Want to experience the wild West Coast of Vancouver Island by kayak without facing the full brunt of the Pacific Ocean swell? Located within Barkley Sound and Pacific Rim National Park, the Broken Island Group is a bucket list adventure for any paddler with its relatively sheltered waters, lush forests, white sand beaches, and dreamy Westcoast sunsets. Explore this wild seascape while keeping your eyes open for the wildlife that inhabits the area, such as porpoises, river otters, sea lions, Grey whales, humpback whales, transient orca, and over 200 species of seabirds.
Getting There & Best Time to Paddle
Secret Beach is a popular launch site for self-supported kayakers (https://www.secretbeachcampground.com/). It is accessed via Toquart Bay Road off Highway 4 near Ucluelet, BC.
Another great option is to schedule a water taxi from Secret Beach to Broken Islands Lodge (https://www.brokenislandslodge.com/) to avoid paddling the exposed stretch of water between Secret Beach and the Broken Islands.
While this is primarily a summer destination, thanks to the mild climate on the West Coast of BC, this trip could be taken at any time of year with the proper safety gear. In fact, Kevin Bradshaw, owner and guide at Hello Nature Adventure Tours (https://hellonature.ca/), who has been travelling in the Broken Group for over 20 years, says that the winter is one of his favourite times of year to paddle due to the increased visibility in the water that is gained when the summer plant life disappears. A window opens into the rich ecosystem within the depths of the ocean.
Trip Duration & Shorter Route Options
The Broken Group Islands are somewhat of a choose-your-own-adventure destination. With his company, Hello Nature, Kevin Bradshaw offers everything from day trips to five-day expeditions in the Broken Group Islands. A self-guided paddler could spend as many days as they please, up to the maximum allowed of 14 days total and 4 days at any given site.
Essential Skills & Ideal Watercraft
Some essential skills needed for exploring the Broken Group Islands are basic paddling techniques, understanding tides and currents, navigation, and self-rescue procedures, such as how to roll back up if you capsize or re-enter the kayak if you are thrown overboard.
This area is best explored with a proper sea kayak. If you do not have your own, there are options for rentals at the Broken Group Islands Lodge (https://www.brokenislandslodge.com/kayak-rental) or from Hello Nature in Ucluelet (https://hellonature.ca/kayak-rentals/)
Gear Checklist: What to Pack
Things to consider packing are dry bags for keeping all your goods dry. Paddling gear such as lifejackets, throw ropes, paddles, etc. Necessary safety equipment such as first aid, navigation tools, and communication devices. Clothing for all weather, including warm layers and rain gear. It is best to avoid cotton as it can increase the risk of hypothermia when cold and wet. And finally, backcountry camping gear and cooking equipment. For more information, Mountain Equipment Company has compiled an in-depth list on their website that will help ensure you have everything you need: https://www.mec.ca/en/explore/canoe-or-kayak-touring-checklist.
Additionally, Freshwater sources are unreliable in Barkley Sound; bring all the potable water your group requires. We recommend 4-6 litres per person, per day.
Camping Tips
All camping in this area of the national park reserve must be within designated camping areas located on Hand, Turret, Gibraltar, Dodd, Clarke and Gilbert Islands and require a valid backcountry camping permit. Permits are made available each year in mid-January and can be purchased on the Parks Canada Reservation Service (https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/). At the time of writing this article, the campsite at Willis Island is closed due to extensive damage to infrastructure caused by a windstorm in November 2024.
Campsites are complete with solar composting toilets. Also, note that there is no garbage pick-up. It is important to store food and garbage securely while you are on the islands and pack it out at the end of your trip. If you can, plan to arrive at camp for high tide to avoid having to carry gear a long way up the beaches.
Hidden Gems
The Broken Islands Group is full of hidden gems. The area boasts natural sea caves, white-sand beaches, loads of marine life, and over 300 archaeological sites, such as village sites and fish traps, from the Tseshaht People, who have called the area home since time immemorial. A bonus to going on a guided trip with Hello Nature Adventure Tours is that all guides go through cultural training and are given permission to share certain information about these important cultural sites.
Another hidden gem is the lagoon between Jaques and Jarvis Islands. At low tide, abundant marine life can be seen right below your boat!
Resources & Expert Guidance
For those who want to paddle these remote islands without sacrificing the luxury of a proper bed, Hello Nature offers lodge-based trips where a sea taxi will shuttle you to the islands each morning for your paddling adventures and pick you up to return you to the comfort of a lodge where you can enjoy a gourmet meal and a hot tub to get you ready for the next day of paddling.
All visitors to Pacific Rim NPR aged 18 and over are required to have a valid National Park Entry Pass at all times while they are visiting the National Park Reserve. Additionally, anyone camping in the National Park Reserve is required to carry a backcountry camping permit.
For more information, visit the Parks Canada page: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/activ/camping/broken-group.
