'Believe me, there is nothing- absolute nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." - Wind in the Willows

Broken Group Islands

The Broken Group Islands , a unit of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, are a cluster of about 100 islands in Barkley Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The natural beauty, cultural and environmental significance of this location led to Parks Canada declaring The Broken Group Islands a protected area in early 1970’s.

The West Coast Trail and Long Beach make up the other two units of the park. It is a truly magical experience to sea kayak in the lagoons and small, intimate harbors created by several small islands, hopping from one small group to another. These inner islands are home to a rich and vibrant selection of marine life, not seen in other areas along the coast. The outer Islands are more exposed to the full force of west coast storms, which over time have created caves and blow holes. Wouwer Island is home to colonies of California and Stellar sea lions, which can be heard roaring from the distance. The midden beaches and other archaeological remnants show evidence of first nations people inhabiting and gathering food in this area for as long as 4,000 years.

There is a reason why these islands are talked about the world over as a sea kayaking and sailing destination. Come, take your adventure vacation to this great area.

“One of the features that made things easier for us was the pickup and drop-off at the hotel. Not having to rent a car was nice, since it would sit for most of the week anyways, as well as not having to worry about ferry schedules etc.” Robert Smyth., London, Ontario

Our New Blog
Curious about us, our guides and our approach to kayaking on our approach to exploring the Canadian Wilderness? Take a look at our blog, Sea to Sky Expeditions - Crossroads.

THE SEA TO SKY ADVANTAGE

25 years of leading expeditions.
Certified guides with Wilderness First Aid.
Diversified, tasty menu with meals prepared by our guides.
Top of the line equipment including tents.
Trip origins set to save costs and simplify travel logistics.
Comprehensive package of conditioning and equipment/clothing information.
On going preparational support from our office.
Special hotel rate in Vancouver, including free airport shuttle.
Free vehicle parking at hotel for duration of trip.
Dry bags for day use.
Special paddling jackets are provided for your comfort.

"One of Canada's 25 Trips of a Life Time"
Explore Magazine - "Classic you must do."

OTHER VANCOUVER ISLAND ADVENTURES
Hike: Wilder West Coast, West Coast Trail
Sea Kayak: Nootka Sound, Otters of the Pacific

LINKS
About Orcas
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NUCHATLITZ KAYAKING ITINERARY

Includes: sea kayaks, paddles, PFDs [life jacket], spray skirts, dry bags, transportation from the point of origin and return, camping fees, cooking gear, camp stoves, meals/snacks/beverages during kayaking, tents, meal preparations, tarps, major first aid supplies, water taxi, emergency radio or satellite phone, and professional guides.

Not Included: Travel to Vancouver, accommodation in Vancouver, personal gear, meals other than identified in the itinerary, gratuities, all taxes.
Day 0-Arrive in area, prepared for pickup the next morning. A guide will phone you to confirm pickup details.

Trips will start and finish at Toquart Bay. Groups will typically spend their first night at Hand Island before exploring the many islands and channels. The subsequent itinerary of paddling and campsites will be determined by the level of the group and the weather conditions that present themselves.

Day 1-Travel Day: Guides and clients meet in Nanaimo at one of our pickup points (point of origin). The bus journey up island to Toquart Bay out of Tofino will take about 4 hours. This first day will be going over kayaking skills and assessing for an afternoon launch.

Day 2-Provided we have made it to Hand Island, we will continue into the Broken Group and pick a camp that gives us ready access to a number of day journeys to explore the surroundings.

Day 3-5-Day trips in the area depending on conditions.

Day 6-Typically, day 6 is spent travelling back to Toquart Bay. This may be a shorter or longer journey, depending on conditions, but this usually involves some further exploration. Arrival back at Toquart Bay is usually around noon, and then we set about loading, changing, eating, and getting ready to journey back to Nanaimo, around 6:00 pm.

PO Box 1759
Squamish, BC
V8B 0B2
Toll Free in North America: 1.800.990.8735
Local/International Phone: 1.604.815.4202
Fax: 1.866.880.7151
info@seatoskyexpeditions.com


June 1-6
July 8-13
Aug.8-13
Aug.24-29

kayaking the Broken Group Islands, sea kayaking vancouver island, guided trips british columbia, canada

Kayaking Pacific Rim National Park

Broken Group Islands