How long does it take to get to Desolation Sound by boat?
Ferry ride is approximately 50 minutes. From Saltery Bay, follow Highway 101 north through Powell River to Lund. About 3km before Lund, turn right on Malaspina Road. There is a Desolation Sound Resort sign just before this turn off.
How long does it take to sail from Vancouver to Desolation Sound?
Desolation Sound sits at the northern end of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. The tiny hamlet of Lund is an ideal staging area for Desolation Sound. Although Lund is located only 95 miles (153 km) north of Vancouver, it takes five hours (including two BC Ferries’ rides) to get there.
Can you swim in Desolation Sound?
The warm waters of Desolation Sound Marine Park – sheltered from the open Pacific Ocean – can reach summer temperatures of 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) in certain areas – creating tropical-like swimming and snorkelling conditions!
Where is the anchor in Desolation Sound?
Desolation Sound Anchorages & Destinations
- GRACE HARBOUR ANCHORAGE. Grace Harbour is a popular anchorage.
- PRIDEAUX HAVEN.
- KANISH BAY DESOLATION SOUND.
- SMALL INLET DESOLATION SOUND.
- BOLD ISLAND.
- PENDRELL SOUND.
- REFUGE COVE MARINA DESOLATION SOUND.
- ELWORTHY ISLAND.
Where is the warmest water in Desolation Sound?
Desolation Sound lies less than 200 miles from Seattle, one day’s passage north of Vancouver, and an afternoon sail from the waterfall at Princess Louisa. This shallow network of waterways offers the warmest swimming waters north of Baja.
Why is it called Desolation Sound?
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”.
Are there whales in Desolation Sound?
In Desolation Sound we often encounter the transient variety of killer whale. These are a genetically distinct sub-group from the ‘resident’ orcas – though we do occasionally see these groups as well in our waters south of their traditional range – that eat mainly mammals such as seals and sea lions.
Why is Desolation Sound so warm?
The main reason for these tropical-like warm ocean temperatures is due to a fortunate quirk of geography. Located on the inside roughly halfway between the northern and southern points of Vancouver Island, Desolation Sound lies at the convergence of the tidal flow from both directions.
Are there grizzly bears in Desolation Sound?
The coastal grizzly bears are less common than the black bears but if you are very lucky can be seen in the North of Desolation Sound in the fjords. River otters love shellfish, fish and if they can get them young sea birds.
Is it safe to kayak near orcas?
Is it safe to be around orcas (killer whales) in a sea kayak? Yes, and it is a thrill that you will never forget! Orcas are incredibly smart, observant, and remarkably agile for their size. They never bump into kayaks or act aggressive in any way.
Is kayak Whale Watching safe?
The good news is that it’s very safe to be around whales while kayaking. While whales are very large animals and can be intimidating—especially when kayakers are in close proximity with these mammals—they are also highly intelligent and very agile, which allows them to navigate around kayaks and avoid any collisions.
Where does beyond the road adventures Cruise Desolation Sound?
Your spectacular journey to Desolation Sound with Beyond the Road Adventures begins in Lund, British Columbia, where the road (Hwy 101) ends. Cruise with us on our 37 foot tri-cabin yacht, the Agate Pass, while viewing the magnificent scenery and wildlife of our protected coastal waters.
Where is the Desolation Sound in British Columbia?
Cruising Desolation Sound Located at the north end of the Sunshine Coast, about 90 miles from Vancouver or 24 miles from Comox on Vancouver Island, Desolation Sound is one of the largest and most famous marine parks in BC.
When is the best time to visit Desolation Sound?
Travel Hint: Warm waters make Desolation Sound an ideal May or September destination. That is when you can have the sound of whales blowing, the taste of freshly caught fish and crab and the sight of foraging bears all to yourself.
Where are the best anchorages in Desolation Sound?
Other favourite anchorages in the Desolation Sound area include Pendrell Sound, Roscoe Bay and Teakerne Arm on the Redonda Islands, while Mansons Landing and Squirrel Cove on Cortes Island are also wonderful places to stop — for more information on these areas see the Discovery Islands section.