Few places in the world combine warm ocean waters, glacier-carved scenery, sheltered paddling conditions, and abundant marine wildlife quite like Desolation Sound.
Located just north of Lund, BC, Desolation Sound is widely considered one of the premier sea kayaking destinations in North America. Water temperatures here can reach up to 25°C in summer, making it the warmest saltwater north of Mexico. Few hazards and many campsites create ideal conditions for both first-time paddlers and seasoned expedition kayakers.
Whether you’re planning a self-guided adventure or considering a fully supported tour, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know!
Desolation Sound sits just north of Lund, BC on the upper Sunshine Coast, British Columbia. When people speak of Desolation Sound they usually include the broader region stretching from the Copeland Islands to Prideaux Haven and beyond.
The most common launch point for paddlers is Lund, a small coastal village at the northern terminus of Highway 101, which also happens to be where Terracentric Coastal Adventures is based!
Desolation Sound is known for having the warmest ocean water in Canada.
Why?
For paddlers this means:
Unlike exposed west coast destinations, Desolation Sound offers:
This makes it an excellent introduction to coastal sea kayaking. Terracentric’s kayak base in the harbour of Lund is the perfect place to start your journey as well, it is well sheltered, and not far from the Copeland Islands!
Granite bluffs, forested islands, turquoise water, and snow-capped coastal mountains form the backdrop of every paddle stroke. Idyllic island campsites abound, and even freshwater lakes are nearby!
Or, travel to the northwest and immerse yourself in the Discovery Islands, full of intricate channels and unique lagoon filled islands such as Cortes.
For the more adventurous, glacier-carved inlets stretch deep into the mainland, creating a dramatic yet approachable wilderness experience.
Desolation Sound is alive with marine life ranging from tiny zooplankton that results in spectacular bioluminescence to humpback whales and orca!
Common sightings include:
Occasionaly paddlers may encounter:
Responsible wildlife viewing and proper distance are essential for both safety and conservation. Sea kayaking is perfect for that!
Often people want to come to Desolation Sound during peak season - July+August. At Terracentric, our favorite is always the early season! Fewer crowds results in less marine traffic, less kayakers and an overall quieter feel. Plus campfires are usually still allowed (outside the park), a camping staple! May and June can still be more than warm enough to swim and enjoy the water as well!
Each season offers something unique, though mid-summer is ideal for those seeking the warm swimming conditions Desolation Sound is famous for.
Best for more experienced paddlers who:
Ideal for:
A guided experience with Terracentric removes logistical stress and allows you to focus entirely on paddling, wildlife, and relaxation. You can check out our guided tour packages here!
There are a number of popular kayaking routes/destinations through Desolation Sound from our launch site in Lund. Here is a brief overview of some of our favorites!
The Curme Islands are by far the most famous sea kayaking destination in Desolation Sound. They are a small group of islands off the NE tip of Mink Island. Breathtakingly beautiful, they feature emerald-green waters, plenty of marine life, and are a fantastic location for a base-camp with access to freshwater lakes nearby!
The downside? Well, they can be busy in peak-summer months and around long-weekends. The Curmes are in Desolation Sound marine park and feature tent-platforms. There are usually plenty available, unless you are a large group, but if you arrive and they are all taken you may find yourself tenting in a kitchen or lounging area. Great for socializing! Not so great for solitude.
There are two main areas, the North Curme Island and the South Curme Island.
North Curme is typically more popular, featuring an idyllic channel between two islands and is quite large, featuring a tall rock bluff.
South Curme is typically less busy, but can be just as great! South Curme is great if your group is seeking more solitude. It features a neat, sheltered landing area as well as an iconic view of mount Denman!
Hare Pt is also not far away and though not quite as popular, can be just as beautiful!
This popular route is a one-way trip from Lund to Okeover or vice-versa! Popular campsites include the Copeland Islands, Feather Cove, and Hare Point. This is a great route for beginners as it doesn’t require any long crossings across open water. It also allows you to see new scenery every day of the trip!
Terracentric offers kayak transport from Lund to Okeover to accommodate this popular route for renters, it is also one of our all inclusive guided trips!
Feeling a bit more adventurous? Cross Desolation Sound to Martin Islands and spend a night at the backcountry site there!
This circumnavigation takes you around the island of Cortes, one of the northern Gulf Islands in the salish sea. It offers the paddler a unique juxtaposition between the towering Coastal Mountains, and the low-lying gulf islands with their lagoons and sandy beaches.
This trip takes you outside the heart of Desolation Sound, and though the water might not be as warm, it more than makes up for it in scenery and exploration opportunities.
Cortes is a unique island in that it features four unique saltwater lagoons! These lagoons are teeming with life. Time the tides right and paddle your kayak right into the lagoon! Explore the tidal ‘river’ where the ocean water enters and exits the lagoon. These rivers are chocked full of intertidal invertebrates, as the constant currents provide bountiful food for them.
The northern part of Cortes feels very remote, while the southern side features a couple small villages and harbours to explore.
Campsites range from rarely used backcountry sites, to BC Parks sites closer to Desolation Sound.
Looking for a guided tour? Terracentric offers a 6 Day Guided tour around Cortes Island!
Most multi-day trips involve marine campsites within Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park.
Things to consider:
Proper trip planning is essential, Terracentric can help!
With good planning, conservative decision-making, and proper equipment, Desolation Sound is one of the safest coastal paddling regions in British Columbia.
Key safety considerations:
Professional guides can mitigate many of these risks through route selection, weather assessment, and group management.
While Desolation Sound is an incredible destination to explore on your own, joining a guided trip with Terracentric can transform a great trip into an exceptional one. Our goal isn’t simply to lead you from point A to point B, it’s to create a deeply immersive coastal experience where every detail is thoughtfully handled.
Desolation Sound and the surrounding Discovery Islands are complex coastal environments shaped by tides, winds, and constantly changing conditions. Our guides know these waters intimately. We plan routes around weather patterns, select camps that offer the best protection and scenery, and time our paddling days to take advantage of favourable currents and calm conditions.
Local knowledge also means knowing where to find the hidden gems! Quiet anchorages, warm swimming spots, secluded beaches, and viewpoints that many visitors would otherwise miss. Yes, we do have secret campsites and destinations especially for our guided tours!!!
Sea kayaking on the BC coast is incredibly rewarding, but it does require sound decision-making and an understanding of marine conditions. Our professional guides monitor marine forecasts, manage group safety, and make route adjustments as needed. Our guides are also trained in wilderness first aid, marine communications and are equipped with extensive emergency response plans.
For many guests, this means being able to relax and fully enjoy the experience rather than worrying about navigation, weather interpretation, or trip logistics.
Multi-day kayaking trips involve a surprising amount of planning: meals, equipment, campsites, and logistics all need to be coordinated. On our guided tours, we handle these details so you can focus on the adventure itself.
Expect:
Many guests tell us that the food and camp life is actually some of the most memorable part of the trip!
A guided trip also adds context to the landscape around you. Our guides share insights about the region’s ecology, wildlife, coastal history, and the rich cultural heritage of the area. From intertidal life along rocky shorelines to European exploration and First Nations history.
These small moments of interpretation help bring the landscape to life in a way that transforms a trip into a deeper learning experience.
We keep our groups small to ensure a more personal and relaxed experience. Smaller groups mean quieter camps, better wildlife encounters, and more flexibility to explore the places that make this region so special.
What makes Desolation Sound so special is the balance it offers: a true wilderness experience that is so approachable by sea kayak. Protected, warm waters combined with idyllic island campsites make this one of the most popular sea kayak destinations in Canada!
If you’re considering a sea kayaking trip in British Columbia, Desolation Sound deserves a spot at the top of your list! Terracentric Coastal Adventures has everything you need to make it a great trip!
"We rented kayaks from Terracentric Coastal Adventures and spent 4 days kayaking and camping in Desolation Sound. It was a fantastic trip! The team at Terracentric was very supportive and careful to ensure we were well prepared. I would highly recommend it."
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