I would suggest taking the route between Texada and the mainland, the side Powell River is on. Its quite pleasant, Jervis Inlet is great, I recommend the Texada Boat Club dock as it has a public and well as private docking. Its tucked away, I like it so much I hate recommending it. Its also one of the cheaper marinas, and well protected. Its below Powell River on Texada Island, north.
Most boaters doing Desolation stay in and around the south end of East and West Rodonda Islands. I find the Northern part of these two islands and into Toba Inlet offers more seclusion and more beauty. Waddington Channel is the body of water separating the East and West Island. And roughly 80% up the channel on your port side is Walsh Cove (check Waggoner) and nice place to anchor.
Toba Wilderness Marina in Toba Inlet is just about the only place to stay. A bit on the pricier side but also getting supplies to the marina explains much of the costing. Definitely make reservations. (Waggoner)
https://marinas.com/view/marina/x1cxjr_Toba_Wilderness_Marina_Toba_Inlet_BC_Canada
Squirrel Cove is a great place to anchor. The cove is in two parts so once you enter head to the end and you will see an entrance to another area that is very popular. Anchor there and dinghy to the dock.
My thinking is if you are going to Desolation, then take the Malaspina Strait route up then the east coast of Vancouver Island on the way down.
Know where all the "rapids" are when leaving Desolation (Waggoner).
https://www.amazon.ca/Waggoner-Crui...ner+cruising+guide+2022&qid=1658462172&sr=8-1
Its worth motoring down all or most of Toba Inlet but don't count on anchorages. One of the negatives of fjords is that the drop off goes pretty steep almost immediately.
PS: My boat is moored in the private marina (where Harbour Air lands) in Comox.