This is a seasonal bloom, afflicting the highest of the summer months. The good news is that kayakers don't have to avoid Desolation from July 1 to mid-August. There are three departure points for Desolation Sound that offer paddlers a fine choice of rental equipment, camping and lodge accommodation, home-cooked meals and kayaking instruction. Each possesses a distinct local flavour, yet all combine to introduce paddlers to Desolation's scope and diversity as a paddling destination. Read Island's Coast Mountain Expeditions , operated by Ralph and Lannie Keller, offer guided trips of varying lengths as well as instructional workshops.
Paddlers can also opt for day trips, returning to the well-appointed lodge at day's end.
On the mainland coast, a new outfitter has recently opened her doors in Powell River, Helga Sheppard of Powell River Sea Kayaking , offering lessons, rentals, sales and tours over a 60-kilometre area from Saltery Bay to the town of Lund. Paddling from Cortes Island's southeast side, a good day on the water can take you north past Kinghorn Island towards West Redonda at the foot of Lewis Channel. For those who would combine wilderness kayaking with treats for the tummy, another option is to follow the east flank of Cortes north into Squirrel Cove. The protected waters here, though, are a haven for boaters, so paddlers are advised to deke in, fortify their supplies with homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, muffins and cookies from Bill Rendall's cabin bakery, and flee with their booty north toward Teakerne Arm. For those who indulge these culinary passions inside the Cove, a brisk hike may defer unwanted body ballast.