BROKEN ISLANDS MARINE GROUP
PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK (Broken Islands section)

The Broken Islands Marine Group in Barclay Sound is a grouping of 100 or so islands and islets recognized world-wide as a premium destination by boaters, scuba divers and kayakers. A marine park that will captivate, educate and stimulate your mind and soul.

The broken Islands Group is best accessed from Ucluelet, Bamfield or Port Alberni, BC by boat or kayak. Many venture to the islands by boat and set anchor in a quiet cove or bay hidden amongst islands. The kayakers arrive to the islands and seek out a designated wilderness campsite to set up camp.

The Broken Islands make up the centre portion of the Pacific Rim National Park. The Long Beach section is north and the West Coast section is south. The Broken Islands is a green family of beautiful, picturesque islands, teaming with wildlife, creating calm kayaking waters spilling over with sheltered coves and relatively calmer ocean channels.

Enjoyed by, boaters, scuba divers, experienced kayakers and kayaking tour groups with guides, the Broken Islands Group is an ideal multi-day kayak for beginners and families because of the many opportunities to kayak protected inlets and tidal conditions. Please note the Broken Islands should not be attempted without a guide. Only an experienced paddler, with an understanding of the currents and tides and has all the proper equipment should attempt the journey without a guide.

The Broken Islands Group beaches and shorelines has plenty of inter tidal life to explore. There are beach landings with many caves to discover that have been created by years of battering ocean waves, flying driftwood logs and funneling salt water winds from the unforgiving, violent Pacific west coast storms.

The Broken Islands Group is mostly protected waters making the many short crossings accessible. It is the outside open waters arriving to and leaving from the islands where you will encounter ocean swells and varying tidal currents which are always important to understand when navigating the open waters away from the elements and the protection of the inner Broken Islands.

The Broken Group of Islands, in the Pacific Rim National Park, is considered one of the top experiences when kayaking the west coast of Canada. Many top kayaking, scuba diving, boating and adventure magazines sing its praises. Some of the more popular Broken Group of Islands include Turtle Island, Effingham Island, Gibraltar Island, Hand Island, Willis Island, Clarke Island and Gilbert Island.

It is said, a kayak launch from Torquart Bay is a 5, plus, mile paddle to the Broken Islands. But it is considered one of the safer starting points as it is in mostly paddling protected waters. Kayak departures from Ucluelet and Tofino are more difficult launching points and used by experienced kayakers.

Because the Broken Islands is within the Pacific Rim National Park beach camping is only allowed in designated areas on designated islands. Often the campgrounds are full during the spring and summer seasons. Be prepared with maps of the islands for navigation and be aware of the drinking water as it is scarce and far between during the dry seasons.

The Broken Islands also draws the exploring sailboats, scuba diving charters, luxury yachts and fishing charters. The Broken Group of Islands is a travel destination… for all marine explorers so encounters with moving ocean traffic is expected.

All visitors to the marine park must have a Park Use Permit. pack appropriately for all weather conditions. Pack out what you pack in. Plan for water refilling during any visit to the Broken Islands.

How to get to the Broken Islands Group: Most launch with a tour company from Ucluelet, Bamfield or Port Alberni BC. Some groups launch from Torquot Bay to avoid the ocean swells and tidal currents.