Desolation Sound
★ Featured Anchorage
Prideaux Haven — Desolation Sound
Holding: Excellent
Shelter: Excellent
Shore access
Anchorage British Columbia
About This Anchorage
Prideaux Haven is the most beloved anchorage in Desolation Sound Marine Park — a complex of interconnected coves and islets at the northeast corner of Malaspina Inlet that offers near-total protection and extraordinary warmth. Desolation Sound has the warmest sea surface temperatures north of Mexico on the Pacific Coast: 24°C (75°F) in July and August, warm enough for extended swimming. Prideaux Haven itself is a labyrinth of small passages and islets where boats tuck in bow-to-stern, stern lines tied to trees, and stay for days. This is where BC cruisers go when they have time to stop.
Highlights
- Warmest anchorage water north of Mexico — 24°C (75°F) in summer
- Complex of islets and coves — nearly unlimited anchoring configurations
- Desolation Sound Marine Park — free anchorage
- Stern-tie to trees — BC anchoring culture at its finest
- Swimming, kayaking, exploring by dinghy for days
- Oysters available on rocks at low tide
- Spectacular mountain scenery surrounding the sound
Cautions & Notes
- Very crowded July–August — arrive before noon to secure a spot
- 80 nm from Nanaimo — plan passage carefully, Seymour Narrows transit required
- No services — provision fully in Campbell River or Heriot Bay before arrival
- Cell service nonexistent in Desolation Sound