north end of East Redonda looking north
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Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park

4.8
·161 reviews·Lund, Canada

A marine paradise with surprisingly warm waters, abundant wildlife, and serene inlets perfect for kayaking and boating.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calm waters, best light

CrowdMedium
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north end of East Redonda looking north

Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Calm waters, best light

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A marine paradise with surprisingly warm waters, abundant wildlife, and serene inlets perfect for kayaking and boating.

4.8
(161 reviews)

"The water is so warm you can swim for hours! A true gem."

Vertical photo
TIP

Warm Water Surprise! 🏊‍♀️

Don't miss swimming; the water is surprisingly warm for BC! Snorkeling is also great.

Kayak Launch Points 🛶

Consider launching from Okeover Arm or Lund for easier access to the park's waters.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Warm Water Swimming

Warm Water Swimming

Various bays and shorelines

Experience the rare treat of warm ocean waters on BC's coast, ideal for a refreshing dip.

Sea Kayaking Adventures

Sea Kayaking Adventures

Throughout the park's inlets and islands

Paddle through serene waters, discovering hidden coves and abundant marine life.

Abundant Wildlife Viewing

Abundant Wildlife Viewing

Coastal waters and shorelines

Spot seals, eagles, starfish, and a variety of marine creatures in their natural habitat.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Water: Kayaking & Swimming

Desolation Sound is renowned for its surprisingly warm waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Kayaking is a prime way to explore its many coves and islands. Plan your routes and consider water taxi services if you're not bringing your own vessel.

Bookings & Access

Campsites and moorage can fill up, especially in peak season. While some areas offer first-come, first-served, booking ahead is highly recommended for a stress-free trip. Research launch points like Okeover Arm or Lund.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Calm waters, best light
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Spring/Early Fall
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍 Desolation Sound (𝘋𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘰𝘯𝘦-𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘓𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘵) 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿-𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 | 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗲-𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 | 𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗮 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗲 | 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀 Klahoose Wilderness Resort is one of Canada’s premier Indigenous cultural experience on the lands of the toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose) People. The all-inclusive eco-resort in the coastal wilderness of Desolation ...
@klahoosewildernessresort
129 likes • 3.1K views

Warm Water Surprise! 🏊‍♀️

Don't miss swimming; the water is surprisingly warm for BC! Snorkeling is also great. Reddit

Kayak Launch Points 🛶

Consider launching from Okeover Arm or Lund for easier access to the park's waters. TikTok

One week aboard the Pacific Yellow Fin in Desolation Sound Marine Park, BC 🇨🇦⚓️ #pacificyellowfin #desolationsound #canada #britishcolumbia #charterboat @Callie Welsh
@colleengracem
6 likes • 392 views
Lund, BC…the end of the road. Sunshine Coast. #lundbc #bcshiddengems #salishsea #desolationsound
@tracy.miche1le
46 likes • 1.2K views

Book Campsites Early ⛺️

Campsites, especially on islands like South Curme, fill up fast. Book ahead! Reddit

Water Taxi Options 🚤

If you don't have your own boat, explore water taxi services for access. TikTok

#westcoastcrew #canada_life🇨🇦 #boatlife #sunshinecoast #desolationsound
@11fox1
97 likes • 794 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Warm Water Surprise! 🏊‍♀️

Don't miss swimming; the water is surprisingly warm for BC! Snorkeling is also great. Reddit

Kayak Launch Points 🛶

Consider launching from Okeover Arm or Lund for easier access to the park's waters. TikTok

Book Campsites Early ⛺️

Campsites, especially on islands like South Curme, fill up fast. Book ahead! Reddit

Water Taxi Options 🚤

If you don't have your own boat, explore water taxi services for access. TikTok

Pack for Wildlife 🦅

Keep an eye out for seals, eagles, and other marine life – binoculars are a plus!

What Travellers Say

4.8
(161 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Desolation Sound for its stunning natural beauty, surprisingly warm waters perfect for swimming, and abundant wildlife. The park offers a true escape from the everyday, with many highlighting the tranquility and the joy of exploring by kayak or boat. Some note that services are minimal, requiring thorough preparation.

"Spectacular three day trip, sea kayaking to and from our campsite and throughout. We launched from Okeover and took about six hours rowing (with about a 30 minute lunch break) to reach our campsite at South Curme Island. The camping area is well appointed with great camping pads and one outhouse. South Curme has about six camping pads and the other Curme's appeared to have more. We rented three sea kayaks and our 4th brought his own. Fresh water is available from a river at Tenedos Bay (just down from Unwin lake) if you find you're short on water, they advise boiling the water to consume it. Plenty of nice spots to swim throughout all of the bays and shoreline."

Thomas J

"Incredibly beautiful location.Lots of small gems to enjoy. Please don't tell anyone because this is too much of an awesome location."

Bently Rolf

"Tons of little spots to anchor, Stern tie, or dock up to. Protected, so wind isn't great for sailing in much of the area. Lots of fishing and hikes if you do a bit of research."

Tyler Sirman

What People Like

Warm water swimming
Abundant wildlife
Peaceful kayaking

What People Dislike

Limited services
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Access is primarily by water. Popular launch points include Okeover Arm, Lund, or Cortes Bay. Many visitors arrive by boat, kayak, or charter services. Some resorts, like Klahoose Wilderness Resort, offer access and experiences within the area. TikTok+2

No, Desolation Sound is a marine park and is not accessible by road. You'll need a boat or to arrange water transportation. TikTok

Kayakers often launch from Okeover Arm or Lund. From these points, you can paddle into the park's sheltered waters and explore. TikTokReddit

Yes, water taxi services can be arranged to transport you and your gear into the park, offering flexibility for your trip. TikTok

Yes, it's a significant journey by boat or a combination of driving and then boating. Many people make it a multi-day trip, often stopping in coastal communities along the way. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While there's no general entry fee for the park itself, you will need to pay for camping or moorage if you plan to stay overnight. Backcountry camping permits are required. Reddit

Camping fees vary depending on the campsite and season. It's best to check the BC Parks website for current rates and to make reservations. Reddit

There are many designated anchorages and moorage spots throughout the park. It's advisable to consult marine charts and be aware of any restrictions. Reddit

Day use is generally free, but if you are using facilities like designated picnic areas or mooring buoys, there might be associated fees. Always check BC Parks for the latest information.

Bookings open well in advance, and popular sites, especially on islands, fill up very quickly during the summer months. Aim to book as soon as reservations become available. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Desolation Sound is famous for its surprisingly warm waters, often reaching temperatures suitable for swimming and snorkeling, especially in sheltered bays during summer. Reddit

You can expect to see seals, sea lions, eagles, various seabirds, starfish, and potentially even whales or dolphins. Reddit

While primarily a marine park, some islands and shorelines offer opportunities for short hikes and exploration. Tenedos Bay has some trails. Reddit

Campsites typically offer tent pads and an outhouse. Some locations may have bear-proof food caches. Fresh water sources are available but often require boiling. Reddit

The sheltered inlets offer calm waters, which can be great for kayaking and motorboating. However, for sailing, the lack of consistent wind in many areas might be a consideration. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Desolation Sound is a wilderness park, so there are no restaurants or food services within the park itself. You'll need to bring all your own food and supplies. Reddit

Stock up on supplies in larger towns like Powell River or Campbell River before heading out. Lund also has a small general store. TikTok

It's generally not recommended to harvest and consume shellfish from the park due to potential contamination. Always check local advisories and regulations. Reddit

Fishing is permitted in accordance with provincial regulations. You'll need a valid fishing license. Check for any specific area closures or restrictions. Reddit

Simple, non-perishable meals are ideal. Consider a portable stove for cooking. Ensure all food is stored properly to avoid attracting wildlife. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for capturing the stunning coastal scenery and wildlife. Golden hour can be magical. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A waterproof camera or protective casing is advisable for water activities. TikTok

The numerous sheltered bays, the rugged coastline, and the reflections on calm waters are all picturesque. Look for opportunities to capture wildlife against the scenic backdrop. Reddit

Focus on capturing people enjoying the water, or use reflections and light to convey the unusual warmth. Drone shots can offer unique perspectives of the bays. TikTok

Be patient and maintain a respectful distance. Use a zoom lens to get close-up shots without disturbing the animals. Look for opportunities to photograph them in their natural environment. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Desolation Sound offers a unique family adventure with its surprisingly warm waters, perfect for swimming and splashing. Kayaking in the calm, sheltered bays is a fantastic way for families to explore together, with many accessible coves for picnics. Look for campsites on islands like South Curme, which offer a sense of adventure while still being relatively accessible. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and meals, as amenities are scarce within the park. Reddit

Encourage kids to explore the shoreline for starfish and other intertidal creatures. The abundance of wildlife, from seals to eagles, provides constant entertainment. Consider booking a water taxi for a more relaxed entry into the park, especially with younger children, to maximize your time enjoying the natural beauty. TikTok

🛶 Kayakers and Paddlers

For sea kayakers, Desolation Sound is a dream destination. The network of islands and protected inlets offers endless exploration opportunities, from multi-day expeditions to shorter day trips. Launching from Okeover Arm or Lund provides good access to the park's core areas. The warm water is a significant bonus, allowing for comfortable swimming breaks and extended time on the water. Reddit

Plan your routes carefully, considering tidal currents and weather. Many kayakers enjoy camping on the islands, waking up to serene mornings and paddling to new bays each day. Be sure to carry all necessary safety gear, including a VHF radio, and inform someone of your itinerary. The sheer beauty and tranquility make it a highly rewarding experience. TikTok

⚓️ Boaters and Cruisers

Desolation Sound is a popular destination for boaters, offering numerous anchorages and moorage options. The sheltered nature of the inlets provides a comfortable experience, even for those sensitive to rough seas. Many boaters use the park as a base for exploring the Sunshine Coast or as a destination in itself for a relaxing getaway. TikTok

Consider booking campsites on islands like Curme Island for a true wilderness experience, or utilize the mooring buoys available in some bays. The warm water is a major draw for swimmers and snorkelers, making it a great place to anchor and enjoy the water. Remember to bring all your provisions, as services are limited within the park. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Desolation Sound: Boating & Kayaking

Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park is a boater's and kayaker's paradise, offering a network of sheltered inlets, islands, and bays. Access is primarily by water, with popular launch points including Okeover Arm and Lund. Many visitors arrive via private vessels, charter boats, or by sea kayak. The park is known for its protected waters, making it ideal for paddling, even for those with less experience. However, it's crucial to be prepared with proper navigation equipment, including marine charts, as the area can be intricate. Water taxis are also a viable option for accessing remote areas or for those without their own watercraft. TikTok+1

When planning your boating trip, consider the various moorage and anchorage options available. Many islands, such as Curme Island, offer designated campsites with facilities like tent pads and outhouses. For kayakers, the opportunity to explore hidden coves and paddle to secluded beaches is a major draw. The park's calm waters often create a lake-like feel, allowing for peaceful exploration and wildlife viewing. Remember to check weather forecasts and tidal information before setting out, as conditions can change. Reddit

The Unique Warm Waters of Desolation Sound

One of the most surprising aspects of Desolation Sound is its unusually warm water temperature, a stark contrast to the typical chilly Pacific Northwest waters. This phenomenon is attributed to the shallow, sheltered inlets that heat up significantly during the summer months. This makes the park an exceptional destination for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities that might otherwise be uncomfortable. Visitors often express delight at being able to enjoy extended periods in the water. Reddit

This warmth opens up opportunities for a different kind of coastal experience. Snorkeling can reveal a vibrant underwater world, and simply floating in the calm, warm sea is a deeply relaxing activity. While the water is warmest in the summer, it's always wise to be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially in shaded areas or during early mornings. The warm water is a key reason many travelers return to Desolation Sound year after year. Reddit

Wildlife Encounters in a Pristine Environment

Desolation Sound is a haven for diverse marine and terrestrial wildlife, offering visitors incredible opportunities for observation. The park's protected waters are teeming with life, and it's common to spot seals and sea lions basking on rocks or swimming near boats. Overhead, bald eagles are a frequent sight, soaring above the trees or perched on prominent branches. The intertidal zones also reveal a fascinating array of starfish, anemones, and other fascinating creatures. Reddit

Beyond the common sightings, there's always the chance of encountering larger marine mammals like whales or dolphins, adding an element of excitement to any boat trip. The Klahoose Wilderness Resort, located within the broader region, highlights the rich Indigenous connection to the land and its wildlife, offering cultural insights alongside natural encounters. Respecting wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and avoiding feeding them is crucial for their well-being and for ensuring future visitors can also enjoy these encounters. TikTokReddit

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