Desolation Sound

The government of British Columbia in 1973 established Desolation Sound Marine Park. This park consists of more than 14,000 acres of high land and 6,350 acres of shoreline an water and is thus the largest Marine Park in B.C., as well as the only major park of any kind on the Pacific mainland coast of Canada.

The topography of the park varies from relatively low rolling hills of Gifford Peninsula to the Unwin Range rising over 4,500 feet directly behind Prideaux Haven. There are many safe anchorage locations, most of which are either totally or partly enclosed by low shoreline or high cliffs, islands or mountainsides.

Winds on the area tend to be different from the normal northwest-southeast wind pattern of Georgia Strait, and one must be careful when predicting weather forecasts for the area.

Online Marine Weather Forecast

Anchorage Spots in Desolation Sound

Grace Harbour
This area can be entered from Malaspina Inlet and several exploration and anchorage possibilities can be found here. The entire north shore of Grace Harbour was once privately owned but was added to the park in 1975. One possible anchorage spot is found on the outer portion of Grace Harbour, particularly north of Jean Island. The inner part of Grace Harbour completely protected from all winds and seas and also provides safe anchorage spots. Several trails and old logging roads can be found in the area for hiking. Several beaver dams are in this area. Dinghies can be beached at the site of a park information board, which illustrates the surroundings. A trail to a lake where swimming is possible.

Isabel Bay
This Bay is situated in Lancelot Inlet and only limited anchorage for a few boasts can be found here. A small cove at the lower end of the bay, along with two tiny nooks for one or two boasts can be found behind Madge Island at its Northern end. Clams and oysters abound. Ties to shore may be necessary.

Okeover Arm
A marina in Penrose Bay, Okeover Resort, Okeover Park, and a public float are located on the Western shore of this Inlet. There is a natural, rough, launching ramp adjacent to the float complex. Power, no water, no garbage dump. A restaurant is on the hill. Okeover Provincial Park, north of the wharf, has picnic and camping sites. Anchorage is possible at Penrose Bay and at Freje Anchorage near the head of the inlet. The warm sheltered waters in this area make this a prolific place for marine life. Much of the area is leased as oyster beds.

Thors Cove
This cove is not an ideal anchorage spot, for strong winds ca prevail here. The best protection in these circumstances, however, can be found in the extreme south end of the cove or directly behind a tiny 12-foot islet near the south end. Aquaculture operations are located in this area.

Theodosia Inlet
Theodosia Inlet is almost like a lagoon as the shallow entrance channel inhibits the entrance of salt water but also permits freshwater outflow from the Theodosia River. The Inlet at the entrance of this Inlet is often used as a picnic and there are flat areas suitable for camping. A shallow bay on the East side of the islet can be used for beaching a canoe or kayak. Other good anchorage spots can also be found throughout the inlet as well as the small islet. Outside the Inlet, anchorage is possible near Grail Point behind Susan Inlet. An old orchard is a landmark.

Wootton Bay
Several temporary anchorage's are possible in this area with most of them being near the head of the bay. These spots provide good protection from the nighttime westerly but somewhat exposed to anything from the south of southeast. Property at nearby Portage Cove is private and not included in Desolation Sound Marine Park.

Portage Cove
Portage Cove is suitable only for temporary anchorage near high tide as it dries out almost completely low tide.

Galley Bay
Good anchorage is available here in the western most nook, or behind the island in the eastern part of the bay. Caution must be exercised in the central part of the bay, because there are two dangerously drying rocks. The one near the centre dries three feet and the one farther in dries 12 feet. It's also exposed to northeasterly winds. A stern tie to shore is recommended.

Mink Island
This Island is private property. It provides one of the most popular anchorages in Desolation Sound. The outer anchorage is completely open to the ease, but has not proven to be a dangerous exposure in the area. The outer anchorage is fairly deep, but a shallower more protected anchorage is possible behind a small islet near the head of the cove. Depths are 10-20 feet. A drying lagoon is at the head.

Curme Islands
This cluster of islands stretches along the north - northeast shore of Mink Island. Anchorage, in settled weather, is possible in the passage between the two largest islands in the northernmost group of three islands. The channel is shallow in spots and narrow.

Tenedos Bay
Caution must be exercised in setting anchor in this bay for it is known as the "Deep Bay" and can reach depths over 300 feet in the central parts. There are however, many small coves and crannies shallow enough for small craft to find anchorage. The largest. Most protected anchorage area is in the extreme northern end of the bay. Despite its partial exposure to westerly winds, the eastern most cove in Tenedos Bay is usually the busiest. Here you can anchor and take a trail which leads up to Unwin Lake. The lake is only five minutes by trail from the sea and halfway along the trail it is possible to cut through the woods to a stream where gentle rapids and deep pools provide an ideal secluded place to swim. When a westerly wind arises, it whistles through this area. Unmarked rocks extend from this island in several places.

Otter Island
Also in the area, is protected and almost totally secluded anchorage. Large enough for only a few boats. The passage separating Otter Island from the mainland, although extremely narrow, is deep enough for most small craft to safely navigate. Sky Pilot Rock, one of the most dangerous hazards in the area, is located north of Otter Island. It waits menacingly out in mid-channel, unmarked, and only a few feet under water at high tide. Favor the Otter Island Shore.

Prideaux Haven
This area is known as one of the most scenically outstanding anchorages anywhere. This well protected Harbour has enough arms and interconnecting coves and passageways to safely accommodate hundreds of boats. Entrance to Prideaux Haven is from Homfray Channel to the east of Eveleigh Island. Caution should be exercised when entering the area and the reef in the center of the channel should be kept to the port. From July to August, Prideaux Haven has the reputation of being one for the most crowded anchorages on the BC coast. The warm waters of this area make it a perfect spot for swimming and water skiing.