Broken Islands Group

Vancouver Island Kayak Adventures Kayaking Tours Pacific Rim, Ucluelet Eco Buttons

The Broken Islands is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. The group is a collection of 100 or so islands and islets popular for adventure. Some of the activities enjoyed exploring the islands include boating, scuba diving, sailing, sightseeing and kayakers.

The Pacific Rim National Park is separated into three sections - Long Beach, Broken Islands and the West Coast. The Broken Islands is centrally located in the Pacific Rim National Park. The communities closest to the islands and enjoy water access include Ucluelet, Bamfield and Port Alberni.

The Broken Islands is best explored by boat and kayak. Some arrive with equipment in tow planning for a self guided tour. While others arrive with great expectations and sign up with one of the local tour groups operating from one of the neighbouring communities. Boating and kayaking tour groups provide interpretive guides, lessons, equipment and, some packages, include accommodations and meals.

Self guided kayaking adventures to the Broken Islands should only be attempted by experienced kayakers. Beginner and intermediate kayakers should paddle the islands with an experienced guide. A guide has a deep understanding of the currents, weather and tides and has all the proper equipment to ensure a safe trip.

Accessing the islands in many cases requires beach landings. A tricky process involving incoming and outgoing tides, avoiding driftwood logs and, in some cases, battling high winds.

The islands are mostly uninhabited. Many islands include sandy beaches, virgin forests, caves, cliffs and plenty of marine wildlife. Exploring within the inner boundaries of the Broken Islands group is safest. The inside islands are close together providing protection from winds and waves.

When arriving or leaving the islands visitors are exposed to ocean swells, high winds and varying tidal currents. It is this portion of the trip that safety is important and exploring is tougher as exposure to the elements can make conditions challenging.

Many top kayaking, scuba diving, boating and adventure magazines recognize the islands as a top adventure destination in British Columbia, Canada. Some of the more popular islands in the group include Turtle Island, Effingham Island, Gibraltar Island, Hand Island, Willis Island, Clarke Island and Gilbert Island.

Torquart Bay, east of Ucluelet, is considered one of the safer launching points for accessing the Broken Islands. The 4 kilometre route travels through mostly protected waters away from high winds and ocean swells.

Beach camping is only permitted in designated areas on designated islands. Often the campgrounds are full during the spring and summer seasons. Be aware that drinking water is scarce on the islands and proper preparation and planning is important.

All visitors to the marine park must have a Park Use Permit. Pack out what you pack in. Be safe and enjoy.

How to get to the Broken Islands Group

Most launch with a tour company from Ucluelet, Bamfield or Port Alberni BC.