49°N · Sightseeing & Activities
What makes Teakerne Arm a great day stop?
Teakerne Arm is a fleet day-trip showpiece in Desolation Sound — Cassel Falls pours from a warm lake straight into the sea, framed by Mt Denman; deep water makes overnighting a stern-tie craft for settled weather.
Quick facts
- Where
- West Redonda Island, off Lewis Channel (Teakerne Arm Provincial Park, 128 ha)
- Signature
- Cassel Falls (25–30 m) into salt water; warm Cassel Lake above; Mt Denman ("Canada's Matterhorn", 6,299 ft) down-channel
- Best as
- A fleet day trip; overnighting suits experienced crews in settled weather
- Anchoring
- Steep and deep (90–150 ft), holding fair — stern-tie for nearly everyone
- Services
- None — pack out
Teakerne is the show-off stop: a 25–30 m waterfall into salt water, a warm lake above it, and Canada's Matterhorn framed down-channel. Treat it as theatre — arrive, play, swim, and leave the overnight to the stern-tie craftsmen and a settled forecast. Cassel Falls pours from the lake straight into the sea, and a short, vigorous hike up an aluminum ramp and trail reaches Cassel Lake: 20°C+ summer water, jumping rocks, and a picnic ground.
Anchoring is a craft
Anchorages here are steep and deep (90–150 ft), holding is fair, and a southeasterly drives sea into the northwest corner — which is why charter fleets simply manage Teakerne as a day stop. Spots include Talbot Cove just inside the entrance, and the cove before the falls where an old cable down the rock wall west of the falls takes stern lines (inspect it before you trust it). Small, nimble boats sometimes tie bow-and-stern to shore pins. Final navigation decisions rest with each captain.
Verified against cruising guides, BC Parks and first-person accounts, July 2026. Captain's judgment is final.
Common questions
Can you really sit under the falls?
Yes — kids sit right under Cassel Falls, "just like in the movies." Watch children near moving water and probe before jumping at the lake.
Should I stay overnight?
It's a day stop first. Anchorages are steep and deep and a southeasterly drives sea into the NW corner, so overnights are for stern-tie craftsmen and a settled forecast.