Kayaking Trip to The Broken Group (Barkley Sound)

[Art]

Returned last weekend from a 6 day kayak trip to the Broken Group Islands in Barkley Sound and thought I would share some photos of one of our more rewarding trips thus far to this beautiful area of the west coast of British Columbia.

Overnighter in Ucluelet

Calm Conditions During Put-in at Toquart Bay

Beachcombing Find

The sea isn't always calm as was on this day.

Tidal Pool Anemone

Evening on Clarke Island


More pics here.

[coastal]

great photos and documentation Art, thanks a ton for posting!!!

The place in Ukee looks like The Cabins on Amphritite Point, correct? We stayed there a couple years ago just as they were opening, nice place .

Glad the weather cooperated!

[coastal]

checked the ole photo library and alas here's my early morning pic from The Cabins... I beleive this one was shot just a few feet to the right of yours.

We seem to have a lot of overlap on Vancouver Island photos

[Art]

That’s pretty cool Taylor. I believe you were in one of the units across from us as our side was pretty much filled with studio units.

Love staying at the Reefpoint Cottages as they offer some pretty decent rates particularly with respect to multi day bookings. They also provide a great jumping off point for our trips to the Broken Group.

We also prefer the sleepy atmosphere of Ucluelet over the more active hamlet of Tofino. Although there appear be some changes on the horizon as a large luxury development down on the waterfront is well into the later phase of construction.

[edwa]

Art,

Thanks for the photos. I'm drooling. I have always wanted to Kayak up in BC, it makes my turf here in S. Calif look boring.

We too went on a trip last weekend (albeit short). We took a forward stroke clinic with Brent Reitz that included being videotape - great for analysis.

I'm curious about your rack setup. What made you choose to carry the boats on their sides versus on their bottoms?

[BillAileo]

Art,
Your posts are great, but they have a negative impact: I end up daydreaming about moving.....

Bill

[Art]

Thanks guys. Believe me compared to the paddling environment here in B.C., my own hometown on the prairies pales in comparison and I constantly dream about making a permanent move to the Island. We’re heading back home today and I’m wishing already that we were still out on the water.

Good thing is, we have to do it all over again next month.

Hey, we're always looking for paddling buddies if any of you happen to be in the area at the time.

Edwa,

I opted for this rack configuration as my Pygmy homebuilt would not fit side-by-side alongside the Necky hence the need for the Thule Hull-a-Ports. Worked out great.

[John@CdnRockies]

Faye and I just happen to be headed for Vancouver island (specifically Pender island) ourselves this afternoon. Another 1,000 km non-stop run over the Rockies. Maybe this time I should finally take some pictures given the beauty of the Rockies.

Art/Sai - love the stories. We stil need to hook up in terms of buying a pair of beginner Kayaks for Faye and I. Cheerio.

John

[Art]

John,

It would have been nice to hook up with you and Faye. We still want to paddle over to Pender and have you give us a few pointers on sailing. IIRC, the deal was an outing on your boat in exchange for taking both of you out for a paddle in our kayaks. Advice with respect to buying kayaks is free.

Have a safe trip.

[Art]

One month later and we’re back at it again.

Preparing to hit the road

Loading the boats

The Put in at Toquart Bay

Day Trip to Gilbert Island

Gilbert in all of its splendor

Barkley Sound has the highest concentration of eagles in North America.

Benson Island

Sea Cave Entrances on Dicebox Island

Our campsite on the sand fringed shores of Clarke Island

A Moonsnail secreting its egg casing at low tide

Buster Crab

Inter tidal Creatures

Exploring a narrow channel at low tide near Jacques Island

Sea Lion Hanging out near Batley Island

Evening Paddle around Owen Island

A paddling buddy taking advantage of the wind on Clarke Island

Mmmm…Chocolate brownies for dessert. We ate well on this trip.

Ran across this fella while exploring the Pinkerton Islands

View looking out from our camp on Hand Island. We shared it with two women from Tofino who were practising their yoga moves on the beach at the time.

Paddling back to Toquart signaling the end to yet another great trip to the Broken Group.