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
Desolation Sound in Spring
- Maple Leaf, Swell or Cascadia
- 5 Days
Sample Itineraries: As with all expedition cruises, the itinerary may change based on weather, wildlife activity, and guests’ interests. This itinerary is to give you a general idea of the trip.
Day 1: Welcome aboard in Campbell River and cruise to Cortez Island. Rainforest walks with naturalists. Small community visit. Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Cruise to spectacular Teakerne Arm on West Redonda Island. Here waterfalls plunge down a steep cut in the island’s cliffs, where we’ll moor. Dry rainforest and rocky buff walk to a lake with a picnic lunch. Cruising the scenic passages between West Rodonda and the mainland. Entering a small fjord at Roscoe Bay. Anchorage and beach walk and optional evening kayak.
Day 3: Sail or cruise into Toba Inlet. This spectacular fjord, 35 km long, cuts deep into the coast mountains. As you cruise the snow-capped peaks tower above. Watch for seals and sea lions, seabirds and other animals. Evening arrives at Prideaux Haven, at the confluence of Malaspina Inlet and Homfray Channel.
Day 4: Cruise the mainland shore to the Copeland Islands. Investigate the wildlife that lives on these small islets by journeying ashore with your naturalist.
Day 5: Cruise to Campbell River across the Strait of Georgia, watching for wildlife. Possible sightings of bald eagles, seals, sea lions, and marine birds.
Departures
Find your ideal trip dates below. All prices are listed in Canadian dollars.
| Date | Price | # of Nights | Start Port | End Port | Ship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 25 – 29, 2025 | $3,950, $4,350, $5,300 | 4 | Campbell River | Campbell River | Swell |
| April 29 – May 3, 2025 | $3,550 | 4 | Campbell River | Campbell River | Maple Leaf |
| April 30 – May 4, 2025 | $3,950, $4,350, $5,300 | 4 | Campbell River | Campbell River | Swell |
| May 1 – 5, 2025 | $5,400, $6,350, $7,260 | 4 | Campbell River | Campbell River | Cascadia |
| May 4 – 8, 2025 | $3,550 | 4 | Campbell River | Campbell River | Maple Leaf |
| May 5 – 9, 2025 | $3,950, $4,350, $5,300 | 4 | Campbell River | Campbell River | Swell |
| April 21 – 25, 2026 | $3,975, $4,550, $5,450 | 4 | Campbell River | Campbell River | Swell |
| April 26 – 30, 2026 | $3,975, $4,550, $5,450 | 4 | Campbell River | Campbell River | Swell |
| April 28 – May 2, 2026 | $3,650 | 4 | Campbell River | Campbell River | Maple Leaf |
| May 1 – 5, 2026 | $3,975, $4,550, $5,450 | 4 | Campbell River | Campbell River | Swell |
| May 3 – 7, 2026 | $3,650 | 4 | Campbell River | Campbell River | Maple Leaf |
| May 3 – 7, 2026 | $5,500, $6,450, $7,425 | 4 | Campbell River | Campbell River | Cascadia |
| October 19 – 23, 2026 | $3,650 | 4 | Campbell River | Campbell River | Maple Leaf |
* Prices are all-inclusive, and subject to a $200 sustainability fee per person. The trips in Canada are subject to 5% federal tax. See “Included in Our Price” for the exceptional value included. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy, and in Canadian dollars. For solo travellers, there is no single supplement on the SV Maple Leaf trips (shared accommodation), and there is a 50% single supplement on the MV Swell and Cascadia trips. For full-ship private charters, please contact us. Payment and cancellation policy is available online, in the brochures and by speaking with us. We welcome your contact.
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Solo Traveller Special
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!
Terms and Conditions
Subject to availability and booking limits on select sailings, as designated by Maple Leaf Adventures. Available in category 1 cabins on Cascadia and category 1 or 2 cabins on Swell (limited availability). Not combinable with other offers, except pay-in-full and standard back-to-back trips. For 2025, eligible departures include the Salish Sea Expedition with Canadian Geographic (Apr 18-22, MV Swell); Desolation Sound (Apr 25-29, Apr 30-May 4, MV Swell; May 1-5, MV Cascadia); Haida Gwaii (May 9-16, May 16-23, MV Cascadia); Whales & Wild Isles (Jul 28-Aug 5, Aug 6-14, Aug 16-20, MV Cascadia); Great Bear Rainforest (Aug 29-Sep 5, Oct 9-16, MV Cascadia); Desolation Sound & Fjords of BC (Oct 20-27, MV Cascadia; Oct 19-26, MV Swell); Craft Beer Cruise (Oct 27-31, MV Swell); and Wines & Islands (Oct 29-Nov 2, MV Cascadia). For 2026, eligible departures include the Salish Sea Expedition with Canadian Geographic (Apr 14-18, MV Swell); Desolation Sound (Apr 21-25, Apr 25-30, MV Swell; May 3-7, MV Cascadia); and Haida Gwaii (May 11-18, May 18-25, 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.
