Lund Pacific Tours
The Swan Spirit
Desolation Sound Cruises
The Historic Lund Hotel is perched at the waters edge at the Gateway to Desolation Sound, arguably one of the most beautiful water ways and stretches of coast in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
The pristine waters of Desolation Sound are surrounded by steep evergreen mountains soaring to heights of near 8000 ft. Protected to some degree by Vancouver Island to the west and the pinchpoints of the Discovery Islands to the north, the waters tend to be calmer and warmer than most waterways of the Pacific Northwest. These conditions lead not only to the presence of an abundance of shellfish, including mussels and oysters, but an array of flora and fauna. The warm waters are also enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers and kayakers who flock to the area each summer. Many yachtsmen regard the Desolation Sound area as the most beautiful and varied cruising area in British Columbia...and arguably in the the world. Boaters from all over the world are drawn yearly to this area renowned for spectacular scenery, a warm summer climate, an abundance of shelter and anchorages, and the best salt water cruising in BC.
The Story of the Swan Spirit
When the hotel was proudly reopened to the public in 2000 our first thoughts were attracting individuals, families and groups of people to the newly renovated hotel. But what quickly followed was the recognition that it was a lost opportunity to show the people the Gateway to Desolation Sound, without the ability to show off Desolation Sound itself. We found the answer to this challenge in the 'Swan Spirit', the 58' power catamaran that was purchased by the hotel and refitted to make it ideally suited to comfortably accommodate up to 47 people for dinner cruises into Desolation Sound.What began as a charter only operation logging in approx 12 cruises the first season has developed into a robust business offering over 60 departures comprised of a combination of charters and scheduled departures. The cruise also vary in nature, from 3 hour appie & dinner cruises to daytime sightseeing & eco-educations tours, to weddings, reunions, party cruises and everything in between.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Features of the Swan include a fully enclosed main level with booth style seating, which makes it very comfortable for guests to enjoy their Banquet at Sea dinner. The fact that it is fully windowed on both sides also allows for enjoyable cruising and sightseeing, even in the event of rainy weather. Downstairs is also where the washroom facilities, bar and buffet areas are located. Two sets of stairs on opposing ends of the ship take you up to an open upper deck with perimeter bench seating all around.
The Cruise
Once you have had the opportunity to see Desolation Sound it is unlikely you will forget it. Although a day trip through the Sound gives us only a glimpse of the most well known Marine Park in the Pacific Northwest, we have designed routes in an attempt to highlight and include some of the most beautiful and defining spots within the area. Depending on the route and length of the trip, these spots may include: Thulin Passage and through the beautiful Copeland Islands Marine Park, Sarah Point, Kinghorn Island and Refuge Cove. Longer trips can include Prideaux Haven, Grace Harbour, Okeover Arm and Teakerne Arm with its beautiful Cassel Falls. This by no means is an inclusive list of all the gorgeous arms, bays, and coves of the Desolation Sound area, but some of our favorites. In addition to the scenery, Desolation Sound is refuge and home to an array of wild life and marine life. Depending on the time of year, it is quite likely that, over the duration of a tour, sightings will occur of any combination of eagles, seals, sea lions, porpoises and more.
The Crew
The crew is comprised of 1 skipper and 2 hosts and these positions end up being among the most desired positions within the operation. The atmosphere is great and the hosts have the opportunity to not only share their knowledge of the culture, history and geography of the Lund and Desolation Areas, but they in turn get the opportunity to meet happy, vacationing people from all over the world. Our crew is trained and certified in accordance with Transport Canada regulations and are required to recertify yearly in accordance with changing marine safety regulations.
The Meal
Cruises range from 4 - 6 hours & start at $109/person (plus appl taxes & gratuities)
2009 Swan Spirit Cruise Schedule coming soon
Please call 1 877 569 3999 or email info@lundhotel.com for reservations