Desolation Sound, the largest and perhaps best-known archipelago in British Columbia, is considered by many boaters to be one of the top three cruising grounds in the world, along with Fiji and New Zealand's Bay of Islands. The waters of Desolation Sound are calm, sheltered and warm with lots of protected anchorages, and plentiful oysters, clams, prawns and salmon. The archipelago consists of more than 14,000 acres of high land and 6,350 acres of shoreline and water. There are also numerous lakes and waterfalls in Desolation Sound, and the warmest salt water north of Mexico (75 - 82° degrees Fahrenheit!) awaiting swimmers in Pendrell Sound.

Captain George Vancouver who first sailed here in 1792, saw a silent and remote coast. He named the area Desolation Sound. The shoreline varies from low rolling hills to 4.500 foot peaks with many protected anchorages tucked into bays, coves and inlets.

The sheltered waters, islands and bays of Desolation Sound are suitable for exploration by small boats, kayaks and canoes with many opportunities to enjoy swimming, fishing, picnicking and hiking.