The Broken Group Islands are a scatter of more than a hundred small forested islands in Barkley Sound, inside Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and they are among the best sea-kayaking waters in Canada. They can only be reached by boat, and Parks Canada says that paddling from Ucluelet or Bamfield is not recommended, so a guided day trip that handles the crossing is the sensible way to visit. This tour is an eight-hour kayaking day, rated 5.0 from 17 reviews, and the operator says each trip can be customised for length, food and location. You paddle between islands, look for seabirds and sea life, and land on a beach for a break. It is a day for people comfortable in a kayak and happy to be on the water.
What to expect
The guide chooses a route to suit the weather, tide and group, and the operator handles the crossing and you arrive in a different world of calm channels and tiny islands. Because the trip is customisable, ask about the pace, what is included and whether beginners are welcome. The water is cold even in summer, and conditions can change, so listen to the guide and wear what you are told to wear.
Planning
Trips in this area usually start from Ucluelet, so confirm the meeting point when you book. This is an eight-hour day, so you will want a good breakfast, snacks, water and layers. Weather decides everything on the open coast, and trips can be changed or cancelled when conditions are poor, so travel with flexibility and read the booking terms.
Fitness needs are moderate, but you do spend hours in a kayak, so check any age or experience requirements when you book. Book ahead in summer, because this trip is marked as likely to sell out.
Fitting it in
Base yourself in Ucluelet, the usual starting point for Broken Group trips, and pair it with the Wild Pacific Trail and a harbour dinner the next day. If you prefer something gentler, the whale-watching trip from the same harbour covers the open water without the paddling. For overnight paddlers, Parks Canada manages camping in the islands with its own reservations and rules, so check the park's site for details.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day kayaking trip among the islands, with a boat crossing handled by the operator and time ashore on a beach.
Best time
Summer for the calmest conditions, though trips run in other seasons when the weather allows.
How long
About eight hours for the full day.
Tips
Bring a hearty breakfast, snacks, water and layers, listen to the guide on conditions and book early in summer.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Confident paddlers and adventurous travellers who want the park's most remote scenery.
- Families
- Best for older children and teens who are comfortable in a kayak; check age limits when you book.
- Couples
- A shared adventure among quiet islands, with a real sense of escape.
- Pair with
- Pair with the Wild Pacific Trail and a harbour dinner in Ucluelet.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
How do you get to the Broken Group Islands?+
They are reachable only by boat. Parks Canada says paddling from Ucluelet or Bamfield is not recommended, so a guided trip that includes the crossing is the easy option.
How long is the tour?+
It is an eight-hour kayaking day, and the operator says trips can be customised for length, food and location. Confirm the details when you book.
Do I need kayaking experience?+
You should be comfortable on the water and in a kayak, since you paddle for several hours. Ask the operator whether beginners are welcome.
Is it safe?+
With a guide, yes, though conditions on the open coast can change quickly. The operator may alter or cancel trips in poor weather.
Can I camp there?+
Parks Canada manages camping in the islands with its own reservations and rules. Check the park's site for the latest details.
