Ucluelet Harbour and Barkely Sound

Ucluelet Harbour and Barkley Sound, located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, offer paddlers a diverse and captivating experience. The harbour’s calm, sheltered waters are ideal for leisurely exploration, providing opportunities to observe wildlife such as seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and even black bears along the shoreline. Venturing into Barkley Sound reveals a stunning array of over 100 islands and islets, including the renowned Broken Group Islands, characterized by rugged coastlines, secluded coves, and pristine beaches.

Paddlers can navigate through kelp forests and intertidal zones teeming with marine life, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding landscapes. This combination of serene harbour waters and the expansive beauty of Barkley Sound makes the region a premier destination for kayakers and paddleboarders seeking both tranquility and adventure.

Quick Facts

Length: Ucluelet Harbour – relatively small. No defined length. Barkley Sound – 19kms x 16kms (304 km² )
Season: Ucluelet Harbour – Year-round (weather permitting in winter). Barkley Sound – Spring-Fall
Style: Ocean
Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Outside the Ucluelet Harbour is for Intermediate/Advanced skill level.
Features: Class 3/4 waters outside the Ucluelet Harbour. Getting to the Broken Group Islands should be done from Secret beach 1.5-2 hour open water crossing vs Ucluelet harbour 3-4 hour open water crossing (should only be attempted by experienced kayakers when the weather and sea state allow. Rugged, rocky coast with limited landing.
Access: Ucluelet Harbour – Access by Sea Plane Base Lesley boat launch and Alder Park. Broken Group Islands – Secret Beach Kayak Launch
Experience: Kayaking, SUPing

Ucluelet Harbour

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    Sea Plane Base and Pat Lesley Boat Launch

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    Alder Park

Barkley Sound

NOTE: Class 3/4 waters outside the Ucluelet Harbour

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    Secret Beach Kayak Launch

    Launch fee – $15 per kayak
    Parking – $10 per day

    All prices do not include tax.
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    Broken Group Islands

    Getting to the Broken Group Islands should be done from Secret beach 1.5-2 hour open water crossing vs Ucluelet harbour 3-4 hour open water crossing (should only be attempted by experienced kayakers when the weather and sea state allow).

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    Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

    Parks Canada Passes

    Day Passes
    Adult $11 (per day/per person)
    Senior (65+) $9.50 (per day/per person)
    Family/Group $22 (per day)

    Backcountry $13.50 (per day/per person)

    All prices include tax.

    Please visit Parks Canada website for updated information on the park.

Paddle pros

Here are the experts who will help perfect your paddling trip.

Rentals, Lessons & Retail
Relic Surf Shop and Surf School

Your go-to spot for surf and skateboard gear in Tofino – Ucluelet area.

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Tours, Rentals & Lessons
West Coast Wild Adventures

West Coast Wild Adventures offers thrilling zipline, kayaking, and floatplane tours in an eco-educational setting.

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