Itinerary
 |
The Desolation Sound tour launches from the east side of our neighboring Cortes Island. The Spirit of the West van will be traveling from Quadra Island to Cortes Island on the 9am ferry on day 1 of the tour. If you are traveling without a vehicle and need transportation with us, just let us know and we can make arrangements. Day Prior: Please join us for a pre-trip orientation meeting at 6:00pm at the Spirit of the West Office in Heriot Bay (also known as the Yak Shack) for a chance to meet your fellow paddlers and answer any questions you may have. If you are unable to attend this meeting, please check in at our office on Quadra Island during this day or please call us the day before to confirm that you have arrived and to see if there are any last minute details or schedule changes. Day 1: Meet at our location, the Spirit of the West-Yak Shack in Heriot Bay at 7:30am for early morning check in and brief orientation, or meet at Squirrel Cove on Cortes Island. Travel to our launch site at Squirrel Cove via the 9am Cortes Island ferry. After packing our kayaks we will go over the kayaking basics and safety procedures before our journey begins. Our route takes us on a paddle towards the fjords of Desolation Sound, providing us with a stunning mountain backdrop. We stop at the Martin Islands for our first night's camp. Keep your eyes open for Harbour seals or Dall's porpoises along the way. Day 2: Savour our first hearty breakfast in the great outdoors before we pack up and head off on our next days adventure. Today we cross over to the enchanting islands of Desolation Sound, where we scout out our desired camping sight. In the afternoon we will have plenty of time for exploring the intricate network of islands, coves and bays of this beautiful Marine Park. Day 3 & 4: These days may entail paddling through the scattered islands, interpretive forest walks, swims in fresh water lakes, practicing some on-water skills, or simply lounging at our island campsite. Day 5: We will journey back to Cortes Island along the rugged shores of West Redonda Island. A visit to Refuge Cove or the lovely protected lagoon of Squirrel Cove will be our last stop of our 5-day kayak journey. A return in the late afternoon will allow for the time needed to return to Quadra Island. |
 | |
 | |
| |
 | |
| |
 | |
|
| |
 |
Getting Here
The Desolation Sound kayak trip launches from neighbouring Cortes Island - a 45 min. ferry ride from Quadra Island. Spirit of the West leaves on the morning of the tour from Quadra on the 9 am ferry to Cortes (however we meet earlier to ensure our place on this small ferry). If you need transportation from Quadra to Cortes with Spirit of the West, please make sure to arrange this at the time of booking.
For details on how to get here, such as driving times, flights, ferries, or car rentals you can visit our Getting Here page or you can contact our local travel agency, Uniglobe Rivercity Travel, and they will happily assist you. They can be reached in North America at 1 800 567-6511 or by email at roni@unigloberivercity.com. You are also welcome to call us for travel suggestions and advic
Accommodations while on tour
On the expeditoin style tours we camp in a variety of scenic settings from forest groves to oceanside beaches. Most sites are rustic non established camps, which is what gives you the sense of really being out in the wilderness. The camps are generally set up with tent sites, a mobile kitchen set up, tarped sitting area area, and allocated toilet areas (note there are very few toilet facilities on our tours, so your guides will suggest an appropriate area and system). We provide high quality expedition style tents, along with comfortable air inflatable thermarest sleeping mats that should make you feel right at home. Most often we have enough tents to accommodate both singles and couples with their own abode for the trip. If by chance we have lots of single participants on a tour we may need to match up folks (as we are limited to how many tents we can fit in our kayaks). We will do our best to match you up with a suitable partner.
Accommodations before/after tour
Although most of our guests stay on Quadra Island at one of our guesthouses, we have included a list of places to stay on Cortes Island, Quadra Island or Campbell River.
Quadra Island - accommodations
Quadra Island Harbour House B&B and Belhaven B&B - Both of these places are used primarily as guesthouses for Spirit of the West. We work very closely with Susan and Annabel, your hostesses, to provide you with a complete package and quality service. Both are ideally situated near our headquarters, and are also a great place to get to know your fellow paddlers. These two beautiful west coast homes, boast the best views on Quadra Island, displaying a spectacular scene of ocean, islands and mountains. Situated in a quiet neighbourhood, this is the perfect place to relax in comfort after your travels or tour. They are also within walking distance of Rebecca Spit Provincial Park, stores, a restaurant, and pub. Hearty and healthy breakfasts are included.
Quadra Island Harbour House - Susan is your hostess
Toll free: 1 800 435 2556 Outside North America: 1 250 285 2556
Website: www.harbourhouse.bc.ca
Email: swilson@gicable.com
Belhaven B & B - Annabel is your hostess
Phone: 1 250 285 3709
Website: www.belhavenbandb.com
Taku Resort
Quiet ocean side resort nestled in mature trees. Dramatic views of the Coast Mountains. Self contained A-frame cabins or terrace view rooms. Hot tub, tennis, basketball, bocci ball, stone house barbecue. Conveniently located right next to Spirit of the West and near restaurant.
Website: www.takuresort.com
Phone: 1 877 285 8258 or
Email: info@takuresort.comApril Point Resort
The resort is situated at the oceans edge with views over the town of Campbell River.
Website: www.obmg.com
Phone: 1 800 663 7090Tsa Kwa Luten Lodge
Beautiful West Coast Native Style constructed lodge, overlooking Vancouver Island and mountains. Very peaceful in secluded location. Excellent value for first class accommodations. Hot tub, fitness room, sauna and dining room. Bookings made by Spirit of the West Note that the lodge is a 15-20 minute drive south of our base operations. For joining the pre trip meeting you will have to take a taxi to and from.
Website: http://www.capemudgeresort.bc.ca
Phone: 1 800 307-3982 or 1 250 285 2042
Email: tklodge@connected.bc.caOtter House Beach Chalet
Beautiful 2 level luxury cabin, tucked amongst the cedars as close to the beach as it gets. Awesome mountain views. Private, sauna and minutes from amenities.
Phone: 1 250 285 3939
Email: bicycle@oberon.ark.comHeron House B&B and Boat House
Self contained suite. Ocean views, quiet location. Boat house is a simple rustic cabin right at the beach. Spectacular views of Coast Mountains.
Website: www.quadraislandretreats.com
Phone:1 250 285-3876
Email: linda@heronhousequadra.com
Cortes Island - accommodations
Picards B&B
Mediterranean style villa in a spectacular ocean side setting set on 3 acres of land. Set on a peninsula it has water on all 3 sides. Private beach.
Website: www.cortesislandaccommodation.com Email: varvara@island.net Phone:250 935 6683Lighthouse B&B
Situated on the ocean over looking Vancouver Island Mountains. Private 2 acres with swimming pool. This large beautiful home can accommodate up to 12 guests.
Website: www.vancouverisl.com/lighthousebb/ Phone: 1 250 935-6389Cortes Island Motel
Nestled in the trees this charming motel is situated centrally on Cortes Island.
Phone: 1 250 935-6363
Website: http://www.cortesislandmotel.com
Email: parkerre@telus.netGorge Harbour Marina Resort
Small clean guest lodge above store. Common Guest lounge and kitchen facilities. Kayak rentals.
Phone: 1 250 935-6433Hollyhock Retreat
If you are lucky you can find a room at this ocean-side retreat. A variety of accommodation styles and excellent meals.
Website: http:// www.hollyhock.bc.ca Phone: 1 800 933-6339
Campbell River - accommodations
Coast Hotels - Discovery Inn
Located right in the town centre across the street from marina, and Quadra Island ferry terminal. Next to shopping. Restaurant, Pub, Health Room.
Website: www.coasthotels.com
Phone: 1 800 663 1144
Email: coastd@vquest.comBest Western Austrian Chalet
Fully serviced hotel across the road from the beach. Ocean and mountain views. With or without kitchenette. Restaurant, Pub, indoor pool/hot tub/sauna, small putting green, table tennis. 15 min. walking to town.
Website: www.vquest.com/austrian/
Phone: 1 800 667 7207
Email: austrian@vquest.comSuper 8 Motel
Good value, clean, friendly place located along the highway with ocean view.. Indoor pool and hot tub. 15 minutes walking to town.
Phone: 1 800 800 8000Above Tide Motel
Good value. Located on ocean side of highway . All ocean view rooms. Kitchenettes. Walking distance from town.
Phone: 1 250 286 0290Silkies B&B
Fantastic setting on the ocean, overlooking world famous Seymour Narrows - 15 minutes drive north of Campbell River. Beautiful home that offers a relaxing ambiance and gourmet meals. The perfect quiet getaway.
Website: http://www.silky.bb.com/
Phone: 1 877 603 2942
Email: stay@silky-bb.comHaig Brown House B&B
Restored heritage home of well known local writer/conservationist, located in beautiful 9 acre gardens along the river. Educational seminars offered. 25 minutes walk to town.
Phone: 1 250 286-6694
Email: haig-brownhouse@haigbrown.bc.caRiver Haven B&B
Friendly and nicely decorated B&B located high above the river in quiet residential area.
Website: www.riverhaven.bc.ca
Phone: 1 877 286 8370
Quadra Island - Camping
We Wai Kai Campsite
Spectacular setting and location. Situated at the edge of Rebecca Spit Provincial Park this ocean side campground has sites along the ocean or in the mature forest. Showers but no hook ups. 25 minute walk to stores.
Phone: 1 250 285 3111Taku Resort
Quiet ocean side resort. Sites are nestled in mature trees up behind main accommodations. Hook up, showers, laundry, hot tub, tennis, basketball, bocci ball, stone house barbecue. Conveniently located right next to Spirit of the West and near restaurant.
Website: www.takuresort.com
Phone: 1 877 285 8258
Email: info@takuresort.comHeriot Bay Inn
Hook up, showers, laundry, restaurant, pub, gift shop, and marina. Centrally located in the community of Heriot Bay.
Website: www.heriotbayinn.com
Phone: 1 250 285-3322
Email: info@heriotbayinn.com
Campbell River - Camping
Salmon Point RV Resort
Fully service RV sites or tenting in tranquil oceanfront setting. Spectacular mountain views. Marina, store, laundry, showers, playground, gamesroom, near restaurant and pub.
Website: www.bctravel.com/salmonpoint
Phone:1 250 923 6605Holiday Shores RV Park
Full service RV sites along the oceanside. Sunny location-no trees, near seaplane landing. Recreation room, laundry, showers, washrooms, small store.
Phone: 1 888 611 2142Elk Falls Provincial Park and Campground
Nestled in beautiful forest along the Quinsam River. Walking trails, small playground, dry and flush toilets.
Website: www.elp.gov.bc.ca/bcparks
Phone: 1 800 689 9025
 |
|
 |
|
Hi christine
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Book your 2008 sea kayaking tour today online
or
Call Toll Free 1 800 307 3982 :: Overseas Call 1 250 285 2121
Box 569, Heriot Bay, British Columbia
V0P-1H0 Canada
Our Sea kayaking Tours: Johnstone
Strait Ultimate | Johnstone
Strait Expedition | Desolation
Sound Mothership Tour |
Broughton Islands Mothership Tour | Great
Bear Rainforest Mothership Tour | Desolation
Sound | The
Nuchatlitz | Discovey
Island | Quadra
Island Kayak Day Tours | Sea
Kayak Rentals |
sea kayak day tours on Quadra Islandn | Kayaking Canada | Kayaking Vancouver Island
About Quadra Island: Quadra
Island Accommodations | Quadra
Island Dining | Quadra
Island Arts |
Quadra
Island Activities | About
Quadra Island
Check out our other sites: kayaking
Partners |
SITE MAP |
Vancouver
Island Whale Watching