Broken Islands Kayaking
 Broken Islands - Nature's island kayaking wilderness maze! Even our government recognizes the environmental value and soul therapy of the Broken Islands as it is a big part of the Pacific Rim National Park. The Broken Islands is a green family of beautiful, picturesque islands creating calm kayaking waters spilling over with sheltered coves and relatively calmer ocean channels. The Broken Islands Group is also a very popular stopping place for yachts and sailboats.
The area is littered with islands and kayaking is one of the best seats in the house to explore this heavenly escape into marine wilderness. Although enjoyed by both, experienced kayakers and tours with guides, the Broken Islands Group has ideal conditions for beginner kayakers and families with a guide because of the many opportunities to kayak protected inlets and tidal conditions.
The Broken Islands Group beaches and shorelines has plenty of intertidal life to explore after a day of kayaking. There are beach landings with many caves to discover that have been created by years of battering ocean waves and funnelling winds from the unforgiving Pacific West Coast storms. Kayaking the Broken Islands Group is in mostly protected waters away from the outside rim ocean swells making the many short crossings accessible. But… if you venture outside the boundaries of the Broken Islands the kayaking conditions are harder as you now have to battle with the climate conditions of sea swells and varying tidal currents which are always important to understand when kayaking the open waters away from the elements and the protection of the inner Broken Islands.
The Broken Group of Islands, in the Pacific Rim National Park, is considered a one of the top experiences when kayaking the west coast of Canada. Many top kayaking and adventure magazines sing its praises. Some of the more popular Broken Group of Islands include Turtle Island, Effingham Island, Gibraltar Island, Hand Island, Willis Island, Clarke Island and Gilbert Island.
The communities of Tofino, Ucluelet, Port Alberni and Bamfield are the main points for launching and signing on for a Broken Islands kayaking tour. It is said in Port Alberni, a kayak launch from Torquart Bay is a 5, plus, mile paddle to the Broken Islands. But it is considered one of the safer starting points as it is in mostly paddling protected waters. Kayak departures from Ucluelet and Tofino are more difficult launching points and used by experienced kayakers.
Because the Broken Islands is within the Pacific Rim National Park beach camping is only allowed in designated areas on designated islands when kayaking. Often the campgrounds are full during the spring and summer seasons. Be prepared with maps of the islands for navigation and be aware of the drinking water as it is scarce and far between during the dry seasons.
The Broken Islands is not only a kayaking hot spot. The Broken Islands also draws the exploring sailboats, scuba diving charters, luxury yachts and fishing charters. The Broken Group of Islands is a travel destination… for all marine explorers so encounters with moving ocean traffic is expected.
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