Nestled on an uninhabited island in the heart of Desolation Sound, British Columbia, Cabana Desolation Eco Resort offers an intimate all-inclusive wilderness escape that redefines sustainable luxury. This family-run retreat features just 10-12 guests at a time in beautifully crafted west coast cabanas built from locally milled western red cedar and Douglas fir.
Inspired by Costa Rican eco-lodgings, each cabana blends seamlessly with the ancient rainforest while providing modern comforts including log beds, cozy window lounges, and on-demand hot water showers.
Connected by winding cedar boardwalks that protect the mossy forest floor, this hand-built sanctuary combines authentic wilderness immersion with thoughtful environmental stewardship, creating an unforgettable experience where guests can truly disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature.
Their story
Cabana Desolation was created by Adam Vallance and Laurie Heide. After purchasing an existing business in 1997, they built Powell River Sea Kayak into one of British Columbia’s leading sea-kayak operators.
Seeking to offer greater comfort on multi-day kayak trips, they began planning the eco-resort in 2008. After three years of approvals, construction ran from 2012 to 2014. The resort was hand-designed and built over five years by 25 local workers.
The resort opened in July 2014 and remains family-run. Adam, Laurie, and their children run the resort day to day, with a clear focus on sustainability and guest experience. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The resort is constructed entirely from locally milled western red cedar and Douglas fir, creating open-air buildings that blend harmoniously with the forest environment.
- The resort uses sustainably harvested or recycled building materials and avoids harmful chemicals throughout construction.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- Cabana Desolation operates on renewable energy systems designed to minimize consumption.
- Solar-powered LED lighting illuminates the Cabana Café and other spaces, creating warm ambiance while reducing electricity use.
- On-demand propane hot-water systems ensure efficient fuel usage, while propane ovens and refrigerators enable high-quality meal service despite the remote island location.
- The gravity-fed spring water system reduces the need for energy-intensive pumps, and the resort’s off-grid nature encourages guests to embrace a natural environment free from unnecessary energy-consuming distractions.
Pioneer in waste management
- The resort employs environmentally sensitive systems for water and wastewater management that emphasize consumption reduction and waste minimization.
- Eco-friendly toilets use only one pint of water per flush, significantly reducing wastewater volume.
- Spring water flows by gravity to the sinks, showers, and bathrooms, eliminating the need for pumping systems.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- The resort sources locally grown and harvested foods as part of its commitment to supporting the regional economy and reducing environmental impact.
- Guests can participate in oyster harvesting and tide-pool foraging activities, connecting them directly with local food sources.
- The remote island kitchen utilizes propane appliances to prepare high-quality meals featuring these locally sourced ingredients.
Actively protects nature and community
- The resort employs local staff and guides while sourcing from local suppliers, supporting the regional economy and community.
- The resort operates within the traditional territories of three Coast Salish groups: the Tla’amin, Klahoose, and Homalco, acknowledging the area’s rich First Nations heritage spanning thousands of years.
Most Popular Activities Near Cabana Desolation Eco Resort
- Guided kayaking excursions.
- Snorkeling.
- Hiking through rainforest trails.
- Oyster harvesting.
- Tide-pool foraging.
- Night-sky watching.
- Bioluminescence viewing.
- Stand-up paddleboarding.
- Learning about history & Refuge Cove.
- Wildlife observation (marine life and birds).
- Visiting Refuge Cove’s historical boardwalk community.
- Browsing the general store, cafe, bistro, bookstore and art gallery at Refuge Cove.
- Exploring some of the most visited national parks in BC.
Best Time To Visit Cabana Desolation Eco Resort
- Summer months for optimal kayaking, hiking, and outdoor activities in the temperate British Columbia coastal climate.