As the voyage continues through Homfray Channel and Discovery Passage, the waters grow deeper and wilder. Humpbacks and orcas surface in high-current narrows, and the coastline opens into some of the most breathtaking marine landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Evenings are spent in storied coastal towns like Campbell River and Nanaimo — a balance of exploration, culture, and relaxed marina living — before crossing the Strait of Georgia back toward Vancouver’s skyline.
This is not just a yacht charter. It’s a full coastal expedition. This Vancouver to Desolation Sound tour includes a week of remote anchorages, towering waterways, wildlife encounters, and elevated yacht living in one of Canada’s most extraordinary marine environments.
An Expedition Through BC’s Most Iconic Coastline
Ship: Shangri-la cheer
Duration: 7 days
This seven-day yacht tour from Vancouver carries you far beyond the familiar and deep into one of British Columbia’s most iconic coastal wildernesses. The journey unfolds north along the Sunshine Coast — past Bowen Island’s rugged bluffs, through historic harbours, and toward the literal end of the road at Lund — before entering the legendary waters of Desolation Sound.
From there, the scale shifts. Granite peaks rise sharply from turquoise glacial waters, old-growth forests tumble toward the sea, and anchorages like Teakerne Arm feel almost mythic in their beauty. You’ll cruise through narrow fjords framed by towering cliffs, hike to waterfalls that plunge directly into the ocean, and push into the dramatic stillness of Toba Inlet, where black bears roam the shoreline and bald eagles circle overhead.
The Journey
Day 1
The Sunshine Coast Crossing
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8:00 AM: Departure | Plaza of Nations X Port Marina, Gate A
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Morning: Cruising | Pass the rugged bluffs of Bowen Island and Halfmoon Bay
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Activity: Crabbing & Fishing | Drop the traps and lines in the rich coastal shelf
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5:00 PM: Anchor | Secret Cove, a perfectly sheltered spot with excellent dining options, to kick off the trip
Day 2
The Gateway to the North
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9:00 AM: Coastal Transit | Sail past Madeira Park and the Pender Harbour area
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1:00 PM: Resupply | Powell River. Take in the historic "Hole in the Wall" views
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4:00 PM: Mile 0 | Arrive at Lund, the literal end of the road (Hwy 101)
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Evening: Land Experience | Dinner at the Historic Lund Hotel (est. 1905)
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Anchor: Lund Marina
Day 3
Into the Heart of the Sound
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9:00 AM: Fjord Entry | Enter the legendary waters of Desolation Sound
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11:00 AM: West Redonda Island | Navigate through towering granite peaks
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2:00 PM: Teakerne Arm | Hike the old-growth forest to find the falls plunging into the sea
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Anchor: Teakerne Arm (One of the most iconic moorings in BC)
Day 4
The Wild Depths of Toba
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8:00 AM: Deep Fjord Sailing | Push north into the dramatic Toba Inlet
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Highlights: Glacial Waters | Observe the turquoise silt-water and snow-capped peaks
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Wildlife Watch: Keep binoculars ready for black bears on the shoreline and bald eagles soaring overhead
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Anchor: Toba River mouth or a secluded fjord inlet
Day 5
The Salmon Capital & Discovery Passage
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8:00 AM: Homfray Channel | Cruise some of the deepest, most breathtaking waters in the region
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1:00 PM: Discovery Passage | Look for Humpbacks and Orcas in these high-current narrows
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4:00 PM: Campbell River | Explore the "Salmon Capital of the World."
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Culture: Visit local Indigenous art galleries and the vibrant harbour
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Anchor: Campbell River Yacht Marina
Day 6
The Island Shoreline
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9:00 AM: Southern Transit | Sail the east coast of Vancouver Island
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Highlights: Views of the Comox Glacier and the sandy reaches of Parksville
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4:00 PM: Arrival | Nanaimo
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Evening: Relax | Decompress at the marina after a long day of coastal navigation
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Anchor: Nanaimo Yacht Marina
Day 7
The Crossing & City Lights
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9:00 AM: Nanaimo Shore Leave | Walk the Harbourfront and grab an authentic Nanaimo Bar
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12:00 PM: Strait of Georgia | Cross back toward the mainland
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Wildlife: Watch for Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, often found in the wake
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5:00 PM: Homebound | The Vancouver skyline appears as the journey completes
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Landing: Plaza of Nationa X Port Marina
Please note that this itinerary is a sample. Routes and activities may vary based on weather conditions, seasonal considerations, and operational factors to ensure an exceptional and seamless voyage.
Available Departures
May 17 - May 23
September 6- September 12
September 20- September 26
Date
May 10 - May 16
May 24 - May 30
September 13- September 19
A Glimpse of the Experience
Moments From the Journey
Onboard accommodations are designed for life on the water — comfortable, efficient, and intentionally arranged so you can spend your days exploring and your evenings unwinding. Our cabins balance practicality with comfort, offering a range of options to suit couples, families, and groups travelling together.
Whether you prefer a shared layout or a fully private room, each space is designed to provide a restful retreat between coastal adventures. From social shared cabins to private ensuite retreats, each room offers a welcoming space to recharge at sea.
Cabin rates are fully all-inclusive, featuring daily chef-prepared meals, beverages, and a curated selection of beer and wine to enjoy responsibly throughout the voyage. Our onboard atmosphere is relaxed and elevated — designed for sunset toasts and shared moments, not a party-boat scene. Guests also have access to four double-person kayaks for coastal exploration.
All of our cabins are located on the lower deck and are accessed by a set of narrow stairs, which is typical for vessels of this type. Guests should be comfortable navigating stairs and moving around a boat environment. If you have any questions about accessibility or mobility considerations, we encourage you to contact us before booking so we can help ensure the experience is a good fit for you.
*Price listed are per room.
Desolation Sound Cabin
Charter Details & FAQs
What’s included in this 7-day yacht charter?
Your charter includes a professional captain and crew, curated itinerary planning, meals and beverages, onboard accommodations, and access to onboard equipment such as paddleboards and kayaks. Docking, anchorage, and navigational planning are all handled for you.
Additionally, guests are welcome to enjoy the hot tub on the top deck, as well as a fire pit lounge area — ideal for sunset soaks, evening drinks, and stargazing under the West Coast sky.
Will we see whales or wildlife on this trip?
Desolation Sound and the surrounding waterways are rich with marine life. Guests often spot humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, bald eagles, and even black bears along the shoreline in remote inlets. While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the region is one of the most active coastal ecosystems in British Columbia.
Do I need boating experience to join the charter?
Not at all. This is a fully crewed yacht charter led by certified captains. No boating knowledge is required — simply arrive ready to explore, relax, and enjoy the journey.
What is your cancellation policy?
All charters are confirmed with full payment at the time of booking. If your plans change, your booking may be transferred to another available date or sailing without penalty, subject to availability.
We offer a straightforward and flexible cancellation policy:
• 50% refund for cancellations made 30+ days before departure
• Non-refundable within 30 days
Payments are accepted by credit card or bank transfer in Canadian funds.
To protect your investment, we strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Coverage can protect you in the event of unexpected circumstances such as illness, emergencies, or travel disruptions that may require you to cancel your trip.
What should I pack for a week on the water?
British Columbia’s coastal weather can shift throughout the day, so we recommend packing with layers and versatility in mind. Even during the summer months, coastal mornings and evenings can be cool, so we always recommend bringing lots of layers to ensure you're comfortable. Our dress code is coastal casual, and no formal attire is required. Soap, towels, and bedding are included, but please bring your preferred toiletries.
Clothing
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Moisture-wicking layers
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Warm mid-layer + insulated jacket
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Waterproof shell
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Hiking footwear + deck shoes
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Swimwear
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Extra socks
Essentials
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Sunscreen & sunglasses
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Refillable water bottle
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Toiletries & medications
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Light daypack
Expedition Extras
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Binoculars (for spotting whales, bears, and eagles)
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A camera with a zoom
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Dry bag
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Portable charger
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Insulated mug for mornings on deck
Connect With Us
Inquire About a Yacht Charter
General Inquiries
info@vancouveryachts.ca
DEPARTURE LOCATION
750 Pacific Boulevard
Plaza of Nations Marina, Gate A
Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2R8