facilities.
Cabana-style lodging on an island well-situated to explore Cortes Island and Desolation Sound by kayak. Each cabana is made from local wood with a bright airy design and is equipped with a queen bed and shower. Toilets are shared and set throughout the property. Meals and non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary and provided in the Cabana Cafe. Guests have one kayak to use and are free to use the beach chairs, hammocks and stand-up paddleboards. Other perks include coffee/tea in bed and a complimentary happy hour beverage. personal headlamps, personal mask/snorkel sets and dry bags for kayaking excursions. Accommodation comes under one of two packages: “Chill & Immerse”, for those who don’t want to kayak or want to kayak on their own, and “Guided”, for those looking for a guided kayaking experience. The island is accessed by kayaking out to it from Power River Sea Kayak’s launch spot on Okeover Inlet or you can pay $100 (round trip) for boat transport. Open mid-May through the end of Sept; peak period is considered late-June to early-Sept.
Lodge and cabins located on Desolation Sound. The cabins sleep 4-6 and have a kitchenette, 3 pc bathroom, private balcony and small BBQ. Some rooms sleep 3 and have a 3 pc bathroom; cooking is done at the shared cookhouse. Amenities include Wifi, a common room in the lodge and firepit. The lodge can arrange fishing charters and sightseeing trips in the local area including Toba Inlet and Bute Inlet, and will provide transport to and from local hiking and mountain biking spots. It rents kayaks, mountain bikes and fishing gear. Moorage is available for people with their own boats. Open mid-May through Sept.
Quiet location with overnight moorage. There is a waterfall nearby and hiking trails on the property. No onshore accommodations.
Marina with a general store and food supplies. There is also laundry facilities, showers and a coffee shop open seasonally.
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