The Deer Group Islands share Barkley Sound with The Broken Group Islands. The Deer Group is a gorgeous island archipelago that offers its own unique sirens call for sea kayakers. This area is known for its sea caves and sea stacks – sculpted by pounding winter waves over the centuries. One of the campsites you can book belongs to the Huu-ay-aht First Nation in Bamfield. You camp on an ancient Huu ay aht village site on Diana Island. It makes an excellent base camp if you choose. This sacred spot features two huge beaches, a huge intertidal zone in front of the camp and a First Nations canoe run where we bring our kayaks onto shore.
There is exposure to the open Pacific Ocean in Imperial Eagle Channel and if the sea state is proves negates paddlers, there is protection on the lee of the Deer Group Islands. This area is rich in history and is visually appealing. It is a great destination for people who have paddled in the Broken Group Islands or more protected waters and want to take the next step up in your progression as a sea kayaker.
You paddle out from cozy west coast village of Bamfield and into the islands that form the Deer Group. In standard paddling conditions, there are not any major crossing and each day you discover this diverse area. If you base camp, you get more time to explore, relax and rejuvenate at the end of the paddling day with appetizers and beverages while your kitchen crew prepares another fresh dinner.
The area that we paddle in is the traditional territory of the Huu-ay-aht First Nation Band from Bamfield. The new Huu-ay-aht administration building is beautiful, with a view that is simply amazing. The Huu-ay-aht are entering a new era as their treaty with the Province of British Columbia is now in effect. Other British Columbia First Nation Bands will look to Huu-ay-aht leadership and the outcomes from the Maa-Nulth treaty as other Bands negotiate theirs.
