Broken Group Islands

Island-hopping camp trips in Barkley Sound.

A cluster of small islands, reefs and channels in Barkley Sound, part of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and reachable only by boat. Paddlers launch from Secret Beach in Toquaht Bay or ride a water taxi out, then camp on designated islands for up to two weeks. Fog, swell and open crossings make it a trip for confident groups, or for a lodge-based stay with day paddles.

At a glance

Camping islands

Hand, Turret, Gibraltar, Dodd, Clarke, Gilbert

Permit

$15/person/night plus park entry

Reservations

Required; opened Jan 29 for 2026

Stay limits

4 nights per camp, 14 total; groups up to 12

Water temperature

7–15°C

Good for

Intermediate, Advanced

What’s here

• Sea kayaking
• Multi-day trips
• Paddle-in camping
• Boat rentals
• Guided tours
• Wildlife

Rentals, guides and shops

• Broken Islands Lodge

  Kayak rentals, scheduled water taxis from Secret Beach and all-inclusive lodge packages at the old Sechart whaling station.

• Secret Beach Campground & Kayak Launch

  Toquaht Nation launch, parking and campground in Toquaht Bay, the main road access for paddlers; sells park entry passes.

• Paddle West Kayaking

  Broken Group kayak rentals and guided Barkley Sound day trips from Ucluelet.

• Batstar Sea Kayak Outfitters

  Fully outfits self-guided groups of 8–12 for multi-day Broken Group trips.

Events

“Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• FestivalMarch 13–20, 2027

  Pacific Rim Whale Festival

  Whale-watching, talks and community events in Ucluelet and Tofino.

Where to stay

• lodgeBroken Islands Lodge

  Lodge at Sechart, half a mile from the islands, with meals, a hot tub and kayaks; paddle by day and sleep indoors.

  Water taxi from Secret Beach
• lodgeWya Point Resort

  Lodges and yurts on a forested point outside Ucluelet.

  35 min drive

Nearby

• Wild Pacific Trail · 30 min drive

  Clifftop walking trail around Ucluelet’s headlands and lighthouse.

• Ucluelet Aquarium · 30 min drive

  Small catch-and-release aquarium of local sea life on the Ucluelet waterfront.

• MV Frances Barkley · From Port Alberni

  Working packet freighter from Port Alberni down Alberni Inlet to Bamfield and Barkley Sound.

Getting there

• Tofino–Long Beach Airport (YAZ) · about 35 min drive
• Nanaimo · about 2.75 hr
• Victoria · about 4.25 hr

Directions in Google Maps