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Overview:
The Desolation Sound tour departs from
Squirrel cove on Cortes Island. It is
advisable to stay the night on Quadra Island
the night before to avoid having to take an
early ferry to Quadra Island from Campbell
River on the day of the tour. See
accommodation suggestions below.
Day Prior: If you are unable to check in at
our office on Quadra Island, please call us
the day before to confirm that you have
arrived and to check if there is any last
minute schedule changes.
Day 1: Meet at the Spirit of the West
office at 8:15 am. Travel to our launch site
at Squirrel Cove via the Cortez Island ferry.
We will have a light snack on the 45 min
scenic ferry ride. After loading our kayaks we
go over thorough kayak orientation as well as
safety procedures before our departure. Our
route takes us on a paddle towards the fjords
of Desolation giving us a stunning portrait
mountain backdrop. We stop at the Martin
Islands for first nights camp. Keep your eyes
open for Harbour seals or Dall 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.
This day we cross over to the enchanting
islands of desolation Sound where we scout out
our desired camping sight for the night. 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 we can choose
between a paddle to Roscoe Bay Provincial Park
of West Redonda Island , or Tenedos Bay of the
mainland, where we hike to one of the lakes
for a refreshing swim. Return to island
campsite.
Day 5: We will journey back to Cortes
Island along the rugged shores of West Redonda.
A visit to Refuge Cove or the lovely protected
lagoon of Squirrel Cove will be our last stop
of our 4 day kayak journey. A return in the
late afternoon will allow for time needed to
return to Quadra Island.
Getting Here:
The Desolation Sound tour begins from the east
side of Cortes Island. Spirit of the West
leaves on the morning of the tour from Quadra
Island on the 9 am ferry to Cortes Island - a
45-minute ferry ride. If you need
transportation from Quadra to Cortes, please
make sure this is arranged at the time of
booking. To get to Quadra Island see our
getting here page.
Please note: For detailed travel
information, such as flights, ferries, buses,
and car rentals, go to our Getting Here page.
You can also contact our local travel agency,
Uniglobe Travel if you need assistance with
your travel arrangements. They can be reached
in North America at 1 800 567-6511 or by email
at wc.rivercity@uniglobe.com
Quadra Island Ferry Return ferry cost
to Quadra is approximately $15.00 for driver
and vehicle. Additional person is $4.50.
Ferries to Quadra Island leave Campbell River
every hour on the half our. Sun - Thurs,
6:30am -10:30pm. Fri & Sat 6:30am-11:30pm.
Exceptions are 6:40am, 5:25pm, 6:15pm. Sunday
there is no 7:30am ferry. Note Tuesday there
is no 10:30am ferry to Quadra and no 4:00pm
ferry to Campbell River due to dangerous cargo
run. Ferries back to Campbell River leave on
or around the hour.
Meeting Location -
Departure day:
If you are staying on Cortes Island
Meeting time: 10:15am
Where: Squirrel Cove Store and boat launch
Getting there: Follow signs to Squirrel Cove.
If you are staying on Quadra Island
Meeting time: 8:15am
Where: Spirit of the West office
Getting there: Once on Quadra Island, you will
see purple and yellow signs (Kayak & Bike
Rentals/Tours) en route to our location. Also
follow signs to Heriot Bay and Cortes Island
ferry. Once in Heriot Bay, turn R just past
the Quadra Market onto Heriot Bay Rd. We are
located ¼ mile (.4 km) up on the left side.
If you are staying in Campbell River
Be sure to be on the 7:30 ferry from
Campbell River to Quadra Island. You will
arrive at our office at 8:05 am. If you need a
pick up off the Campbell River ferry let us
know and we can help make arrangements.
Accommodations while
on tour
We provide high quality expedition style
tents. Generally we have enough tents to
accommodate both singles and doubles with
their own. We will do our best to match you up
with a suitable partner if we need to.
Accommodations
before/after tour
Cortes Island
Hollyhock 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
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.
Email: varvara@island.net
Phone: 250 935 6683.
Gorge Harbour Marina Resort
Small clean guest lodge above store. Common
Guest lounge and kitchen facilities. Kayak
rentals.
Phone: 1 250 935-6402
Quadra Island -
accommodations
April Point Resort
The resort is situated at the oceans edge with
views over the town of Campbell River.
Website: http://www.obmg.com/
Phone: 1 800 663 7090
Tsa 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
Email:
spirit1@oberon.ark.com
Harbour House B&B
Beautiful home above the ocean with the best
island and Mountain View around! Close to
beach, park, amenities, and our Kayak Shack.
Hot tub. Hearty breakfast served. Accommodates
up to 10. A great place to meet fellow
kayakers.
Website: http://www.harbourhouse.bc.ca/
Phone: 1 800 435 2556
Email:
susan.wilson@sd72.bc.ca
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: http://www.takuresort.com/
Phone: 1 877 285 8258 or
Email:
info@takuresort.com
Otter 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.com
Heron 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: http://www.quadraislandretreats.com/
Phone:1 250 285-3874
Email: theinrigs@connected.bc.ca
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: http://www.coasthotels.com/
Phone: 1 800 663 1144
Email:
coastd@vquest.com
Best 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.com
Super 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 8000
Above Tide Motel
Good value. Located on ocean side of highway .
All ocean view rooms. Kitchenettes. Walking
distance from town.
Phone: 1 250 286 0290
Silkies 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.com
Pier House B&B
Conveniently located downtown. Large charming
antique filled heritage home across the
highway from ocean fishing pier and marina.
Website: www.island.net/pierhse/index.html
Phone: 1 250 287 2943
Haig 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.ca
River Haven B&B
Friendly and nicely decorated B&B located high
above the river in quiet residential area.
Website: http://www.riverhaven.bc.ca/
Phone: 1 877 286 8370
Camping
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 3111
Taku 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: http://www.takuresort.com/
Phone: 1 877 285 8258
Email:
info@takuresort.com
Heriot Bay Inn
Hook up, showers, laundry, restaurant, pub,
GIFt shop, and marina. Centrally located in
the community of Heriot Bay.
Website: http://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: http://www.elp.gov.bc.ca/bcparks
Phone:1 250 923 6605
Holiday 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 2142
Elk 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
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