Kayaking the Broken Group Islands
Rugged coastal beauty, mist-shrouded forests, abundant marine wildlife, and fascinating Northwest Indian culture surround you as you kayak through the protected inlets of the Broken Islands off the west coast of Vancouver Island, BC. Sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles and gray whales all call this marine wilderness their home. Drifting over crystal clear shallows in our kayaks we have the best picture of the colorful inter-tidal life … anemones, urchins, sea stars and more. In addition to kayaking, we include a full day of hiking in the Long Beach section of the wild Pacific Rim National Park and an afternoon of whale watching. Our adventure includes three nights of island camping and three nights bed & breakfast lodging. Throughout your adventure you’ll feast on delicious northwest cuisine! This is the perfect marine environment for both the novice and the experienced kayaker.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance.
Kayaking the Broken Group Islands Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada. Arrive by 4:30 p.m. in the Ucluelet/Tofino area, located on the west side of Vancouver Island. If flying, one of our guides will meet you at the Tofino airport and transfer you to this evening’s lodging in Ucluelet. Depending upon the time of arrival you have the afternoon free to relax or explore the beach. This evening you enjoy a welcome dinner with your guides and fellow kayakers as well as a trip orientation to ready you for tomorrow’s departure. Dinner included.
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Day 2
After an early breakfast we drive to our kayak launch at Toquart Bay on Barkley Sound. After reviewing kayaking techniques / safety and loading up our boats, we set off for the Broken Group Islands. Made up of more than 100 islands and islets, this pristine marine wilderness is accessible only by boat. For millennia the Nuu-chah-nulth people lived in great numbers on these islands enjoying a comfortable life due to the great abundance of food and the temperate climate. It’s easy to imagine what their lives might have been like as your paddle slices through this virtually unchanged environment. We choose a centrally located island where we set up camp for the next three nights (weather / tides will determine our exact camp location). Note: The Broken Group is a highly regulated area; we limit our groups to eight paddlers. If we exceed this number, we split into two separate groups for these paddling / camping days. Sea Kayaking: 4-6 hours; Terrain: protected water with waves, tides, currents; All meals included.
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Days 3-4
We spend two full days exploring the magic of the Broken Group Islands. We poke into shallow coves to drift over tide pools teeming with life; pull our kayaks up onto wild beaches to explore the ancient forests on foot; paddle to the outer islands keeping an eye open for sea lions and seals. Our route each day is primarily dependent upon the weather and ocean conditions. Whatever the route, the transitions and contrasts between land and sea infuse this place with an inviting sense of mystery. We paddle between four and six hours a day at a modest pace, using both double and single kayaks. We camp on the beach beneath old growth and second growth trees. Our leaders prepare tasty meals and share stories under the starlit skies. There’s time in the late afternoons for short beach/forest walks. All meals included.
Sea Kayaking: 4-6 hours per day; Terrain: protected water with waves, tides, currents. -
Day 5
After breaking camp and loading our kayaks we set off for one more morning of paddling and exploring. After having lunch on one of the island beaches, we meet our 34’ motorized boat transfer, load up our kayaks and spend the next part of the afternoon motoring slowly back to Ucluelet. We follow cruising routes through the islands and on the “outside” of the Broken Group that allow for wildlife viewing and whale watching. The boat takes us right to the beach in front of our bed & breakfast by laste afternoon. Settle in, enjoy a hot shower, and then join the rest of the group for a dinner on the town or on the beach. All meals included.
Sea Kayaking: 2-3 hours; Terrain: protected water with waves, tides, currents. -
Day 6
A full day awaits! We’ve done the kayaking in the Broken Group section of the Pacific Rim National Park, now let’s strap on the hiking boots for a day of great walking in the Long Beach portion of the park. Skirting the cliff edges and mossy rainforests along the extreme outer coast, Long Beach is the longest stretch of surf swept sand on Vancouver’s west coast. It is utterly wild with secluded coves, rich tide pools, enormous old growth forests of cedar and hemlock and beautiful sandy beaches. South Beach and Schooner’s trails offer great hiking options for our group. Late afternoon we return to Tofino with enough time to do a little shopping and then to enjoy our final dinner together on the beach. Note: The beach barbeque is weather dependent. If the weather is inclement, we enjoy dinner at a delightful local restaurant instead. All meals included.
Hiking: 5-7 miles; Terrain: level beach. -
Day 7
Each guest is transferred to the Tofino airport or the Ucluelet/Tofino Junction at the appropriate time for her/his departure. If time permits, guests can sightsee or explore the Ucluelet/Tofino area before departing. Please do not schedule departing flights out of Tofino until after 11 a.m. Breakfast included.
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. If we encounter stormy weather while in the Broken Islands, we may choose to return to Ucluelet early or stay at our camp until conditions change. This can actually be a lot of fun as we build a shelter out of driftwood or tell stories around a campfire. Even when conditions are good, much of our itinerary depends on the winds and tides. Our guides use their extensive hands-on experience to adjust the itinerary according to the conditions.
If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available.
Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to insure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.
Accommodations and meals as noted in the daily itinerary; airport-hotel transfer on Day 1 and Day 7; kayaks and related paddling gear including life vests, paddles, paddle jackets, spray skirts, dry bags; group camping equipment (2-person tents/cooking gear); certified guide(s); park permits and fees.
Transportation to/from the Ucluelet/Tofino, BC; taxes; alcoholic beverages; sleeping bag; sleeping pad; optional gratuities to guide(s); travel/evacuation insurance; items of a personal nature.
This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Beginners are welcome! The Broken Island Group is one of the best places in the world to try out sea kayaking. Anyone in good physical condition and comfortable in the water, camping in remote settings including sleeping in a tent, will enjoy this trip. While in the Long Beach section of the Pacific Rim National Park, we hike primarily on the beach and along rainforest boardwalks.
Although the summer months are the driest on Vancouver Island, weather conditions can vary widely and are difficult to predict. Summer temperatures typically range from the mid-80s during the day to the mid-50s at night. Although most days we have sunshine, you must also be prepared for wet, cold and windy weather.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Kayaking the Broken Group Islands
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
Although the summer months are the driest on Vancouver Island, weather conditions can vary widely and are difficult to predict. Summer temperatures typically range from the mid-80s during the day to the mid-50s at night. Although most days we have sunshine, you must also be prepared for wet, cold and windy weather.
Gear Checklist
- Kayaks and related paddling gear
- Tents
- Dry bags, 10-liter, 20-liter and 30-liter
- Stoves and fuel
- Cooking gear and eating utensils
- Paddling jacket
- Group first-aid kit
- Airline tickets
- Valid passport
- Photo identification
- Duffel bag or soft suitcase
- Small daypack
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Sleeping bag rated to 32°F, synthetic and lightweight is best
- Sleeping bag stuff sack with a plastic bag liner
- Sleeping pad, full-length
- Rain jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable to wear on shore
- Rain pants
- Rain hat with large brim, waterproof
- Lightweight, casual clothes for evenings at B&B, traveling (stored while kayaking)
- Midweight fleece jacket
- Fleece pants, lightweight
- Thermal underwear top and bottom
- T-shirts, including synthetic
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Quick drying nylon shorts
- Long hiking pants, synthetic, quick-dry (zip-off legs are recommended)
- Underwear
- Wool or warm synthetic socks
- Lightweight gloves or mittens
- Wool or fleece hat
- Hat with brim for sun protection
- Swimsuit(s)
- Low / light hikers for camp and hiking
- Water shoes/booties
- Toiletry kit
- Bio-suds
- Camp towel
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries/bulb
- Plastic bags, two large garbage bags
- Plastic bags, Ziploc for wet clothes
- Water bottle(s), 1-quart
- Personal first-aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Small drybag for personal gear
- Small binoculars
- Motion sickness remedies
- Paddling gloves
- Reading and writing materials
- Personal liquor supply in plastic container
- Travel pillows
- Bandana
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing/shoes and medications in your carry-on baggage in case your luggage is delayed.
- Be sure to come prepared for both warm and sunny conditions and cold, wet weather.
- While paddling our guides typically wear zip-off convertible pants (sometimes over long underwear tights in cool weather) and a long-sleeved synthetic shirt. A waterproof paddling jacket and rain pants are kept close at hand on cool/misty days. If it's a really damp day, they may opt to wear a wetsuit with a waterproof paddling jacket.
- Wetsuits (neoprene, sleeveless, full length leg) are available for use. Please let your guide know if you would like to have one upon arrival.
- Use sunscreen liberally, especially while kayaking. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeve shirt also provide protection from the sun.
- For cool weather it is important to dress in layers. Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
- Bring shoes that can get wet (because they will get wet) and cannot be ruined by saltwater.
- All your personal gear must fit inside the provided dry bags. Your rain gear, hat, gloves and camera are packed in the small (5 liter) dry bag which is stowed between your legs for easy access while kayaking. Extra luggage is stored in a secure location at our B&B in Ucluelet until you return. You are welcome to leave your passport, car keys, and other valuables locked in your luggage while you are paddling. Please bring an extra luggage lock for this purpose.
- Plastic bags are the key to keeping clothing and gear dry. Please line the inside of your sleeping bag stuff sack with a large plastic trash bag. Use Ziploc bags to keep wet clothes separate from dry clothes.
