Kayaking AdventuRE
PADDLE THE BROKEN GROUP ISLANDS NEAR VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC, CANADA
Kayak around the West Coast’s extraordinary Broken Group Islands near Vancouver Island, BC.
Choose from 4 & 5 Day kayak itineraries.
The Broken Group Islands are part of the Pacific Rim National Park, BC. Located off the west coast of Vancouver Island, the area is made up of a hundred small islands with sand and shell beaches and lush temperate rain forests. Just off the West Coast of British Columbia, islands with magnificent trees, white sand beaches, and an abundance of wildlife wait for anyone adventurous enough to discover them. The enchanting Broken Group Islands consist of more than a hundred independent islands, scattered throughout the calmest waters of the Pacific Ocean.
There’s only one perfect way to explore the Broken Group and that’s by kayak. Kayaking through the Broken Islands allows visitors to glide through waters that often resemble glass, immersed in the serenity and beauty of one of the world’s most splendid destinations. Marine and land mammals to watch for include Orcas, Humpbacks and Grey Whales, sea otters, sea lions, wolves, deer, eagles, and pelicans. With such a rich cultural and ecological history, there is always something to look out for or ponder on our paddle. A fairly sheltered group of islands, this multi-day trip is great for all experience levels.
We will meet the evening prior to our trip in Ucluelet to discuss the final trip information and to hand out drybags for you to pack that evening. On the first morning of our trip, we will convoy to Secret Beach which is a 15 minute drive via paved road and 30 minute drive via a well-graded gravel road. This is our access point to the Broken Group.
We are excited to celebrate the LGBTQ2S community and will again be running two multi-day trips to bring the community together in nature. Please join us for one of our journeys to connect with great people in such a potent wild space.
DATES: June 25-28, July 16-20*, Aug 9-12, Aug 14-17*, Sept 7-10, 2023
*LGBTQ specific including a 5 Day!
Contact us for booking information.
Day 0: ARRIVE UCLUELET, BC, CANADA
Our adventure begins in Ucluelet, Vancouver Island, Canada.
We will meet at in beautiful Ucluelet the night before at 7pm at a given location. This meeting will take about 1 hour.
At this time we will review all pre-trip information, including morning departure – meeting place and time, appropriate clothing, itinerary, etc. We will also distribute dry bags, paddle jackets and water bottles for personal packing.
It is important for all participants to be present for the meeting. We find it very beneficial to the organization of the trip. We will also at this time fill out waivers and review any other medical concerns.
DAY 1: PINK RIVER DOLPHINS & THE SECOYA COMMUNITY
We will meet the evening prior to our trip in Ucluelet to discuss the final trip information and to hand out drybags for you to pack that evening. On the first morning of our trip we will convoy to Secret Beach which is a 15 minute drive via paved road and 30 minute drive via a well-graded gravel road. This is our access point to the Broken Group. Last year Secret Beach was closed due to covid and we arranged for a water taxi. This will be a backup plan again and also an option the group can inquire about if interested this season. From there we will pack our kayaks, a kayak instructional will be shared and we will enjoy a half-day paddle to our first camp!
DAY 2 & 3: PADDLING AROUND BROKEN ISLAND GROUP
These will be full paddling days unless the weather tells us otherwise. Our days will include 2-3 hours of paddling before lunch and another 2-3 hours of paddling post-lunch. The routes will vary on the group, weather, and water conditions, and the guide’s decisions.
We will likely switch camps once to give the group a greater chance to see more of the islands.
DAY 4: MORNING PADDLE & RETURN TO SECRET BEACH
The final day will include a full morning paddle, returning us to Secret Beach. The trip will have us packed up to either journey back to Ucluelet or to another destination or homebound by approximately 3pm. It’s nice to book a hotel or campsite between Ucluelet and Nanaimo for this evening to assure travel is not rushed if any changes should happen.
Packing List:
1 pair of shoes that can get wet and most importantly have grip. They need to have ankle support. I recommend runners, water shoes, Keen or Croc sandals. Closed toed shoes help against stubbing toes on rocks.
A pair of rubber boots are optional. Perks include your feet staying dry entering and exiting the kayaks. Downside they can flood if a wave fills them. They can also be bulky to wear in a kayak or to store.
1 pair of shoes for land, after kayaking.
2-4 warm socks
2 shorts
1-2 pants
Underwear
1 thermal underwear – like the underlays you might wear skiing.
3-4 shirts, short and long
1-2 sweaters, at least one very warm sweater recommended
Rain jacket and rain pants
Gloves if you easily get cold fingers
2 wool hats
Sun hat
A face mask
No cotton/jeans. They become heavy and cold when wet. Synthetics are a better option such as fleece or polyester. These will warm with your body if wet.
Other Items Include:
Sunglasses
Glasses and Contacts. Consider a back up if one becomes lost or breaks.
Toiletries – biodegradable soaps please.
Baby wipes and a few band aids
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Headlamp
SPF Chapstick
Personal medications. Bring extra doses medication if is critical to you. Separate and duplicate, storing one set with a partner or guide. A trip can be cut short if there is not enough medication to keep a client safe.
Water bottle. It nice to have a clip attached.
Book. Keep in waterproof/sealable bag
Spirits. Alcohol may be consumed after the days kayaking only.
Camera. Small waterproof cameras are great. If you have a larger SL camera a pelican case is a great way to keep it protected. Alternatively, a camera can be wrapped in a sweater and kept in a dry bag for protection.
Extra batteries
Ziplock bags
Sleeping bag and/or mat if you prefer your own over ours.
CONTACT US for more information about the Kayaking Tours.
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Mother Nature, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS: (responsibility of the traveller)
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
Are you all ready for your next adventure?
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Covid-19 Insurance Coverage, Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
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