Hiking in Desolation Sound
Despite being famous for kayaking, Desolation Sound also has plenty of opportunities for land-based exploration
Explore Your Island Retreat
Kinghorn Island offers fantastic opportunities for exploration on foot.
While few developed trails exist on the island, the natural landscape and varied topography make it perfect for natural exploration. Our guides are trained to know the best routes to help guests unlock the most incredible and awe-inspiring features of this sanctuary in the heart of Desolation Sound, as well as to provide interesting historical, geological, and natural interpretation along the way.
Steep granite cliffs on the south western shore give incredible views over the northern Strait of Georgia, while impressive strands of towering old-growth firs and cedars have survived for hundreds of years. Eagles nest in huge trees overlooking the ocean and hidden pocket beaches dot the shoreline, perfect for picnic lunches.
Meanwhile remnants of more modern history, such as ancient logging operations – and abandoned grow-ops – can be discovered amongst the moss and the ferns on the forest floor.
Trails & Hiking Abound
Elsewhere in Desolation, opportunities for hiking are exceptional, and it is a great way to explore the many diverse environments in the area beyond the paddling.
Hop in your kayak with the rest of your group and within 30 minutes to 2 hours you can be at a trailhead. Climb up to a scenic viewpoint for lunch. Get lost amongst towering ancient forests. Even hike to the shore of a warm freshwater lake for a refreshing swim in the summer sun.
One of the more popular and accessible trails from Cabana Desolation starts at Feather Cove. This is a small portion of the 180km long Sunshine Coast Trail, and it forks in two directions. One way leads to Sarah Point and fantastic views towards Cortes Island. The other meanders inland to a series of lakes, depending on your level of ambition, nestled into the forest far away from civilization.
