Kayaking the Broken Group Islands

The Broken Group Islands are an internationally acclaimed sea kayaking destination. They can only be done properly on a multi-day trip and it’s not recommended for novice paddlers. The stunning archipelago located on the west coast of Vancouver Island features hundreds of islands, lagoons, caves, blowholes, sandy beaches and peaceful bays.

The best place to access the islands are from Sechart Lodge in the Barkley Sound; a retried whaling station first opened in 1905. You can get to the lodge one of two ways:- A water taxi from Bamfield (prior arranged at Sechart Lodge)- Frances Barkley Ferry (running 3 times weekly) from Bamfield or Port Alberni.

If you choose to take the ferry, more information can be found on their website.

For the Water Taxi Street parking is available on Rocky Ln, Bamfield. Call and book the taxi with Sechart Lodge ahead of time (250-723-8313) and for instructions on the pickup location (usually at the boat-launch).

Sechart Lodge is the spot to gear up, purchase a marine chart if you haven't already and pay admittance to the Pacific Rim National Park (national park camping fees $29.40 per person). From the lodge, the islands are just a stone's throw south and the first island you'll approach is Nettle Island.

The inner islands offer refuge for the less confident kayaker and the outer islands offer open rolling swells that will make your stomach flutter all while watching the mighty waves crash against the magnificent cliffs. Marine wildlife can be found throughout the islands and a sea lion rookery is located on the North West side of Wouwer Island. Humpback whales frequent the inner islands and if you're lucky, you'll get woken in the middle of the night by humpbacks feeding, just off shore.

Keep an eye out because Dall’s porpoise, pacific white-sided dolphins, orcas and minke whales also inhabit these waters.