Points of Interest
Ports
Discover Desolation Sound in Spring
Explore Beyond the Roads, Through Captivating Fjords and Islands
Join us on this coastal safari, where you’ll experience the thrill of adventure and the tranquillity of nature. Set sail on a luxurious yacht and explore the rugged coastline, surrounded by stunning mountain views and crystal-clear waters teeming with wildlife.
View Special Offers For This Trip: Solo Traveller, Flight Credits
With expert locals to guide you, you’ll discover hidden coves, wander secluded beaches, and kayak among the fjords. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a nature lover, this trip is designed for anyone who wants to reconnect with the natural world in its season of renewal.
Itinerary Details
- Ships: Maple Leaf, Swell, and Cascadia
- Duration: 5 Days
- Ports: Campbell River
Solo Traveller Special 2024
We’re waving the single supplement!
Solo travellers can book a private cabin with ensuite and pay no single supplement on these select sailings. Subject to availability.
Qualifying Trips
Craft Beer CruiseDesolation Sound & Fjords of BCDesolation Sound in SpringSalish Sea ExpeditionWhales & Wild IslesWines & IslandsTerms and Conditions
Available on select sailings only as designated by Maple Leaf Adventures. Subject to availability (there are limits on the number of bookings on some sailings); on Cascadia available for category 1 cabins only; on Swell available for category 1 or 2 cabins only with limited availability. May not be combined with any other offer except pay-in-full and standard back-to-back trips (not “Back-to-Back Trips: Try Somewhere New”) offers.
Spring Round Trip Flight Credit 2025
Come rejoice in the sounds and sights of spring and save on your trip!
Book one of these sailings by September 30, 2024 and get a $475 credit deducted from your fare per person.
Qualifying Trips
Desolation Sound in SpringGulf Islands in SpringVancouver Island to Great Bear RainforestVancouver Island's Inside PassageTerms and Conditions
You must book and pay for your deposit by the offer expiry date to qualify. – Offer not transferable to other dates and is not redeemable for cash or credit toward another trip. – Offer not valid with any other promotions or special offers, except pay in full offer and standard back-to-back trip offer. Eligible trips: Salish Sea Expedition, Apr 18-22, MV Swell Gulf Islands Spring, Apr 22-26, SV Maple Leaf Desolation Sound, May 1-5 MV Cascadia Desolation Sound, Apr 25-29, Apr 30-May 4, MV Swell Desolation Sound, Apr 29-May 3, SV Maple Leaf Vancouver Island to Great Bear Rainforest, May 9-17, SV Maple Leaf Vancouver Island Inside Passage, May 10-17, MV Swell
YOLO Go SOLO 2025!
We’re waving the single supplement!
Don’t miss this great opportunity for solo travellers, in their own cabin with no single supplement, to discover the rich indigenous culture and natural wonder of the BC coast!
Qualifying Trips
Craft Beer CruiseDesolation Sound & Fjords of BCDesolation Sound in SpringGreat Bear RainforestHaida GwaiiSalish Sea ExpeditionWhales & Wild IslesWines & IslandsTerms and Conditions
Available on select sailings only as designated by Maple Leaf Adventures. Subject to availability (there are limits on the number of bookings on some sailings); on Cascadia available for category 1 cabins only; on Swell available for category 1 or 2 cabins only with limited availability. May not be combined with any other offer except pay-in-full and standard back-to-back trips offers. Eligible trips: Salish Sea Expedition with Canadian Geographic Apr 18-22 MV Swell; Desolation Sound Apr 25-29, Apr 30-May 4 MV Swell; Des Sound May 1-5 MV Cascadia; Haida Gwaii May 9-16, May 16-23 MV Cascadia; W&WI Jul 28-Aug 5, Aug 6-14, Aug 16-20 MV Cascadia; Great Bear Rainforest Aug 29-Sep 5 and Oct 9-16 MV Cascadia; Des Sound & Fjords of BC Oct 20-27 MV Cascadia; Des Sound & Fjords of BC Oct 19-26 MV Swell; Craft Beer Cruise Oct 27-31 MV Swell; Wines & Islands Oct 29-Nov 2 MV Cascadia.
Experience Desolation Sound
See Desolation Sound through the eyes of our guests.
Highlights
Experience Nature Without the Summer Crowds
Wildlife, wildflowers, mountains, sailing, and island hopping.
Rainforest Trails
See up close the unique colours of arbutus trees and salmonberry flowers that bloom in spring.
Solitude in Nature
By touring in spring, you will enjoy the tranquil waters in calmness before other cruisers arrive.
Remarkable Wildlife
We have the place almost to ourselves to enjoy whales, seabirds, and if we are lucky, a spring-foraging bear.
Adventure Beyond the Roadmap
With expert locals to guide you, you’ll discover hidden coves, wander beaches, and kayak among the fjords.
Related Stories
Follow our coastal expeditions with notes from the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to your questions about our Desolation Sound itineraries. Refer to our Frequently Asked Questions for more general trip and booking information.
To reach Campbell River by air, you can fly Air Canada or Pacific Coastal Airlines through Vancouver Airport. Taxi services are readily available at the airport when you land. Contact information for taxi companies is provided to you before your tour, should you need to call the taxi upon your arrival. At the end of your tour your captain will arrange a taxi pick up at the marina to take you to the airport. If you choose to drive, a parking pass (free of charge) is available from the Discovery Harbour Marina office on ‘K’ dock.
Our schedule is designed to accommodate incoming flights on the day of departure and most guests will arrive on the day. But, if you would like to arrive a little early to avoid the stress of possible flight delays, you will find recommendations for local hotels and activities in your welcome aboard package.
Generally speaking, spring in Desolation Sound is characterized by mild temperatures and increasing daylight hours. However, it’s important to note that weather on the coast can be variable. In spring, you can expect average temperatures ranging from 5-15°C (40s to 60s Fahrenheit). It’s recommended to pack layers, including light jackets and sweaters, as well as rain gear, as springtime can bring showers. Be sure to also check the weather forecast closer to your travel dates for more accurate information about the weather conditions during your trip.
While Desolation Sound is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, spotting them is not guaranteed. Bears are wild animals, and their presence and visibility can be influenced by factors such as food availability, weather conditions, and their natural behavior. However, with the diverse ecosystems and habitats in Desolation Sound and the local knowledge of our guiding crew, there is always a chance of encountering bears during your trip.
Desolation Sound is part of the larger ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest, which is known for its rich marine life, including whales. While there is a good possibility of seeing whales during your trip, it’s important to note that wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. Whales are wild animals that roam and follow their own migration patterns. Factors such as weather conditions, feeding habits, and chance encounters play a significant role in their visibility. Our knowledgeable crew and naturalists will do their best to locate and observe whales if they are present in the area, in a respectful way.
