SEA KAYAK ADVENTURE THROUGH DESOLATION SOUND
You can not visit Canada without spending a couple of nights in the wilderness. Imagine camping under the stars before heading out at first light with your camera in hand, not knowing what amazing sights and wildlife you will run into each day. This is something we have been longing to experience ever since stepping foot in Canada.
We have been told by many locals that one of the best places to experience true Canadian wilderness is Desolation Sound in British Columbia - so that is where we went. We headed out with Wildcoast Adventures for a 6 day sea kayaking adventure ready to escape, explore and discover.
KAYAKING ADVENTURE THROUGH DESOLATION SOUND
Desolation Sound
Desolation Sound is one of the most beautiful paddling destinations on the West Coast. This coastal haven is nestled between Quadra Island and the Mainland of British Columbia with some of the most warmest waters in all of Canada. It seriously is a kayakers dream, home to majestic fjords, towering 6,000 ft. peaks, cascading waterfalls, and pristine lakes.
The perfect place to explore the Canadian wilderness.
A luxurious beginning
The adventure began with a night at the Gowlland Harbour Resort on Quadra Island. To get here we took a 25 minute flight from Vancouver's South Terminal to Campbell River and a quick ferry to the island.
Upon arrival we met with our guide and others undertaking the trip for a quick briefing on what to expect over the next few days. We were then shown to our rooms and given time to explore the stunning grounds right on the water before having an amazing nights sleep in one of the comfiest beds ever.
We woke up to a plate of vegan carrot cake pancakes and a cup of freshly brewed pressed coffee before jumping in the van ready for our sea kayak adventure.
KAYAKING ADVENTURE THROUGH DESOLATION SOUND
KAYAKING ADVENTURE THROUGH DESOLATION SOUND
Wildcoast sea kayaking adventure
We had 5 days, a kayak, a tent and 2 guides ready to experience the incredible waters of Desolation Sound. After arriving at our landing point, Squirrel Cove, we stocked our kayaks full of supplies before hitting the water.
Our first day was our longest paddle at 14km. Luckily the Sound is ideal for first time kayakers like us. The waters are so calm that you can effortlessly paddle through the narrow inlets (but yes, we were always at the back of the group as expected).
Once Squirrel Cove was a speck in the distance we kayaked around a corner and were hit with an incredible sight. Snowcapped peaks surrounded us as we left civilisation behind for some much needed peace and quiet in the Canadian wilderness.
Each day we went and explored more of the area. Finding fresh water lakes to dive into and beautiful inlets to kayak through as we were met with amazing wildlife.
The Kayak Adventure Begins
Camping life
We spent our nights in a cozy tent, under the stars with the most incredible view of Desolation Sound - can it get any better?
Our first few nights were spent camping on West Curme Island. This little rocky mound of paradise was the perfect camping spot. It had wooden raised platforms for your tent to be built on and picturesque views of the mountains and surrounding islands.
KAYAKING ADVENTURE THROUGH DESOLATION SOUND
KAYAKING ADVENTURE THROUGH DESOLATION SOUND
Our last night was spent at Martin Islands. This was the perfect place to spend our final evening as camp fires are allowed on the island. We sat around the camp fire whilst toasting marshmallows and making our very first s'mores!
The Kayak Adventure Begins
KAYAKING ADVENTURE THROUGH DESOLATION SOUND
The food
Okay, we are convinced that our guides were not only professional kayakers, but also professional chefs. The food on this camping venture was no way close to camp food.
In the mornings we were woken up to the smell of fresh coffee, pancakes and bagels. Amazing fresh lunches were devoured after our kayak sessions each day. Oh, and those dinners! Delicious veggies served with freshly caught salmon, chicken, kebabs ... no tinned baked beans were consumed on this trip.
We loved that they catered to our vegetarian diet and even offered to organise vegan and gluten free meal plans for those that asked.
food
The wildlife
Desolations Sound's warm waters and sheltered islands are teeming with wildlife. We woke up each morning to seals sunbathing on nearby rocks as bald eagles flew ahead searching for a fishy breakfast. Each morning on our daily kayaks the tide was low allowing us to view rocky walls covered in purple and orange starfish, thousands of crustaceans and oddly shaped anemones.
During our island explorations before dinner each night we met wild deer, squirrels and even a cheeky river otter spying on us along the shore.
KAYAKING ADVENTURE THROUGH DESOLATION SOUND
Kayaking through Desolation Sound with Wildcoast Adventures was the perfect way to experience the Canadian wilderness. This was our first camping and kayaking experience and definitely not the last. This incredible adventure has been the highlight of our travels through British Columbia and a trip we will never forget. Price: $1095 CAN per person with Wildcoast Adventures.Check out the playlist below for daily videos showcasing our 6 day kayak adventure.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYLi7gA3tKMSxFB43SsxiEBCZwDMBScAC
Flying the Next experienced Desolation Sound as a guest of Wildcoast Adventures, however our opinion is always our own.
READ NEXT: KAYAKING TO PENGUIN ISLAND
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