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Why a Sea Kayak Expedition is the Perfect Christmas Gift for an Adventurous Soul

We all have loved ones that are impossible to buy for, even if we know them better than anyone else. Maybe they already have all the essentials for their outdoor lifestyle—rain jackets, hiking backpacks, and more thick woollen socks than one person could ever need. The truth is, there’s only so much gear a person can have. 

This year, consider giving something more meaningful, memorable, and aligned with a sustainable mindset. Why not instead gift an experience they’ll cherish forever, like a fully guided, week-long sea kayak expedition into awe-inspiring Toba Inlet with Powell River Sea Kayak?!

Here’s why this unforgettable adventure is the perfect gift for the outdoors-loving adventurer in your life.

Guides and guests looking at charts in Desolation Sound

1. Go with the Pros: Safe Adventure for Peace of Mind

Sending a loved one on a do-it-yourself kayaking trip might sound a bit nerve-wracking, but this expedition is led by expert guides who know the area, the water, and the best practices for safety inside and out. 

Our guides are professionals, and fully certified with the Sea Kayak Guide’s Alliance of British COlumbia. You can rest assured that your loved one will be safe, whether they’re making long open water crossings or paddling along the shore beneath towering forests and mountains. 

Our guides don’t just prioritise safety; they add immeasurable depth to the experience.Their knowledge of these waters and connection to this part of the world makes us ideal hosts, offering insights into local wildlife, geography, and ecology, and sharing stories about Desolation Sound and Toba Inlet’s culture, flora, and fauna. 

Just as importantly, we possess an encyclopaedic knowledge of lesser-known spots to explore and to camp in this impossible terrain, which plummets over 7500 feet from the icy peaks above sheer into the turquoise blue waters of Toba Inlet below. 

With us, you can gift with confidence, knowing your loved one is in excellent hands while they immerse themselves in one of the most epic landscapes in the world.

Calm and protected waters inside Vancouver Island make visiting Desolation Sound one of the best kayak trips in BC

2. Skills for Life: Develop and Enhance Their Kayaking Abilities

For someone who already loves the outdoors, an expedition like this offers an invaluable chance to build on their skills. 

Guided tours are more than just scenic paddles; they’re opportunities to learn advanced techniques in a supportive environment. Whether new to kayaking or intermediate paddlers looking to get on more remote adventures, they’ll get the chance to sharpen their skills with guidance from our professional guides. 

Our guides love to instruct and teach, and beyond paddling techniques there are opportunities to learn about tides and currents, reading weather patterns and forecasts, and kayak specific camping. This trip can be as much about personal growth as it is about scenic enjoyment.

From here, these skills and knowledge can be applied to future adventures, whether they’re planning to paddle self-guided or on more remote guided adventures. A gift that keeps giving well after the tour guests have said their goodbyes.

A group of kayakers taking a break on a kayak tour

3. This Won’t Get Forgotten in a Drawer

How many gifts have we all received over the years that eventually get stashed away, never to be thought of again? Even a well-intentioned gift card often ends up lost, forgotten or unused, making the company money for no service at all. 

A sea kayak expedition is different. It’s not something they can easily tuck away and forget about, it’s an experience they’ll look forward to from the moment they receive it. The anticipation alone is enough to make it memorable, but once they set out on the water, it becomes an adventure they’ll remember for years to come.

In Toba Inlet, they’ll be surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, crashing waterfalls, and vibrant wildlife. Imagine their feelings as they spot seals, eagles, and maybe even orcas from their kayak while paddling through these remote fjords and passages. This is an adventure that promises memories that will linger long after the trip ends, and every photo, story, and journal entry will remind them of the unique experience you gifted them.

4. Use What They Already Have: Minimal Gear, Maximum Impact

One of the best parts about a guided kayaking trip is that it doesn’t require a bunch of new gear, especially if your loved one already enjoys the outdoors. Instead of adding more “stuff” to their life, this experience lets them put their existing outdoor gear to good use, while we take care of the paddling specific equipment that they might not possess.

By giving experience, rather than an item, you’re choosing an ecologically friendly gift that doesn’t contribute to our consumerist waste – which should be especially fitting for the environmentally conscious adventurer in your life.

They’ll be thrilled that you considered both their love for the outdoors and their commitment to reducing their environmental impact. And with the trip being fully catered with unbelievable backcountry meals, all they have to do is simply show up ready for adventure, knowing all essentials are taken care of by the professionals!

A group of kayakers posing with kayaks and mountains in the background

5. A Memory to Relive, Over and Over

A sea kayak expedition into Toba Inlet isn’t just a one-time thrill – it’s the type of experience they’ll talk about and reminisce on for years. 

They’ll remember the silence of the still mornings and the roar of the wind as it funnels down the inlet in the afternoon, the thunder and spray of the waterfalls falling into the fjord from hundreds of feet above, the eagles calling across the inlet and the slap and snort of the seal in the bay as they lie in their tent after a full day of work, and the satisfaction that comes from being immersed in such remote and unspoiled nature. 

They will be eager to tell the story again and again, and your gift will be what made it all possible.

And even better, if you join them on this trip, you’ll be able to share in these memories together! Memories far more impactful and meaningful than any store-bought gift they could think of, and ones that will last for years to come.

To learn more about our Toba Inlet expeditions, please visit the expeditions page on our website, or to look at available dates and make a reservation visit our bookings page.

We also sell gift certificates of various denominations here.

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Navigating the Rugged Beauty of Toba Inlet on Our 7-Day Expedition

Beyond the familiar shores of Desolation Sound lies a world of untamed wilderness and awe-inspiring landscapes — the heart of our 7-day expedition tours into Toba Inlet. 

Join us as we take a closer look at these remote destinations: the logistical considerations, the challenges and difficulties, and the natural wonders that define this epic adventure – and determine whether this trip is right for you!

The Epic Landscapes & Features of Toba Inlet:

Colossal Coast Mountains: Toba Inlet is a rugged environment where towering Coast Mountains meet the pristine waters of the Pacific. The peaks surrounding this iconic fjord, sculpted by tectonic and glacial movements over millions of years, create a dramatic backdrop as we paddle deeper into the mountains. High above, retreating glaciers have left behind immense amphitheatre-like cirques in the alpine, while closer to sea-level the cliffs of these mountains plunge sheer and direct into the ocean. 

Thundering Waterfalls: All the snow and ice stored on these peaks in the winter comes crashing down into the inlet throughout the spring and summer, and the steep cliffs of Toba create spectacular torrents into the fjord from high above. While the early and mid summer trips will naturally have greater volumes of water at these falls as you tour deeper into Toba, even in late summer there are a number of places with spectacular and forceful displays.

Hidden Camps: As you journey further, and the terrain becomes more and more unforgiving, you will start to wonder where you will possibly be able to stop for a break – let alone a camp to spend the night. Rest assured, however, we know the best – and at times only – hidden camps and bays along the route. These remote places allow our guests to connect with nature in its purest form, and the untouched beauty that defines this inspiring corner of the British Columbia coast.

Rich Biodiversity: Toba Inlet and its surroundings boast rich flora and fauna – both on land and in the sea. Ancient forests provide habitat for wildlife ranging from bald eagles to black bears, deer and otters. Seals, sea lions, and intertidal invertebrates are constantly encountered, and our guides are always on hand with eagle eyes to spot wildlife that would otherwise potentially be missed, as well as explain how each cog in the ecosystem relates to the whole (with a whole lot of cool facts thrown in as well).

And if you’re lucky, your group may cross paths with humpback whales or a pod of orcas as they forage in these rich waters; while the deep, inaccessible valleys of Toba itself (such as at Brem Bay) sometimes offer glimpses of Grizzly Bears living their lives as far from civilization as they can be.

Logistical Considerations Amidst this Remote Wilderness:

Navigating through such remote and rugged terrain requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. The logistics of our Toba Inlet kayak tours are a marvel in themselves.

Camp Setup and Take-Down: Moving camp every day is a process. Setting up and taking down camp is a part of the daily routine; but it is a team effort, and guests need to be aware that hauling gear and kayaks, setting up and taking down tents, and pitching in to help with the dishes after another amazing meal is part of the adventure. Each campsite has its unique attributes – its advantages and challenges. However, you can be rest assured that all come with unbeatable views that frequently take your breath away.

Maintaining Quality Cuisine in the Wilderness: We’ve been known for more than 20 years for our unbelievable camping menu, and despite the remote setting, our expedition tours boast the same quality of gourmet meals made from locally sourced ingredients. To do this, however, we need to bring a lot of food, fuel, and kitchen equipment along for the ride. This means landing and launching at camp entails a period of hauling of gear – the payoff, of course, is plentiful and nourishing meals that fuel your adventure and keep you energised day after day. 

Mountain Winds and Unpredictable Weather: As in all wilderness trips, weather is unpredictable. This is doubly so when we leave Desolation Sound and travel further into the coast mountains. Anabatic and katabatic winds, no cell reception, and unpredictable mountain weather make our guides’ decisions and trip planning especially important to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the entire group. Guests need to be aware of this, and specifically that the best laid plans in these environments are always up for revision and alteration. Enjoyment of the process, instead of a fixation on a final goal, is especially important on these tours.

Getting Home: The conclusion of our 7-day adventure involves a water taxi pickup in Toba Inlet, allowing us to travel much farther than ever before. This arrangement not only ensures a smooth return but also offers a final opportunity to absorb the breathtaking views of Toba Inlet from a unique vantage point! 

Challenges and Setting Expectations:

Some have been mentioned above, but we need to reiterate that pulling off an all-inclusive, self-sufficient guided tour for 7-days in this part of the coast naturally presents challenges that all participants – both guides and guests – need to overcome.

Physical Challenges: The rugged terrain demands a good level of physical fitness from our guests. While paddling distances and times are typically a little longer than our vacation tours (and obviously over a week-long period of time) it is more often the land-based portion of the trip – particularly carrying kayaks and gear from the through the intertidal zone from the waterline to camp – that provides guests with the biggest challenges day after day. 

Assistance Is Sometimes Required: Guests on these trips must appreciate that this trip is a group effort. While our incredible guides will facilitate the adventure, all guests are expected to help where they can – from carrying gear, to setting up their personal camp, to taking the lead with another round of dishes while your guides make dessert after another wonderful meal.

Weather Considerations: As always, coastal weather can be unpredictable, and guests must be prepared for a range of conditions, from blue-bird sun to rainy days with headwinds and choppy seas. Our guides provide essential information, make decisions, and equip guests with the knowledge to adapt to changing weather patterns, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience; but as mentioned above, weather is always changing in the mountains, and guests should always expect that conditions may change quickly and not only provide some discomfort, but also potentially change routes and plans. Following our packing list to the letter is also always a good idea, just in case!

Remote Camps: As we paddle further from civilization our camps become more spectacular but also increasingly less furnished. Camps in Desolation Sound are  – relatively – well-used compared to those up Homfray Channel and Toba Inlet. While we have made improvements over the years to key sites within our control, at its heart this is a wilderness camping excursion and guests need to be prepared to do without some regular luxuries. Tent sites may not always be on completely even ground, bathrooms may be non-existent, and access up and down the ‘beach’ will become rocky and treacherous without the right footwear. 

Our 7-day expedition tour into Toba Inlet is not merely a kayak trip; it’s a journey into the heart of British Columbia’s wilderness. From the Coast Mountains to the secluded fjords and the logistics that make it all possible, our expeditions are a celebration of this part of the world – we hope you can join us!

Learn more about our expeditions here.

 

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Adventure & Relaxation: Finding Balance in Desolation Sound

In Desolation Sound – where the rugged coastline meets warm, protected pacific waters – our sea kayak vacation tours are designed to create the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. 

We understand the importance of finding balance in your vacation – the excitement of exploration coupled with moments of tranquillity. Here’s how our vacation tours look to strike this balance so your experience is both an active adventure and peaceful escape.

Embracing Active Adventure

At the heart, all our tours are active, and designed for an adventurous spirit. Staying at idyllic island camps, exploring rugged coastlines, and viewing varied marine wildlife are all part of what makes touring with us so special. 

Apart from the paddling, there is something so satisfying about setting up your camp – your home away from all stress and responsibilities – in such a peaceful setting. Moving kayaks and hauling gear makes way for scouting the forest and exploring mossy bluffs for the perfect place to pitch your tent in the shadow of the Coast Mountains and within sight of the gently lapping waves.

Whether you are making a base or moving camp in the morning, each day brings different scenes and experiences, unique conditions and wildlife opportunities, and each stroke of the paddle brings us closer to something exciting and new.

Creating Moments of Relaxation

Amidst the thrill of exploration, however, there is countless potential to find stillness and bliss. 

Picture yourself gliding on the calm ocean, with just the sound of your paddle gently breaking the surface of the water; or waking to the soft noise of birdsong (or if you’re lucky, a whale surfacing somewhere offshore). 

Imagine evenings spent eating unbelievably delicious camp meals and watching the sun set slowly over Vancouver Island, before sharing stories under the starlit sky. 

Adventure means nothing without taking time to savour the fruits of your labour. Our tours allow you to unwind and relax amongst your journey in the wilderness.

Connecting with Nature

Desolation Sound offers more than just scenic beauty; it provides an opportunity to connect deeply with our natural world. 

During your tour, there are many moments to simply be present. Observe the dance of sunlight on the water, and breathe in the crisp, invigorating air. Engage in an intertidal nature walk and discover the existence of a weird and wonderful underwater world. This connection with nature can rejuvenate and bring the world into perspective beyond the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.

Tips for Finding Balance

Here are some extra tips for our guests to help find this balance on our vacation camping tours.

  • Mindful Paddling: Practise mindful paddling, which means allowing yourself to be fully present in the moment as you kayak. Feel the gentle resistance of the water, savour the breeze on your face, and count the strokes of your paddle as you move through your day.
  • Morning Meditation: Start your day with a refreshing meditation session by the water’s edge. Let your calm, controlled breaths prepare you for the day’s adventures, finding a balance between body and mind.
  • Unplug and Reconnect: Take this opportunity to disconnect from the digital world. Leave behind the noise of notifications and immerse yourself in the sounds of nature. Engage in meaningful conversations with fellow travellers and rediscover the joy of genuine human connection. (Perhaps bring the phone along to share your experiences on social media, but be sure to turn on Airplane mode when you’re not actively making your friends and family jealous back home!)
  • Indulge in Unforgettable Camp Cuisine: Okay, this one is on us. Our guides are not only great interpreters and full of paddling tips to help make the physical effort easier on your body, but also create incredible gourmet meals prepared with love, right in front of your eyes. 

getting food prepared

Finding the balance between adventure and relaxation in Desolation Sound is not just a goal; it’s been a cornerstone of our tours for almost three decades. 

Our vacation camping tours are perhaps the classic example of this – the quintessential Desolation Sound experience that we have perfected over all these years!

Learn more about our sea kayak vacations here.

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Epic Toba Inlet & Waterfalls Expedition – New Tour for 2022!

We are excited to present a Brand New Expedition Tour for 2022: an Epic One-Way Exploration of Magnificent Toba Inlet!

Over the years we have been slowly expanding our expedition tours beyond Desolation Sound, and each season the demand for these more adventurous and remote trips eclipses that of the year past.

Our 5- and 7-day loops have been some of our most rewarding tours (for guests and guides alike!) but we’ve always been searching for a way to go even deeper into Toba Inlet – to an area very few have ever had the pleasure of paddling, right in the heart of the Coast Mountains, amongst thunderous waterfalls and impossibly blue ocean waters fed by glaciers and alpine lakes hidden thousands of feet above.

Now, with the partnership of an awesome new water taxi and transport company in Lund, we are finally able to offer this incredible and truly unique tour to our guests: our ‘Epic Toba Inlet & Waterfalls’ One-Way Expedition!

A kayaker paddles towards a large waterfall on a sunny day in Toba Inlet

Why Toba?

Toba Inlet has long been one of our favourite kayaking destinations – difficult to reach, but immensely rewarding!

J. Austen Bancroft, writing for the Geological Society to Canada in 1911, said about Toba and Bute Inlets:

“In the grandeur of their scenery these inlets surpass all the others within this area and must rival in their magnificence all examples of the fiord type in the world.”

Indeed, as you paddle here you really get a feel for the sense of helplessness that Captain George Vancouver – attempting to find a safe and accommodating passage through these mountains in 1792 – must have felt each and every time he was turned back by them.

Peaks over 7200 feet high rise steep on both sides of this fjord that cuts through the mountains at a depth of over 1600 feet below sea level. This is truly some of the most dramatic mountain scenery that can be kayaked on the entire west coast of British Columbia.

High above the inlet, icy peaks and cirques carved by ancient glaciers hang majestically above alpine lakes – and during the spring and the summer this suspended water returns to the ocean in countless streams that carve massive gorges and ravines; and in certain spots, thunder tremendously into the fjord in waterfalls hundreds of feet in height!

These cascading waterfalls are one of the highlights of the tour, a real tour de force in an otherwise silent and imposing landscape. Yet there are other reasons to visit …

Wildlife in the remote passages north of Desolation is ever present – from roving orcas and migrating humpbacks to huge pods of Pacific white sided dolphins, from eagles and osprey to massive groups of seals and sea lions hauled out on rocks and cliffs, from deer and elk in the forest to black bears – and even Grizzlies – foraging in the intertidal zone at the mouth of great river valleys, like the Brem River deep in Toba.

And as with all our tours, the service, guidance, camaraderie – and yes of course, the food – continue to set us apart as a tour provider on the west coast of British Columbia. Fresh coffee in the morning, with breakfast being prepared in the camp kitchen behind you, as you contemplate the simple meaning of life in the shadow of these great coastal mountains – where else would you rather be than here..?

Picture moment in Toba Inlet

Why One-Way?

Our previous 7-day loop expeditions gave guests a nice taste of Toba Inlet – with many groups spending two nights at our tenured campsite near the mouth of the inlet and using the base camp to explore up to a quarter or a third of the way to the head of the inlet, before returning to Okeover over the last 3 days of the tour.

This one-way pick-up tour allows us to travel deeper into the fjord and camp much closer to the head of the inlet, spending far longer deep beneath the mountains and amongst the crashing waterfalls. Still mornings, silent paddles and clear evenings amongst these giants are maximized, affording more time to truly soak up this incredible landscape.

Most trips will plan to spend 3 nights in Toba itself – though final route and campsite decisions will be made by the guides depending on many factors such as weather and group dynamic. The final morning will see the group paddle from our secret camp to the Brem River estuary – and possibly sight a Grizzly bear or two – before our water taxi arrives in the early afternoon to load up and bring everyone back to our Okeover Inlet base.

Kayaker in Toba Inlet

2022 Dates
To begin, we are offering six exclusive dates for this epic Toba Inlet exploration for 2022:

  • May 19-25 *3 Spots Left*
  • June 30-July 6 *Sold Out*
  • July 13-19 *5 Spots Left*
  • July 28-August 3 *1 Spot Left*
  • September 1-7 *Sold Out*
  • September 8-14 *1 Spot Left*

We expect these dates to fill in fast however, so be sure to check our availability calendar for remaining spots, or email us at  for any additional information you may need!

We are also offering 2 dates throughout 2022 for our traditional 5-day loop trip – however for next summer and beyond we have added an extra day to this awesome experience to give guests more time in beautiful and remote Lewis, Pryce and Waddington Channels before paddling back to Okeover. The dates for these 6-day loop expeditions are:

  • June 9-14 *9 Spots Left*
  • August 11-16 *6 Spots Left*

To learn more about these expeditions, and to reserve your spot for next summer, click through to our expeditions page and get excited for a remote adventure in 2022!

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When is the best time of summer to visit Desolation Sound?

When is the best time to visit Desolation Sound?

Many will argue that summer in British Columbia is when this beautiful part of the world really shines, and away from winter sports in the mountains – and certainly in Desolation Sound – this is certainly true for us at Powell River Sea Kayak.

While the midsummer months of July and August are often considered to be the optimum months to kayak in Desolation Sound due to the greater certainty of perfect weather, all months in the spring and summer – from May to September – are fantastic for their own reasons.

Here are some of our favourite reasons to visit at each time of year:

 

Early Season (May & June)

At PRSK we call the early season months the ‘green season’ – but that doesn’t mean it’s always wet and gloomy. Early season trips into Desolation Sound are when the rainforest trees and mossy bluffs are at their freshest and greenest, and the temperatures are pleasant on even the sunniest days.

For wildlife lovers, much of the varied and diverse marine wildlife is present during these months, including many birds that head inland to freshwater lakes during the summer months and others that are still showing their varied winter plumage, including surf scoters, marbled murrelets, and plucky Bonaparte’s gulls. This is also a good time to view massive sea lions before they head off to their summer breeding grounds in Alaska and California.

The days are long – meaning almost endless daylight for exploring, relaxing, and socialising in one of the most beautiful areas on the BC coast. After a full day of kayaking, swimming, snorkelling, and socialising, watching the sun set slowly and beautifully over Vancouver Island to the west is a quintessential coastal BC moment on our camping tours.

Finally, from a logistical standpoint, tours before the Canada Day weekend are usually free from some of the stresses associated with summer travel on the coast – from ferry traffic (and long waits at the terminal) to busy and fully booked accommodation providers. Plus, tours before June 14th qualify for some great off-peak ‘green season’ discounts!

 

Peak Season (July & August)

The two month period between Canada Day and Labour Day are considered the prime summer months for vacationing in British Columbia – and indeed the weather on the coast during these months is generally warm, the days are still long, and the winds are (relatively) predictable.

This is the time of the classic Desolation Sound kayak trip. Day trips to freshwater lakes and snorkelling with the sea stars and the sea urchins – no wetsuit needed! Endless sunsets throwing incredible shades of red, orange and yellow across the western sky. Paddling along varied shorelines and through intricate passageways with the warm sun on your arms and your face. Delicious food served with refreshing beverages at camp after a long and rewarding day of exploration and adventure.

Peak season is certainly popular – both in Powell River and on the water in Desolation Sound – but it is popular for a reason: idyllic summer days and nights in paradise that will be remembered by friends and family for years to come.

Powell River and the Upper Sunshine Coast is also a thriving small coastal town that shines in the summer months – with multiple festivals and street parties for all ages, a burgeoning restaurant scene, a bustling weekend farmers market, and one of the best microbreweries in British Columbia!

 

Late Season (September)

Perhaps the best kept secret of paddling trips in Desolation Sound, the late season period after Labour Day in September is constantly (and sometimes surprisingly) rewarding for those who want to squeeze one last adventure out of the summer.

Critically, the weather generally remains solid during this month, with just a noticeable cooling of temperature that can often be seen as a blessing after months of heat on the water. The days are slight;y shorter, but the sunsets are no less spectacular in the evening to the west.

There is a feeling of relief in the air, a collective catching of the breath as the summer winds down. Campsites are empty, anchorages are solemn and quiet, and tours go at their own pace to the beat and the rhythm of nature. 

For wildlife lovers, this may be the best month to visit. While transient orcas can be seen at any time of year as they roam up and down the coast in search of their prey, the re-emergence in the last 10 years of the inside passage of Vancouver Island as a migratory route for humpback whales has seen a surge of these amazing creatures in Desolation Sound, and they tend to congregate more often in the later months of summer.

California and Steller’s Sea Lions are often seen returning in September after a summer away at their respective breeding grounds, an impressive sight whether they are in the water or hauled out in the sun on intertidal rocks.

Finally, our off-peak rates are available for all tours running after September 10th, and those spending some time in the Powell River area before or after the tour really get to experience a more genuine slice of life in a coastal BC community – vibrant in the waning days of summer, but not bustling at the seams with touristic fervour anymore!

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