Beautiful Toba Wildernest Sits at the Mouth of Toba Inlet

Beautiful Toba Wildernest Sits at the Mouth of Toba Inlet.

The inlet is a deep fjord on the mainland of British Columbia and directly adjacent to the northern boundary of Desolation Sound

The first time we approached Toba Wildernest, I felt a special energy present as we crossed the still, foamy turquoise waters of Pryce Channel. What we found at the little rustic marina on the edge of a mountain (connected to the British Columbia mainland) was something special, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy world most of us spend most of our time in.

We soon learned about how a couple, or a family, can exist on the edge of the wilderness with only the basics: generators, a well, or water filtered from a waterfall flowing from the mountain above the marina, and small fishing boats, water taxis, or seaplanes for travel around the islands for community and provisions. Of course, everything was new for us that first time; we’ve been back two times since. Different owners each time, something new in the way of upgrading amenities for the boaters who come to spend a few days in paradise. I have to say, one of the most endearing aspects of Toba Wildernest is the spectacular view, with Double Island closest to the marina. You just can’t beat it!

Something new for us this time. We noticed several of the marina offices offer canned horns and bear spray for guests to take on their hikes. Yes, there are bears in these parts, grizzly bears too. Not many sightings this year so far from the marinas we’ve visited, but we are in the area earlier than we were last time.

Now, present-day owners oversee the marina and resort. Over the years, Toba has slowly transformed. Where we used to enjoy cocktails on the old dock or on the grassy shore above the rustic docks, there now sits an exquisite “Boater’s Lounge” where you can sit and enjoy the view, even if it’s raining, or meet with other boaters to share information about their travels or good anchor spots. A well-appointed shower building has replaced an old shack, and beautiful new docks for tying up.

Many of these small marinas in the islands of Desolation Sound, Discovery Islands, and the Broughton Islands have a unique personality that differs from one another. Toba Wildernest is trending more toward a comfortable, a little upscale, well-appointed atmosphere.

Our hosts, Nahanni and Paul (top-left), and Lisa (top-right) and her husband, Paul, do a good job welcoming guests at Toba Wildernest.

The big green fuel tank sits just inside the woods near the marina.

The generator building sits at the beginning of the path into the woods.

Not many of these island marinas accept trash. We had to separate our garbage, but we were happy to do so and offload some of it that had accumulated over the last few weeks.

Wherever we go hiking, we feel like we are in a deeply mysterious place. Old-growth woods are a delight and something we are not used to, coming from Michigan.