What to Expect on a Desolation Sound Tour: World-Class Wildlife, Natural Wonders and Remarkable Adventure
Nestled in the heart of British Columbia just a few hundred kilometers north of Vancouver, Desolation Sound is a hidden gem of breathtaking natural beauty. This tranquil region, a captivating blend of rugged coastline, serene inlets, and lush rainforests best seen by water, also offers peak opportunities to see remarkable wildlife.
Embarking on a multi-day Desolation Sound tour—with locals who know these waters inside-out—will increase your odds.
“Life, uh, finds a way”: Desolation Sound’s Wildlife Revival
Over the past few decades, Desolation Sound has witnessed a remarkable resurgence of wildlife. Whale species have made an encouraging comeback, delighting visitors with their playful breaches.
Humpback whales, once nearly driven to extinction by commercial whaling, have benefited from international protection and the banning of whaling in the North Pacific. As their populations recover, they have returned to their historic feeding grounds, including the rich, nutrient-filled waters of Desolation Sound.
Transient orcas, which prey on marine mammals, have also seen a resurgence, partly due to the increasing populations of seals and sea lions.
Photo: Jeff Reynolds
Transient orcas breach the surface in the nutrient-rich waters of Desolation Sound, where seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals flourish.
The surrounding fjords have also become a haven for grizzly bears, particularly since the ban on trophy hunting in British Columbia. Over the last decade, bear sightings have increased, offering visitors a rare glimpse into their daily lives as they forage along the shoreline.
Photo: Simon Ager
In the fall, grizzly bears can be seen fishing for salmon in the rivers, offering a rare glimpse into their daily routine.
When is the Best Time to See Wildlife in Desolation Sound?
For wildlife enthusiasts, spring and fall are the ideal times to visit Desolation Sound. During these seasons, the summer boat traffic has dissipated, leaving the waters calm and serene. Fewer boats on the water not only makes for a more tranquil experience but increases the likelihood of wildlife sightings.
These periods also coincide with bird migrations, making it a prime time for bird watchers to observe a variety of species such as sandpipers, surf scoters and black oystercatchers. Raptors like bald eagles and ospreys are also more active during these times, hunting for fish in the productive upwelling.
Photo: Maple Leaf Adventures
A bald eagle perches on a weathered tree, keeping a watchful eye for prey just below the water’s surface.
Beneath the surface: Marine Life Abounds
Desolation Sound is teeming with marine life. Orcas and humpback whales are among the most sought-after sightings, but the waters are also home to harbor seals, sea lions, dolphins, and porpoises. The intertidal zones are rich with sea stars, sea urchins, anemones, and the occasional octopus or squid, adding vibrant colours to the rugged shorelines.
On a multi-day tour with Maple Leaf Adventures, whale watching becomes a rich experience. Unlike a day tour, you’ll have multiple chances to witness various whale and dolphin species displaying a wide range of behaviors—all in a way that’s unobtrusive.
Photo: Maple Leaf Adventures
Pacific white-sided dolphins leap through the waters of Desolation Sound, if lucky, you’ll catch them off the bow of our expedition ship.
Up Up Above: A Bird Watcher’s Paradise
The Sound is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Bald eagles, ospreys, herons, and kingfishers are commonly seen, while various species of seabirds, such as gulls and cormorants, add to the diversity.
The migration periods in spring and fall are particularly rewarding, as many species pass through the area, offering spectacular bird-watching opportunities.
Bird watching becomes an immersive experience on expeditions with Maple Leaf Adventures, even if you’re not an avid birder. With expert naturalists on hand to identify species and answer any questions, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible variety of birdlife that calls this region home.
Photo: Jeff Reynolds
Great blue heron gracefully migrate throughout the shoreline of Desolation Sound, offering birdwatchers a glimpse of the area’s rich avian life.
Land Ho: Terrestrial Wonders
On land, Desolation Sound does not disappoint. Bears (black and grizzly), deer, cougars, and wolves inhabit the forests, while raccoons and otters can be spotted along the shores.
While you might expect more bear viewing opportunities on our northern tours in the Great Bear Rainforest and Alaska, in the fall we team up with local Indigenous guides to watch grizzlies fish for salmon up close at a bear viewing stand.
These wildlife encounters ashore add a whole other dimension to exploring Desolation Sound, offering an even deeper appreciation for the natural world around you.
Photo: Maple Leaf Adventures
A lone wolf roams the rugged landscape of Desolation Sound. Though incredibly rare to encounter, their perseverance is a testament to the region’s biological productivity.
Explore with Maple Leaf Adventures: The Ultimate Desolation Sound Safari
For a true Desolation Sound safari, consider joining a guided expedition with Maple Leaf Adventures. Our small-group expedition cruises provide unrivaled access to this breathtaking region, led by expert guides with decades of experience. You’ll gain intimate insights into the ecosystem, learning about the rich wildlife and landscapes of Desolation Sound in a way that’s fun and unscripted.
Photo: Maple Leaf Adventures
Freshly shucked oysters, showcasing the local flavours of Desolation Sound, add a gourmet touch to your wildlife expedition with Maple Leaf Adventures.
With comfortable accommodations, gourmet meals, and a flexible itinerary designed to put you in the path of incredible wildlife encounters, every moment is crafted for discovery. A Maple Leaf Adventures expedition offers the perfect balance of luxury and unfiltered nature.
Whether you’re watching whales breach or spotting grizzlies in the fjords, it’s here, among the towering trees and crisp coastal air, that the wild truly reveals itself—leaving you with a connection to Desolation Sound that will last long after the journey ends.
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