Part of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, The Broken Group Islands is the best sea kayaking destination for your first trip to this area as there is so much protection from the multitude of large and small islands in a relatively small geographic area. This is a great first trip or a trip with children. More experienced paddlers enjoy this area as there is so much to see and do, and there is exposure to the open Pacific Ocean. However, the ocean currents are negligible and there are no surf landings at the campsites. We’ve had many guests return to the Broken Group Islands with us, some as many as a dozen times.
The wildlife is truly amazing – sea lions, grey whales, humpback whales, porpoises, dolphins and seals can be found here. There is lots of evidence of First Nations and post contact habitation and we help our guests get a feel for what this area must have been like 100 or 1000 years ago. The Tseshaht First Nation calls the Broken Group Islands the birthplace of their people and many of the other Nul-Chah-Nulth tribes that ring Barkley Sound also used this area.
We recommend base camping on an island in the middle of the Broken Group and then day trip around the Park. This gives you more time to explore and enjoy relaxing in nature. Camping on a central island like Dodd or Willis allows the best opportunity to see all of the Broken Group Islands. With so much protection from the open Pacific Ocean, we can explore the inner islands if it is windy on the outside of the Park.
We suggest having a long day followed by a short day during the trip. Guests can hang out by the fire longer knowing that the next day is shorter. If you have the skills, we recommend the outside of the Broken Group Islands so you can see the effects landscape from the winter storms.
All of the campsites in the Broken Group Islands have well maintained composting toilets.
