Broken Islands Paddle Route
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Kayaking the Broken Islands Marine Park is one of the top paddle adventures located off the coastline of Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. The group of islands are located south of the community of Ucluelet and north of the community of Bamfield on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

The Broken Islands Group is a part of the Pacific Rim National Park located north of the West Coast Trail. The islands are a very popular recreation destination for many exploring the Pacific Rim by water. Some of the activities that draw people to the islands include kayaking, boating, wilderness camping, sightseeing, sailing and scuba diving.

Many visiting kayakers exploring the islands belong to a tour group. Most multi day kayak tour groups include lessons, equipment, camping, meals and, most importantly, an experienced guide. A guide enables a kayak group to safely navigate the many islands, currents and ocean tides. Guides also are prepared for unexpected weather, storms and trained in open water survival techniques.

There are many sandy beaches, private coves, caves and secluded bays to explore in the Broken Islands Group. The islands are considered one of the safer kayak routes to undertake on the west coast because much of the inner paddle route is protected from storms, swells and winds by the islands.

Some of the more popular destinations in the Broken Island Marine Park include Turtle Island, Effingham Island, Gibraltar Island, Hand Island, Willis Island, Clarke Island and Gilbert Island.

Most launch a kayak from the communities of Ucluelet, Port Alberni or Bamfield when accessing the Broken Islands. It is a 5 mile paddle to the Broken Islands from Torquart Bay near Port Alberni. It is considered one of the safer launch sites as the route consists of mostly paddling protected waters. Launching from Ucluelet is considered a more difficult route as there is open water paddling and exposure to winds.

Because the Broken Islands is within the Pacific Rim National Park beach camping is only allowed in designated areas on designated islands. Campgrounds fill up fast during the spring and summer seasons.