Categories: Travel

This marine park in BC has several islands and coves surrounded by warm waters

If you’re in search of an island vacation right here in BC, Desolation Sound is the provincial park for you. With over 6,350 acres of scenic shoreline and water to explore, the massive marine park is an idyllic summer destination. Its warm waters make it ideal for swimmers, scuba divers, boaters, and paddlers, who can navigate to the park’s many small bays, coves, and islets.

According to BC Parks, Desolation Sound is comprised of three major destination anchorages: Prideaux Haven, Tenedo’s Bay, and Grace Harbour. Visitors will find ample camping opportunities at Tenedo’s Bay and Grace Harbour, as well as freshwater swimming at Unwin Lake near the former.

Marine-accessible camping is also available at Hare Point and West, East, and South Curme Islands.

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Photo via BC Parks

The forested upland contains numerous shaded trails for hikers to take advantage of, all with spectacular vistas to reward you at the end of your journey.

Campers can enjoy 47 boat-accessible campsites, or register for backcountry camping at 11 designated campgrounds, including Copeland Islands, Roscoe Bay, and Malaspina Parks. Note that there are an average of nine tent pads at each campground.

To get to Desolation Sound, you can hop on a ferry at Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, take the Island Link Bus (or drive) to Campbell River, then take a water taxi from Discovery Launch to the Toba Inlet.

Or if you want to shave off a good amount of travel time, you can catch a flight from the Vancouver Harbour to Powell River.

So there you have it, Vancouver! It might require a bit more planning, but a trip to Desolation Sound is well worth it!

Desolation Sound

Where: North of Powell River, near Lund, BC