Desolation Sound Discovery Cruise

4 Nights

Powell River, BC

Departing from Powell River, this unique holiday is limited to 16 passengers only and includes some of the most stunning cruising areas of the Pacific Northwest: the Malaspina Straight, Desolation Sound, Toba Inlet and Quadra Island. The boat’s large windows for sightseeing, single seating family style dining, full galley, open pilot house with a spacious open and covered upper deck provides the ideal sightseeing venue.

From £1709pp

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Highlights

- Powell River
- Homfray Channel
- Quathiaski Cove

Day 1 - Powell River / Pacific Coastal Cruises
Day 2 - Pacific Coastal Cruises
Day 3 - Pacific Coastal Cruises / Toba Inlet / Desolation Sound
Day 4 - Pacific Coastal Cruises / Quadra Island
Day 5 - Quathiaski Cove to Campbell River / End of Package
Additional Information

Arriving in Powell River, check into the resort after 15:00. At 18:00, board the Pacific Bear cruise ship and meet your hosts and fellow travellers for the next 5 days. After a reception and orientation onboard, head back ashore and check into your resort for the evening, enjoying the serene views of the Malaspina Strait and distant horizons of Vancouver Island. Dinner included. Overnight at Beach Gardens Resort.

Meals Included: Dinner

Accomodation

Beach Gardens Resort

Begin your journey today after boarding the Pacific Bear and setting sail along the spectacular waterways to the renowned Desolation Sound. The inlets and waters of the sound hold visual treasures at every turn. The ship’s experienced captain and knowledgeable crew reveal the hidden treasures of the area to create a spectacular introduction day to one of North America’s most beautiful waterways. Return to Homfray Channel for the evening, disembark and settle into your hotel. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks included. Overnight at Homfray Lodge.

Meals Included: Breakfast,lunch,dinner,snack

Accomodation

Homfray Lodge

Today is a day of discovery, travelling to the relatively small Toba Inlet, fed by the influx of the powerful Toba River. The ship passes by the rugged East Redonda Island as it tours the coastline of the fjord. At the head of the inlet is the First Nation village of the Tla'amin people, part of the Salish Coast nation that inhabits the Sunshine Coast. Returning to the Homfray Lodge, the remainder of the day and evening is yours at leisure. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks included.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack

Accomodation

Homfray Lodge

Departing the lodge, set sail for another day of cruising as the ship travels through both scenic Pryce and Whale Channels before arriving at Heriot Bay on shores of Quadra Island. From Heriot Bay, passengers embark on a short transfer to the Cape Mudge resort Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge – a magnificent First Nation property. Dinner is hosted at the lodge in the evening. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks included. Overnight at Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge.

Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack

Accomodation

Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge

This morning board the Pacific Bear for breakfast and begin your southbound voyage back to Powell River. The return journey is no less stunning than the first, giving you a final opportunity for photos. Arriving at Beach Gardens Resort at approximately 12:30, your adventure comes to an end. Complimentary transfers between the hotel and Powell River airport is available at time of booking.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Included:
- Accommodation for 4 nights in on shore resorts and lodges (see Accommodation List)
- 3.5 days of cruising
- Transfers between ship and on shore resorts and lodges
- Arrival and departure transfers between Powell River Airport and Beach Gardens Resort are available at no charge, but must be requested at time of booking
- Luggage handling throughout
- Welcome reception on board
- Cruise director naturalist
- Meals: Full board starting with dinner on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 5 at both on board and shore locations. Beer and wine are included for meals on board the boat and at Homfray Lodge only.
- On board commentary by a naturalist guide
- Farewell dinner at Tsa-Kwa-Luten Lodge
- Travel and Information kit
- Provincial Taxes and Federal GST

Not Included:
- Transfers, unless otherwise specified
- Meals and attractions unless otherwise specified
- Gratuities – suggested is $25 per person, per day
- Pacific Coastal Airlines offers daily flights between Vancouver and Powell River. Please advise if required at time of booking.

Special Notes:
Beach Gardens Resort departure point is located in Powell River. Below are the general directions from the three most common departure points. Parking is free at the resort.

From Vancouver (166 km – land only), Highway 99 north to the Horseshoe Bay / Langdale ferry crossing. Sunshine Coast Highway to Earls Cove / Saltery Bay ferry, then continue on Sunshine Coast Highway to Cariboo Ave in Powell River – the hotel is on the waterfront.

From Victoria (264 km – land only) on TransCanada Highway 1 north to the Comox / Powell River ferry crossing. In Powell River, take the Sunshine Coast Highway south to Cariboo Ave – the hotel is on the waterfront.

From Campbell River (95 km - land only), Highway 19 south to the Comox / Powell River ferry crossing. In Powell River, take the Sunshine Coast Highway south to Cariboo Ave – the hotel is on the waterfront.

Packing Suggestions:
• Comfortable pants, shorts, light jacket or rain jacket, good walking shoes (high heels are not permitted on boat for safety reasons), sweater or fleece jacket, sunglasses, bathing suit, towel, and sunhat or warm hat
• Binoculars (although, the ship does have a limited number)
• Personal toiletries (sunscreen, lip balm, Gravol / motion sickness medication)
• Camera
• Personal devices like tablets or cell phone (there is cell service available en route and the boat has power outlets).

Passenger Restrictions:
Guests should have moderate mobility. The boat will dock at areas with various levels of access. Depending on the tides, the access to overnight lodges could be up steep stairs. The crew is happy to assist passengers that require help with their luggage, but those in wheelchairs or needing mobility aids (such as walkers) are not recommended for this package.
• Participants should be 14 years and older.
• Please advise of any special dietary needs or medical conditions at the time of booking.
• Guests are permitted to bring one carry-on bag on board the boat.

Ship Description:
The Pacific Bear was originally a fishing vessel working the province’s rugged coast. Completely rebuilt and refurbished, the fully equipped galley, single-seat dining, hospitality bar and ample open and enclosed deck viewing ensures guests are provided every comfort. Meals are served family style on board. There are two washrooms on board with flush toilets and running hot and cold water. Guests may enjoy the open air deck areas as well as shaded areas under a covered deck. The guest deck areas are reached by stairs. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes while on board and be comfortable with
managing stairs.