My wife and I did (a part of) Desolation Sound in 1997 as our second trip. Highway 101 was paved to Lund. Parking in Lund was limited, but available long term for a fee. We launched from the boat ramp behind the hotel and paddled out to Savary Island for a look before turning north to the Copeland Islands marine park for our first campsite. Next day North around Sarah Point into Desolation Sound. The park and campsites at Okeover Arm, just a few miles from Lund, were an option also, but parking is chancy there too. We got rained in on the Curmes, near Tenedos Bay and went no further on that trip.
Afternoon winds through the slot between Savary Island and Lund made our first day pretty uncomfortable in 4-6 foot seas.
We intend to go back someday to get to more of the rest of the sound.
I've also gone out to Clayoquot through Tofino, but not Barkley. I understand you have to apply for permits to Barkley now.