A campfire ban is currently in effect for this park. For more information about campfire bans and about provincial parks with park closures and campfire bans in effect, visit the BC Parks campfire ban webpage.
Both Roscoe Bay and
Prideaux Haven are closed to sewage discharge under federal regulation.
The federal regulation also prohibits the discharge of sewage
while at anchor in any waters; it is also prohibited to discharge
sewage within 3 nautical miles from shore
The federal regulation preventing
the discharge of sewage is Regulations for the Prevention
of Pollution from Ships and for Dangerous Chemicals
There is a sewage pump-out station located in Lund at the public dock.
In addition, to help preserve the natural values in this park,
we ask that vessels do not discharge sewage in any anchorages, but keep
sewage contained in holding tanks while at anchor.
This park contains parcels of private land (these parcels are
noted on the brochure map). Please do not trespass.
Park Info
This park is a yachter’s paradise at the confluence of Malaspina Inlet and Homfray Channel. Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park has more than 60 km of shoreline, several islands, numerous small bays and snug coves. The warm waters of the park are ideal for swimming and scuba diving; the forested upland offers a shady refuge of trails and small lakes and wilderness tent sites.
This park can be split up into three major destination anchorages: Prideaux Haven, Tenedo’s Bay and Grace Harbour.
Park Size: 8,449 hectares
General Visitor Information
Bring your own water,
as potable water is not available.
North of Powell River and Lund on the Sunshine Coast; 90 miles north of Vancouver. Lund is the closest community, town or city.
Prideaux Haven: Strategically located as a base for exploring the Sound, this anchorage is an elongated bay dotted with islands and small coves at the far north end of the park. A pit toilet is also located here.
Tenedos Bay: A sheltered bay east of Mink Island in Homfrey Channel. Nearby Unwin Lake provides a great opportunity for a freshwater swim. Pit toilets, wilderness camp sites and an information shelter are also located here.
Grace Harbour: A large sheltered bay located in Malaspina Inlet and surrounded by Gifford Peninsula. This area provides pit toilets, wilderness camp sites, an information shelter and an upland hiking shelter.
Nature & Culture
History - Captain George Vancouver first sailed these waters in 1792 - and seeing the land and seascape so remote and forbidding, he was inspired to name it Desolation Sound. The park was created in 1973 and continues to be a popular destination in the marine park system.
Conservation - Due to dry and shallow soils, many areas within this park can be easily impacted by human use; please refer to the Outdoor and Marine Ethics section under General Wildlife, Marine and Outdoor Ethics Information.
This is a very popular kayak destination. Kayakers can access the two camping areas. Kayak rentals are available in Lund.
This park does not have a boat launch. However, the park can be split up into three major destination anchorages: Prideaux Haven, Tenedos Bay and Grace Harbour.
Due to poor tidal circulation in Desolation Sound, Prideaux Haven is closed to sewage discharge by Federal Regulation; Grace Harbour is closed to discharge by Provincial Regulation. To help preserve the natural values in this park, we ask that vessels do not discharge sewage in any anchorages, but keep sewage contained in holding tanks while at anchor.
Fishing
There are several fishing opportunities in this park including both saltwater and freshwater fishing for Salmon, Rockfish, Oysters, Prawns, Cod, Snapper etc. Rockfish Conservation Areas occur within this park.
Fishing activities are limited in Rockfish Conservation Areas. Before you go fishing please refer to the Rockfish Conservation Area descriptions available from Fisheries and Oceans Canada DFO. Anyone fishing or angling in British Columbia must have an appropriate licence.
Hiking
There is a short hiking trail to Unwin Lake from Tenedos Bay. This is an easy 10 minute walk one way. For your safety and the preservation of the park, obey posted signs and keep to designated trails. Shortcutting trails destroys plant life and soil structure.
Pets on Leash
Pets/domestic animals must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in beach areas or park buildings. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.Backcountry areas are not suitable for dogs or other pets due to wildlife issues and the potential for problems with bears.
Scuba Diving
There are SCUBA diving and snorkelling opportunities in the park but there are no facilities available. Divers must be self-sufficient.
Swimming
There are no designated swimming areas in the park. Fresh water swimming is available at Unwin Lake located about a 10 minute walk from Tenedoes Bay. Please do not use soaps or shampoos in the Unwin Lake or the creek that flows into Tenedoes Bay. There are no lifeguards on duty at provincial parks.
Facilities Available At This Park
Pit or Flush Toilets
Pit toilets are located at Grace Harbor, Tenedoes Bay and at the head of Melanie Cove. There are no flush toilets.
Walk-In/Wilderness Camping
Wilderness, backcountry
or walk-in camping is allowed, but no facilities are provided. There
are two tent pads and one pit toilet available at both Tenedoes
Bay and Grace Harbour. Grace Harbour also has an information shelter.
The park is open year round.
