The Salish Sea is one the world’s largest inland seas that encompasses Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands and the waters off Vancouver, British Columbia. The name Salish Sea pays tribute to the first inhabitants of the region, the Coast Salish People. The Salish Sea is home to over 400 islands and a number of different marine species from mammals, birds and fish.


The Gulf & San Juan islands are a chain of speckled islands that cross the Canada / US border. They have deep rooted histories in both countries from First Nations history dating back 13,000 years and the early explorers from Europe, Hawaii and Asia. Today, the area is known for its incredible geography, coastal activities, nature and wildlife. The islands are home to orchards, vineyards, artisans, spas and incredible outdoor recreation such as mountain biking, cycling, climbing and watersports like kayaking. The island people are easy going and friendly, many who are highly accomplished. These leeward islands see less rain than other areas of the Pacific North West making them a desirable place for vacationers.

Salt Spring Island is home to over 11,000 people. Known for its famous farmers market, Salt Spring Island inhabits many hardworking creatives and farmers. From jewelers, painters, and glass blowers to cheese makers, gardeners and brewers, there is something for everyone. Their emphasis on health and wellness and environmental sustainability has always been ahead of its time.

Salt Spring Island

Pender like the other southern Gulf Islands enjoys a sub-Mediterranean climate and features open farmland, rolling forested hills, several lakes and small mountains as well as many coves and beaches. The Island brings in many boaters every summer and is popular for fishing, scuba diving and golfing.

Pender Island

The Saanich Inlet lies between the Saanich Peninsula and the Malahat Highlands on Vancouver Island on the south east corner of Vancouver Island. The Saanich Inlet is a glacial fjord and is one of the longest and widest inlets on Vancouver Island. It is a well-studied body of water due to its proximity to many research campuses.

Saanich Inlet

Salish Sea Explorations Food & Wine

Desolation Sound is a deep-water sound that begins at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, in Lund, BC. It’s spectacular fjords, mountains and wildlife make it a global boating and sea kayaking destination.


Named by Captain George Vancouver in 1792 on account of the gloomy appearance of the surrounding country, George Vancouver’s following journal entry gives his impressions of the place while examining the vicinity: Our residence here was truly forlorn; an awful silence pervaded the gloomy forests, whilst animated nature seemed to have deserted the neighbouring country, whose soil afforded only a few small onions, some samphire and here and there bushes bearing a scanty crop of indifferent berries. Nor was the sea more favourable to our wants, the steep rocky shores prevented the use of the seine, and not a fish at the bottom could be tempted to take the hook; When Captain George Vancouver named it Desolation Sound, we don't think he had a globally renowned ecotourism destination in mind. Desolation Sound falls within the traditional territories of the Klahoose, Tla’amin, and Hamalco First Nations.

The Discovery Islands comprise an archipelago located between the east side of Vancouver Island and British Columbia’s mainland. Quadra Island, Cortes Island, Read, Sonora Island are just some of the islands that make up beautiful area. Though there are very few year-round residents, during the spring, summer and fall months boaters are attracted to the area for leisure cruising, salmon fishing, and exploring the hiking trails on these islands. The archipelago is routed by a maze of narrow passages, arms, inlets and channels. National Geographic named this area one of “Canada’s Places of a Lifetime”.

Discovery Islands

Toba Inlet is one of the principal inlets of the British Columbia Coast and on the edge of the Great Bear Rainforest. Toba Inlet is relatively short in comparison to the other coastal inlets, being only about 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) in average width and 35 km from the mouth of the powerful Toba River. The Inlet is a deep fjord and is flanked by snow-capped mountains producing major cascading waterfalls. At the head of the Toba Inlet where the Toba River and Klyte River merge, the Klahoose First Nations operate Grizzly Bear Viewing Tours.

Toba Inlet

Homfray Channel is one of the most beautiful spots in Desolation Sound, with towering peaks and calm waters. The channel is the 2nd deepest in North America, which means very few anchorages and thus, little boat traffic. It was named after Robert Homfray, a Civil Engineer (b.1824 d.1902). The best account of his exploits are contained in the book, “The Chilcotin War: A Tale of Death and Reprisal”. The tale is compelling, full of the perils and dangers of an attempt to find a better route to the Chilcotin Gold fields via Bute Inlet, with a rescue and guidance from the Klahoose Chief. Homfray Channel begins north after Desolation Sound Marine Park and ends at Pryce Channel near Toba Inlet.

Homfray Channel

Desolation Sound and the Inside Passage

The West Coast of British Columbia has been skimmed, mapped and charted. But Pacific Coastal Cruises delves further and allows travelers a sense of wonder and a spirit of discovery. Pacific Coastal journeys are designed for the inquisitive travelers; travelers that demand more meaning, enrichment and joy. Pacific Coastal passengers return home, shaped by their journeys, transformed by our encounters with culture, environment and wildlife.

Destinations

Salish Sea Explorations Food & Wine

Desolation Sound and the Inside Passage

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