Desolation Sound Mentor Trip Report
The 2026 Desolation Sound Mentor Trip was a tremendous success, providing participants with seven days of expedition paddling, camping, mentorship, and real-world decision making in one of British Columbia's most spectacular kayaking destinations.
Day 1 – Arrival
After two ferry crossings and a short drive north, the group arrived at Okeover Arm Provincial Park for our first night. The campground was still officially in the off-season, leaving us with the entire site to ourselves. It was a peaceful start to the trip and a chance for everyone to settle in, organize gear, and prepare for the week ahead.
Day 2 – Into Desolation Sound
We launched under clear skies and warm sunshine with almost no wind. Our first lesson arrived immediately as we began paddling out of Okeover Arm. What we thought would be a helpful ebbing tide quickly proved otherwise, and we found ourselves working much harder than expected to escape the arm.
Once free of the current, we crossed toward the Curme Islands and were rewarded with another unexpected gift: complete solitude. With the entire island chain seemingly ours, we selected West Curme Island as our base camp for the next several days.
Days 3 & 4 – Exploration and Discovery
The next two days showcased Desolation Sound at its very best.
Under hot sunshine, light winds, and clear skies, we explored deeper into the marine park, visiting the William Islands and making our way to Roscoe Bay. A hike to Black Lake provided an opportunity for swimming and collecting fresh water for showers back at camp.
The following day brought another leisurely adventure as we paddled to Tenedos Bay and hiked to Unwin Lake. Warm water, beautiful scenery, and relaxed exploration kept spirits high and allowed participants to focus on enjoying both the paddling and the surrounding wilderness.
These days provided countless opportunities for mentorship discussions, camp-craft, navigation, expedition planning, and the many small skills that make multi-day kayak travel more comfortable and enjoyable.
Day 5 – The Lesson
Day five became one of the most valuable learning experiences of the trip.
Our plan was straightforward: launch early, stay ahead of an approaching weather system, and make our way south toward the Copeland Islands. We were on the water by 8:00 AM and made good progress toward Martin Island, where we stopped for a short break before continuing.
As we rested, something caught our attention.
Although conditions around us remained calm, the trees across the channel near Refuge Cove were bending dramatically in the strengthening winds. What looked like a manageable weather forecast was rapidly changing in front of us.
After discussing the situation, Kapila and I independently arrived at the same conclusion: it was time to pull the pin and establish camp immediately.
The decision was not universally popular. We had stopped well short of our intended destination, and the change of plans came without warning. However, mentorship opportunities rarely arrive on schedule.
We explained our reasoning and encouraged everyone to trust the process. Within hours, Mother Nature revealed exactly why the decision had been made.
Heavy winds and intense rain arrived overnight, testing every tarp setup and campsite arrangement. By morning, with sunshine returning and calm conditions restored, it was obvious that stopping early had been the correct call.
The lesson was simple but important: weather forecasts are valuable, but conditions observed on the water are often even more valuable. Good trip leaders don't simply follow a plan. They adapt when conditions change.
Day 6 – Copeland Islands
With improving weather and renewed confidence in our decision-making process, the group continued south and arrived at North Copeland Campground without issue.
Once again, we found ourselves enjoying a rare luxury: having the entire area to ourselves.
The previous day's weather delay had transformed from disappointment into a valuable learning experience, and spirits were high as everyone settled into camp.
Day 7 – Testing Ourselves
The weather returned in full force.
Strong winds and heavy rain provided another excellent opportunity to practice expedition camping skills. Tarp systems, camp organization, and staying comfortable in challenging conditions became the focus of the day.
Rather than hiding from the weather, the group embraced it.
We launched and explored the Copeland Islands despite the conditions. The paddle from the north end of North Copeland to Sound Island took several hours of work against the wind. The return trip, aided by the same wind, took less than thirty minutes.
That evening approximately 100 mm of rain fell, providing a true test of everyone's shelter systems and campcraft.
While challenging, it was also one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
Day 8 – Homeward Bound
The rain gods finally showed mercy.
Our final morning arrived dry, allowing everyone to pack up comfortably before making the return paddle to Lund. Favorable conditions allowed us to make excellent time, easily catch our scheduled ferries, and even re-book onto an earlier sailing for the final crossing back to the mainland.
Lessons Learned
The purpose of this mentor trip was never simply to paddle through Desolation Sound. It was to develop the skills and judgment necessary for safe and enjoyable expedition travel.
Participants gained experience in:
Expedition planning and logistics
Camp-craft and tarp systems
Weather observation and interpretation
Route planning and navigation
Group travel and communication
Decision making under changing conditions
Gear selection and packing strategies
Perhaps most importantly, participants learned when to continue and when to change plans. Good judgment is often the most important skill a paddler can develop.
As one participant, Paul Barrett, reflected:
"This trip was very well organized and right from the beginning, pre-trip communication was great. Online spreadsheet with all the details was made available to all of us."
"There were two days that challenged my abilities and this was good... One day was due to an incoming weather system so we did not reach our destination but instead chose to hold up on Martin Island. Fair to be noted this was mentioned as Plan B in the event we run into bad weather so kudos to Ken and Kapila."
"The other was a paddle around the Copelands... There was one small section that I found difficult as the winds and waves were strong. Key thing is we stuck together and supported each other. I now feel more confident because of this experience."
"One other big take away was safety. Right from the first day launch it was made clear that we were to stick together and be in talking distance to each other, which we maintained throughout the trip."
Final Thoughts
Desolation Sound delivered everything we could have hoped for: sunshine, warm water, spectacular scenery, challenging weather, valuable lessons, and unforgettable experiences.
Most importantly, every participant returned home with greater confidence, new skills, and a deeper understanding of expedition paddling.
And yes, for those wondering, Ken did in fact intend to consume the entire 1L of maple syrup during the trip.
The evidence suggests he came dangerously close.
