Route Details
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Difficulty:Intermediate Paddling
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Distance:40 km
- Duration: 4 days
- Route Type: Exploration
- Camping: Yes
Summary
The Broken Group Islands are yet another example of world-class paddling in and around Vancouver Island. With over 100 small to medium-sized forested islands, there are hours of paddling to be done in and around these spectacular vistas. Along the mainland, you may encounter bears or deer, whilst out on the islands you'll find plenty of bird life, seals, and if you're lucky the odd whale. Keep your eyes peeled! The islands themselves are forested, with rocky outcrops, and occasional sandy beaches providing a variety of habitats to see all sorts of wildlife.
From single-day paddles to 4 or 5 day multi-day trips, the Broken Group Islands are a stunning location to get out into nature and enjoy the best of the Pacific Rim National Park.
Despite its ocean-side location, the relatively sheltered inner islands in particular make a great destination to refine your paddling skills. If you already have a couple of trips under your belt, this could be a great next destination.
Most paddlers begin their trip from the Broken Group Islands Lodge or from Secret Beach Campground, with the later requiring a more committing initial crossing. If staying at the Broken Islands Lodge, you can paddle out for day trips, or pay for a shuttle to the outer islands, and spend the day paddling back to base.
The distances between camps are generally small, with the total distance from Lodge to outer islands being 13km. There isn't a suggested route for this destination - it is entirely up to you. Much of your paddling distance will be accumulated from exploring in and out of the little islands. Consider the distances you'll want to travel each day (10km a day is very manageable for beginner to intermediate paddlers). When booking overnight camping, you'll need to commit to a specific campsite each night, so consider that in your plans.
Navigation
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Phone signal in BC is not reliable. Always carry an offline map. I recommend and use AllTrails+ for hiking or GaiaMaps for general adventuring. Google Maps does not always have reliable route mapping for backcountry adventures.
Conditions & Ability
Paddler Ability
The Broken Group Islands are not a realistic trip for first-timers but might make a good location to hone your paddling skills if you have 3 or 4 multiday trips under your belt and are looking for a relatively sheltered place to paddle. If you fall into that category, stick to the more sheltered areas and do not venture into the outer channels or outer islands.
I've divided the map into two areas
- In green - the more sheltered inner area generally offers protection from the wind and waves of the outer channels.
- In orange - the less sheltered outer area, is more exposed to the ocean, wind, and open water channels. These areas have the potential to get choppy.
These descriptions are based on the fact that the prevailing wind tends to blow in from the southwest (from the ocean). Your wind forecast may be different, so be sure to check wind direction as part of your planning.
Tides & Currents
Located at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, the Broken Group Islands are tidal but don't experience any significant currents. As is common on these paddling trips, the wind should be your main concern.
Wind & Waves
The wind tends to blow from the southwest, blowing up the two outer channels and across the islands. The closer islands to the mainland generally stay sheltered during summer months, though be sure to check the wind forecast before your particular trip as a different wind direction could change conditions significantly. Avoid the outer channels and outer islands to keep paddling conditions calmer. Around the outer islands, you'll venture into serious ocean territory. Do not paddle out to Clarke Island or Effingham Island unless you are prepared for bigger swell, wind and have the necessary experience to look after yourself and your group.
Camping
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Camping on the Broken Group Islands
The campsites of the Broken Group Islands are operated by Parks Canada. You will need to have the following two items before beginning your trip:
- National Park Entry Permit
- Backcountry Camping Reservation
You can find information regarding both of these on the Parks Canada website.
Broken Group Island Lodge
The Broken Group Island Lodge is like adventure camp for adults. In recent years it was bought by a family who have succeeded in creating a welcoming, magical and relaxing experience on the shores of the Barkley Sound. For kayakers, the lodge has an array of kayaks for rent for daytime or multi-day trips, as well as offering kayak shuttles back to Secret Beach. While at the lodge, enjoy the variety of waterfront seating, from benches, long communal tables, cushions and a hot tob, as well as a few fun garden games like (plastic) axe throwing and giant chess.
The canteen opens for mealtime in the morning and evenings, with a bell rung to gather all the guests at the appropriate time. The food is tasty and homely and generally served as the same meal for everyone - unless of course, you have a dietary requirement in which case they are more than accommodating. Guests can choose to relax at the lodge, rent kayaks for day trips, or use the lodge as a last-night stop for a little luxury. As a guaranteed dry night in a comfy bed, with welcoming staff and a stunning location, I would highly recommend staying here for at least 1 night.
Secret Beach Campground & Car Parking
Whether or not you're camping at Secret Beach Campground, you'll almost certainly be parking your car there. Ideally, they prefer you to book your parking in advance. I've never stayed here, but the staff were friendly and the location could make a good option if you need a place to stay before catching the morning water taxi to the lodge.
Suggested Season
- Months: May - Sep
Location & Access
- Park: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
- Region: Pacific Rim
- Fire Region: Coastal Fire Centre
- Vancouver Day Trip: No
- From Vancouver: 7hr(s)
- Public Transit: No
Getting There
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Getting to the Broken Group Islands requires some logistical planning. If coming from the mainland, you'll generally need to follow the following steps:
- Catch a ferry to from Horseshoe Bay to Vancouver Island (Nanaimo closer than Victoria)
- Drive to Secret Beach Campground (Near Ucluelet)(3 hours)
- Catch the Water Taxi to the Broken Group Islands Lodge (40 mins)(twice daily)
Alternatively, you can launch your kayaks at Secret Beach Campground and Kayak Launch and begin your trip from there. If launching from here, be aware that you have a significant exposed crossing to complete as soon as you begin, and before you reach the Broken Group Islands.
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If appropriate to reach this adventure, rent a car, or better still, reduce the demand for cars with Evo Car Share, Vancouver's car sharing network.
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