British Columbia Sea Kayaking
Barkley Sound

Sea kayaking in Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands offers a full spectrum of paddling conditions - from sheltered inland kayaking conditions, ideal for experienced sea kayakers or new kayakers accompanied by an experienced guide- to fully exposed kayaking conditions including powerful winds, heavy swells and the full force of the Pacific Ocean, conditions which will challenge (and exhilarate) the most experienced sea kayaker.

Ideal paddling conditions can be found among the hundreds of islands in the Broken Group Islands area of Barkley Sound. Go Northwest! photo by Dave Dean.

Sea kayakers have more than 100 islands in Barkley Sound to explore (click for Barkley Sound area Google map). The Broken Islands are a destination that sea kayakers often fall in love with - a spot where one can explore clusters of islands, abundant marine life and enjoy great beauty found in this protected Canadian National Park.

Sea kayakers frequently launch into the Broken Islands from Toquart Bay. Kayakers should note, however, that to kayak out to the Broken Group Islands from Toquart Bay involves an open water crossing, recommended for experienced sea kayakers only.

Within the Broken Group Islands there are 8 campsites, run by Parks Canada. Details from Parks Canada about the Broken Group Islands are available at: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/index.aspx.

Parks Canada staff patrol (by motor boat) the area -- be careful to camp only at designated sites. This area is ideal for exploring by day paddling and then returning to an island base camp each evening.

Islands further out (westward) in Barkley Sound are exposed to the harsh winds, swells and temperament of the open Pacific Ocean. Islands closer to the BC coastline (and Toquart Bay) provide more sheltered paddling conditions.

As with most spots on the west coast of Vancouver Island, local hazards include summer fog and strong afternoon westerly winds.

Explore the many islands, appreciate the abundant sea life and soak in the beauty of this area. Due to its popularity this can be a busy area in the summer months.

Sea Kayaking Guides and Outfitters

Barkley Sound Kayak Centre. PO Box 8150 , Canmore, Alberta, T1W 2T9. Phone/Fax: 403-678-4102. E-mail

Batstar Adventure Tours. 6360 Springfield Road, Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 8L8. Phone: 250-724-2050, Toll-free: 1-866-559-3330. E-mail

Coastal Knights. 1187 Peninsula Road, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0. Phone: 250-726-4202; Toll-free: 1-877-726-4202. E-mail

Ecomarine Ocean Kayaking. Phone: 604-689-7575; Toll-free: 1-888-425-2925. E-mail

Ecosummer Expeditions. PO Box 177, Clearwater, BC V0E 1N0. Phone: 250-674-0102; Toll-free: 1-800-465-8884; Fax: 250-674-2197.

Majestic Ocean kayaking. 1167 Helen Road, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0. Phone: 250-726-2868; Toll-free: 1-800-889-7644; Fax: 250-726-2860. E-mail

Pacific Northwest Expeditions. 1819 Morden Road , Nanaimo, BC V9X 1T9 . Phone: 250-754-6300; Toll-free: 1-866-529-2522. E-mail

Pacific Rim Paddling Company. PO Box 5247, Squamish, BC V8B 0C2. Phone: 604-815-8843; Toll-free: 1-888-384-6103. E-mail

Vancouver Island Kayak. Midnight Sun Adventure Travel - 1027 Pandora Avenue, Victoria, BC V8V 3P6. Phone: 250-480-9409; Toll-free: 1-800-255-5057; Fax: 250-483-7422. E-mail

Wildheart Adventures Sea Kayak Tours. 1560 Brebber Road, Nanaimo, BC V9X 1P4. Phone: 250-722-3683; Toll-free: 1-877-722-3683; Fax: 250-722-2175. E-mail

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