Broughton Archipelago
North Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

Broughton Archipelago, Vancouver Island

The Broughton Archipelago is a large group of maze-like islands, numbering in the hundreds, creating a marine playing field consisting of inlets, coves, islets and bays. The archipelago is a popular adventure destination for individuals who enjoy boating, sailing, wildlife watching, scuba diving, photography and ocean kayaking.

The Broughton Archipelago attracts people with boats who enjoy self guided tours and people without boats who prefer to be part of a guided cruise. The scenery in the archipelago is spell binding. Depending on your route there are thundering waterfalls, rocky passages, narrow canyons and towering cliffs. Every route into the archipelago is, almost, guaranteed to provide some good wildlife viewing opportunities. Some of the wildlife viewed include Black Bears, Sea Lions, Grizzlies, Bald Eagles and Whales.

The Broughton Archipelago is best known for its wilderness scenery. But to some the historic landmarks scattered throughout the islands are the big attraction. Village Island in the Broughton Archipelago is one of those historic destinations. The village is rich in First Nations traditions and culture. The Mamaliliculla First Nations have lived on Village Island for centuries.

The Mamaliliculla First Nations people speak "Kwakwa". In "Kwakwa", their native tongue, the island is called the " Village of the Last Potlach". A reference to the time when the traditional potlach celebrations were banned by our governments. Visitors to the island also enjoy the opportunity to view some of the oldest Totem Poles in the archipelago.

Echo Bay is, both, historic and unique. When approaching Echo Bay the first thing you will notice are the buildings. They are floating off the shores of Gilford Island. The historic buildings in Echo Bay include a one-room school house and an art gallery. One of the more visited attractions in Echo Bay is Billy Proctor's Museum. Echo Bay is a popular mooring and stopping point when exploring the archipelago.

Throughout the Broughton Archipelago their are many tricky passages and unpredictable winds and currents. Tribune Channel is one of the passages where the currents can get tricky. The channel takes you into the southern watershed of Bond Sound - Grizzly country. On your visit exploring the canyons of Tribune Channel make sure to scan the cliff walls for some of the ancient pictographs left behind by the first settlers of BC - the First Nation people.

Knight Inlet of the Broughton Archipelago is the kayak destination of the islands. Kayakers enjoy the route because of the many islets and sandy beaches. Knight Inlet is just on the west side of the Queen Charlotte Strait.

Broughton Archipelago, Vancouver Island

The archipelago can be accessed via a boat, kayak or floatplane. There are guided boat cruises and chartered planes available. Many operate from a north Vancouver Island or north Sunshine Coast community. Best launching point for exploring the Broughton Archipelago is from Port McNeill, Port Hardy and Lund on the Sunshine Coast.