Desolation Sound

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, which has its own article and forms the western edge of Desolation Sound.

Understand
Desolation Sound was inhabited by tribes of the Mainland Comox First Nation prior to the arrival of Europeans. In the summer of 1792, two expeditions led by Captains George Vancouver, Dionisio Alcalá Galiano and Cayetano Valdés y Flores arrived and cooperated in mapping the sound. Vancouver named it Desolation Sound, cryptically claiming that "there was not a single prospect that was pleasing to the eye".

By boat
There is no scheduled ferry service to Desolation Sound. Aside from operating a private boat, the only other option is to hire a water taxi from Campbell River (on Vancouver Island) or Lund on the Sunshine Coast.

By boat

 * The best way to get around is by private boat. It is a premiere experience to travel around the area by sail boat.

Eat
Eating options are pretty much limited to the accommodation you're staying at. Limited food supplies are available from the general store at Refuge Cove, otherwise you'll need to bring all your food with you.