• A kayaker approaches a waterfall in Toba Inlet near Desolation Sound

Employment with Powell River Sea Kayak

Interested in joining our team? Read on to determine if we’d be a good fit for you…

We are a sea kayaking tour operator & eco-resort on the west coast of British Columbia, always searching for dedicated individuals to join our team

About Powell River Sea Kayak

Powell River Sea Kayak has been operating since 1995, with Desolation Sound at the heart of our passion and expertise. Since 2014, we have also owned and operated Cabana Desolation Eco Resort, offering guided and self-guided, resort-based accommodations in the very heart of Desolation Sound.

Our focus is on quality, local knowledge and engaging interpretation, and efficient organization. This fosters a uniquely positive company culture.

Finally, we are not only passionate about sea kayaking, but also Powell River and the opportunities that exist for exploration and enjoyment in this beautiful corner of British Columbia. Many of our staff live and play in Powell River right throughout the year. Most of our staff return each season due to the positive relationships and work environment that we foster.

Two guides serve lunch on a Desolation Sound kayak tour

Our Locations

Okeover Inlet

The launch site for our Cabana Desolation Eco Resort tours is on Penrose Bay in Okeover Inlet.

This private, 8-acre, waterfront property is the perfect spot for kayakers accessing Desolation Sound Marine Park and Desolation Sound.  Most of our guests choose to launch from here to begin their kayaking adventure due to its proximity to the marine park and its protection compared to the open Strait of Georgia.

Cabana Desolation Eco Resort

Kinghorn Island in Desolation Sound is the site of Cabana Desolation Eco Resort. We run guided and self-guided resort-based kayaking tours from this location in the heart of Desolation Sound. Guests and staff access the resort by kayak or company motor vessel, and maintenance and staff/guest swap-over days only occur twice a week.

About Powell River

Somewhat isolated, Powell River and its ocean and backcountry provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure:

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking in the area is absolutely awesome, and our guides often haul their bikes with them.

Check out the Qathet Regional Cycling Association for maps, news about biking in Powell River, associations within the Powell River biking community, and much more.

Climbing

If you’re into climbing, you may never want to leave! Multi-pitch granite walls in the Eldred Valley have been featured in climbing magazines and offer unlimited potential for development. Meanwhile the nearby routes at Higgy Land, Stillwater and the Lake Bluffs are great for a day or just a few hours of climbing after work.

Hiking

With the 180 km long Sunshine Coast Trail and countless other options, hiking in the area is endless. You can access countless trailheads within a 20 minute drive from the centre of town. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon stroll or a two week trip, you can find it here! The Sunshine Coast Trail itself is Canada’s longest hut-to-hut hiking trail!

Endless Backcountry

Backcountry areas include ridge hikes in elevations of 5000-7000 feet and a couple of back country cabins. It’s all Coast Mountain Range behind Powell River – the backcountry is endless and waiting year round.

Canoeing

The Powell Forest Canoe Route is considered one of the best in BC. Furthermore, the backcountry behind Powell River is dotted with sprawling lakes that are connected with portage routes for  day trips or multi-day adventures.

Arts & Culture

Powell River is also a burgeoning cultural centre, in addition to its incredible outdoor opportunities. A rich and growing community of artists and musicians choose to live and perform in the area due to its natural beauty, small town hospitality and relaxed ambiance. The summer months are filled with festivals and live music, and our vibrant restaurant scene makes the most of the long summer days with outdoor patios and a relaxing coastal atmosphere for socializing and hanging out with friends.

A guide at the Toba Inlet waterfall north of Desolation Sound

Seasonal Employment Opportunities

Sea Kayak Guides 2026 Season

Location: Powell River, British Columbia (Desolation Sound)
Employer: Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd.

About the RolePowell River Sea Kayak is seeking professional, passionate sea kayak guides for the 2026 season. Guides will lead 4–5 day multi-activity kayak trips based out of Cabana Desolation Eco Resort in the heart of Desolation Sound—a world-class sea kayak destination on BC’s west coast. Guides are central to delivering safe, engaging and memorable experiences for guests, including:
  • Guiding groups of up to 10 guests on 4–5 day sea kayak tours in Desolation Sound
  • Delivering interpretive content on local ecology, Indigenous and coastal history, and marine wildlife
  • Supporting additional activities such as hiking, snorkelling, nature interpretation and guest engagement
  • Working collaboratively with team members including resort staff and cooks to provide a high standard of service
  • Upholding guest safety, risk management, and operational excellence throughout all activities on water and ashore
  • Guides will work collaboratively as part of a supportive team with a focus on professional standards, positive workplace culture, and meaningful outdoor experiences.
What We’re Looking ForTo be successful in this role, candidates should demonstrate:
  • Minimum certification as an Assistant Overnight Guide (AOG) with the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC (or willingness to obtain prior to the season)
  • Strong sea kayaking and outdoor experience, with comfort working in varied coastal conditions
  • Excellent communication skills, professionalism, and a positive, team-oriented attitude
  • Physically fit and capable of guiding groups on land and water
  • Local knowledge of the Powell River & Desolation Sound region is a strong asset
Season Details
  • Season Duration: Mid-June to Mid-September (flexible arrangements available)
  • Positions: Casual guiding shifts and full-season guide roles available
  • Accommodation and Logistics: All meals and accommodation are provided for guides while working at Cabana. On scheduled days off, guides are welcome to stay at Powell River Sea Kayak’s oceanfront base on Okeover Inlet. The base offers space to park or camp with drinking water, toilet facilities, power, Wi-Fi, a dish washing station, access to kayaks/paddle boards and a hot shower.
  • Certification Support: Some assistance with certification costs may be available for strong candidates with existing skills that are a great fit for our team

How to Apply

To apply, please send:

  • A current resume
  • cover letter outlining your outdoor experience, local knowledge, and interpretive strengths
Email: Adam Vallance info@bcseakayak.comApplications are accepted by email only.

Equal OpportunityPowell River Sea Kayak Ltd. and Cabana Desolation Eco Resort are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the regions in which we operate. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Eco Resort Cook 2026 Season

Location: Powell River, British Columbia (Desolation Sound)

Employer: Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd.

About the Role

Powell River Sea Kayak is seeking a professional, passionate Head Cook to work full time from mid June-mid September, with two short ‘maintenance’ breaks built into the schedule.

We focus on creating healthy, vibrant, creative meals from fresh and locally sourced ingredients. We use a set-menu created and tweaked each season, that leaves room for personal creativity, seasonality and variety.

Our cook will work in a resort team of three people (cook + two guides), with up to 12 guests staying at the resort at a time. Breakfasts, lunches (usually packed and taken on daily kayak tours), snacks throughout the day, and a three-course dinner (appetizer, main, and dessert) are provided to our guests each day. Packages run from Thursday-Sunday and Sunday-Thursday, allowing for a rolling and adaptable 4/5 day menu plan to be used continuously throughout the season.

Our guests are typically well-educated, well-traveled, and food is a defining part of their experience.

To provide a memorable culinary experience for our guests, our Head Cook will possess:

  • Professional culinary training and/or significant professional kitchen experience.
  • Proven ability to work independently as a sole chef for an entire season.
  • Strong menu planning, organization, and food ordering skills.
  • Experience accommodating dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.)
  • Confidence working with seafood and meat proteins, in addition to vegetarian options.
  • High standards for food quality, presentation, and cleanliness.
  • Comfort living and working in a remote, off-grid environment.
  • A positive, flexible attitude and strong teamwork skills.
  • An ability to interact professionally with guests.
  • Physical capability of handling remote logistics (lifting supplies, unloading boat, etc.)
  • Current food safe, serving it right and basic first aid/CPR.
  • Preference for applicants with formal chef training, Red Seal certification and previous remote/resort experience.

Daily duties include:

  • Plan menus and prepare all meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, snacks, and baked goods (with the help from the management team)
  • Source and order food twice weekly; manage inventory and minimize waste
  • Execute a high-quality, locally inspired culinary program for 10–12 guests
  • Maintain kitchen cleanliness, food safety, and equipment care
  • Work collaboratively with guides who assist with kitchen flow and dishes
  • Participate in supply transport between Cabana and Okeover Base (by boat)
  • Engage professionally with guests and contribute to the overall guest experience
  • Assist with non-kitchen tasks when needed in a remote setting
  • Support a positive, respectful team culture throughout the season
  • Effective communication is an important part of this role, both with management and staff. Only applicants who are able to articulate their understanding of this unique position through an effective cover letter will be considered.

Season Details

  • Season Duration: Mid-June to Mid-September (flexible arrangements available)
  • Accommodation and Logistics: All meals and accommodation are provided for cooks while working at Cabana. During planned shutdown periods, the cook is welcome to stay at Powell River Sea Kayak’s oceanfront base on Okeover Inlet. The base offers space to park or camp with drinking water, toilet facilities, power, Wi-Fi, a dish washing station, access to kayaks/paddle boards and a hot shower.

How to Apply

To apply, please send:

  • A current resume.
  • A cover letter outlining your culinary style, passions, and any remote lodge-based experience applicable to the position.

Email: Adam Vallance info@bcseakayak.com

Applications are accepted by email only.

Equal Opportunity

Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. and Cabana Desolation Eco Resort are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the regions in which we operate. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

To Apply

Please email your resume and a cover letter to: info@bcseakayak.com.

Attention: Adam Vallance