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Desolation Sound Kayaking Adventure

Canada : British Columbia

Tour name: Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour

Kayaking Desolation Sound, a sea kayaker's paradise. Paddling amongst the towering mountains of the British Columbia Coast Mountain range is a truly awe-inspiring adventure.

Duration: 5 Days      Grading: EASY      Max Group Size: 10      Type: SMALL GROUP      Prices from: £593

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Tour Summary:

Tour name: Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour

Prices from: £593

Duration: 5 Days

Kind points from: 44

N&K Reference: NKT0002741
(Type this into the "Jump to" form at www.NatureAndKind.com to find this tour again)


Type: SMALL GROUP

Grading: EASY

Suitable for: OVER 50s, SHORT BREAKS, ROMANTIC ESCAPE, FAMILIES, COUPLES, PRIVATE CELEBRATION, SMALL GROUPS, SOLO TRAVELLERS, Couples

Experiences: ACTIVE, FAMILY, WILDLIFE, Over 50s Holidays

Environments: OCEAN, LAKESIDE, MOUNTAIN, RIVERSIDE, WILDERNESS

Activities: Wildlife Watching, ACTIVE - Kayaking

Max Group Size: 10

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Tour Overview

There are few places on earth as stunningly beautiful as kayaking Desolation Sound. This is a kayaking trip where you spend more time looking up than looking down. The calm waters make this ideal for first time paddlers and the rugged mountain vistas make it suitable for anyone looking to experience some of Mother Nature's most amazing works of art.

Our campsites In Desolation Sound are simply stunning. Most of our campsites will be on small Islands in the heart of Desolation Sound. 6000ft peaks will tower over us giving us the feeling of being rather small.Our food is fresh wholesome and local when possible. Our shellfish, salmon or halibut come from Quadra Island fishermen. And our guides know how to prepare the meals just right.

No experience is required for our kayak tours! Our adventures are for everyone. Our trips are designed to cater to all levels of experience and abilities. The majority of people who join our tours are first time kayakers. All that we ask is that you welcome adventure with an open mind and are able to laugh and have fun when encountering the unexpected.

Location

Continent or Region: Canada

Country or State/County: British Columbia


Carved into the inaccessible wilderness of the Canadian mainland over the ages, the soaring peaks of the coastal mountains tumble to the waters edge in a jumble of river mouths and small islands, a perfect spot for sea kayaking. The rugged terrain has stopped any road access into Desolation; kayaks are the best way to visit this majestic and unspoiled area.

Guest reviews

Carol Goer

"I was convinced to go on this trip by my children. After going on this tour I feel like I'm 10 years younger: I'm reenergized after what feels like a long hibernation. Thank you."


Carol Goer , reviewing Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour  at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Bob Gomet

"Unbelievable how much time I spent smiling on this trip. I found myself smiling one time, even when I was having a very serious conversation with a fellow kayaker - I just couldn't help it, I was in such a beautiful place."

Bob Gomet, reviewing Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour  at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Tour Highlights

Kayaking among the beautiful Canadian scenery with lots of opportunities to see wildlife.

Itinerary

Day Zero

John, Breanne or one of your guides will go over the logistics of the tour and answer any questions or concerns you may have. This meeting will be held at the Heriot Bay Inn on Quadra Island at 6pm the day prior to departure. If you cannot make it to the meeting just be sure to call in the day before departure to confirm your arrival.

The Heriot Bay Inn has one of Quadra Island's best restaraunts so you may want to consider eating there after the meeting.

Day Zero on Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour  at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Day One

Meet at the Heriot Bay Inn at 8:00am for an early morning check in and brief orientation, or meet at Squirrel Cove on Cortes Island at 10:15am. 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 One on Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour  at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Day Two

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 site. 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 Two on Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour  at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Day Three & Four

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 Three & Four on Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour  at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Day Five

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 early afternoon will allow for the time needed to return to Quadra Island by 4:30pm.

Day Five on Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour  at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
From To Description Num Days Price Booking
04-Jun-2012 14-Sep-2013 Trip price is 950 Canadian dollars(currency exhcange rates are subject to change price).

This trip runs during June & September.
5 £593.75

Kind Points:133
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• American Express • Cheque • Diners Card • JCB
• Mastercard • Visa • Maestro • Electron
• Carte Blue • Bank Transfer • Paypal • Cash

Nature & Kind Factor

Our Trusted Partner's Responsible and Sustainable Travel Policy

We understand that many of our guests come on our kayaking tours in Canada and around the world to participate in a style of trip that has minimum impacts on the environment. While we follow established minimum impact practices during our tours, our ideals don’t stop at the back door. We firmly believe that a business can operate successfully and still have a minimal or positive impact on the environment and community in which we all live.

We aim to raise the bar in terms of environmental commitment and sustainability in the eco-tourism industry. We are not looking for a pat on the back for our efforts, but we hope to set new standards that encourage other tourism/business providers to also clean up their organizations and become co-leaders in sustainable and environmentally sound practices. In our actual operations in the field we are committed to conducting ourselves in the most responsible manner possible – this goes above and beyond mere camping practices to include all of the elements below.

* While kayaking we practice minimum impact camping in order to preserve the nature of the coast. Human waste is dealt with in the most appropriate manner for the location we’re in, soap use in freshwater lakes and streams is not permitted, and at our campsites we keep our ‘footprint’ as small as possible by keeping to established tent sites and trails. Our food is stored out of the reach of any curious animals so as to not alter their natural behavior.
* We respect the wildlife and believe in their right to exist without harassment, and while we treasure all sightings, we maintain a healthy distance. We also abide by all whale-watching guidelines and try not to ever disturb wildlife from their normal behavior.
* We are founding members of the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA) which was established to ensure best practices and responsible wildlife viewing standards for tourism operators.
* We have established with some and are working with others to establish protocol agreements with First Nations groups who consider the areas we travel in traditional territory.
* We hold all required permits and respect all the guidelines for operation set forth by Parks Canada, BC Parks, Crown Land and the Marine Protected Areas.
* We support the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve Warden and Research program which aims to educate boaters about the Reserve and the very special Orca whales which frequent this area. We supply the program with donations of surplus food and support whenever possible.
* We run our tours back-to-back, which allows us to never have an empty water taxi or van and minimizes our carbon footprint.
* We pick up our guests at their accommodation, carpooling to our various trip destinations.
* We use primarily Canadian-made and ethically sourced kayaking and camping gear.
* Every guest of Spirit of the West receives a re-usable mug to use while on trip, but to also encourage using a travel mug once back at home versus disposable cups when enjoying their daily coffee or tea.
* We have a solar power system for charging our emergency communication system and for charging your camera batteries.
* We use only biodegradable and phosphate free dish soaps.
* 100% recycled toilet paper (don’t worry it’s not recycled toilet paper, its toilet paper made from recycled paper, and other than saving many trees you won’t even know the difference from mainstream TP)
* We recycle or compost everything that we can. BC is lucky to have a great returnable drink container program in which we participate.




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kayaking tours

Kayaking in Desolation Sound : Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Kayaking in Desolation Sound
Kayaking in Desolation Sound  : Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour  at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Sea otters playing : Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Sea otters playing
Sea otters playing  : Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour  at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

In front of a waterfall : Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

In front of a waterfall
In front of a waterfall : Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour  at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

The kayaks after a great day of paddling : Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

The kayaks after a great day of paddling
The kayaks after a great day of paddling : Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour  at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Kayaking out in the open : Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Kayaking out in the open
Kayaking out in the open  : Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour  at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Sea otters resting : Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Sea otters resting
Sea otters resting  : Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour  at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

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Tour Summary:

Tour name: Desolation Sound Kayaking Tour

Prices from: £593

Duration: 5 Days

Kind points from: 44

N&K Reference: NKT0002741
(Type this into the "Jump to" form at www.NatureAndKind.com to find this tour again)


Type: SMALL GROUP

Grading: EASY

Suitable for: OVER 50s, SHORT BREAKS, ROMANTIC ESCAPE, FAMILIES, COUPLES, PRIVATE CELEBRATION, SMALL GROUPS, SOLO TRAVELLERS, Couples

Experiences: ACTIVE, FAMILY, WILDLIFE, Over 50s Holidays

Environments: OCEAN, LAKESIDE, MOUNTAIN, RIVERSIDE, WILDERNESS

Activities: Wildlife Watching, ACTIVE - Kayaking

Max Group Size: 10

Add to favourites   Email this page
In order to use the Send to a Friend facility you must be logged in. Please either log in above, or register if you are not already a friend of Nature & Kind.
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