Broken Islands
DescriptionA group of over 100 islands off the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. One of the premiere kayak trips in the world. The Broken Group is in the middle of Barkley Sound close to Ucuelet on one side (north) of the sound and Bamfield on the other (south)
LevelBeginner - Intermediate
DistanceAs long or as short as you want it to be.
Duration:To explore the entire region would take a week. I stayed for two days at Willis Island camp and then did day trips.
Access (Land Agency)The islands are part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The camp sites cost money and the details are explained at this web site:
DirectionsThere are multiple ways of experiencing the Broken Islands. I started from (Toquaht) Toquart Bay - secret beach. A local native group have developed the location with parking and access to the beach. You will need to pay to have your vehicle stay there as well as beach access fee - seemed reasonable. From secret beach you make a crossing of the sound before you arrive at the islands.
However, there are numerous alternate ways to get the islands. There boat ferries from Ucuelet or Port Alberni. You can get dropped off almost anywhere (I note one group got off right across the way from Willis Island camp site There are many companies who can provide kayak rentals and for a price will throw a guide or two. NotesOne of the lessons I learned is that my 17 foot kayak was too small for multi-day camping. Something to consider if you plan to stay multiple days. I had preloaded the kayak well before and knew it would be tight but in the end there are always a few things that you want to bring at the end and those didn't fit. My Tempest kayak is relatively narrow as sea kayaks go. Most of the rental kayaks were large Seaward brand and my kayak was dwarfed by those.
It is best to have a GPS device with all the campsites plotted in before arriving otherwise be prepared for wandering around for quite a while before stumbling on a camp site. Don't ask how I know this... This is a great scenic site - definitely worth the trip. However, last year I did a series of day trips from Tofino area and those were just as spectacular if not better - this is particularly true if you like paddling the exposed ocean and don't want the camping experience. I know that is not for everyone but that is my preference. |
Garmin WayPointsNA
MapsMink VideoEach morning at low tide a mind would come out from the forest and scavenge the tide pools for food. Once it had found something it carried immediately back to the forest and then come back after a while. I caught it coming back on camera. Watch at full screen mode. I don't have a telephoto lens so this was close - just happened to be in the right spot at the right time.
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