Broken Group Itinerary

Wilderness Adventures in British Columbia & Yukon since 1988

Due to the unpredictability of weather, participants must be willing to expect the unexpected. As we are moving camp each day, there may be the need to paddle for longer than intended periods to accommodate winds, or rough water. Unsafe water conditions may necessitate sitting on shore until conditions for safe travel present themselves.

Guides
Our guides have many years of experience in the outdoors and are expert and certified in sea kayaking. They are familiar with the natural and cultural history of the area in which you will be traveling, trained in wilderness first aid, and committed to your satisfaction and safety.

Group Size
In order to minimize our impact on the area we are visiting, for safety, and for creating a better environment for group interaction, we keep our group size to a maximum of 10 participants.

Weather
Summer temperatures from July until mid September are generally quite comfortable with temperatures ranging from 18 – 25 degrees Celsius / 70 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Early July and later September will have the cooler temperatures, and at any time of year we can have rain and wind, with temperatures occasionally as low as 13 C / 55 F. It is best to come prepared for any type of weather.

Your Part
Both beginners and experienced hikers and paddlers of all ages join us on our trips. All you need are the items identified on our equipment/clothing list, be reasonably fit, have a sense of adventure, and be willing to accept the unexpected.

Menu
Our menu is designed to fulfill the nutritional needs of our expeditions. Lunches and dinners are diverse, often supplemented with fresh vegetables and local favourites. There is always enough food to offer seconds. Guests are often surprised and pleased with what we offer on our menu. We do accommodate special dietary needs.

What We Include
Transportation from Nanaimo and return, national park user fees, sea kayaks, paddles, PFDs [life jacket], spray skirts, camping fees, cooking gear, camp stoves, meals/snacks/beverages on the expedition, tents, meal preparations, tarps, major first aid supplies, emergency radio or satellite phone, and professional guides.

What Is Not Included
Transportation to Vancouver Island, airport transfers, accommodation not included in itinerary, gratuities, meals not included in itinerary, personal gear, travel/medical/cancellation insurance.

2.BROKEN GROUP ISLANDS
“Our BGI adventure exceeded the experience we had looked forward to. Both Krista and Erin are truly talented both as leaders and outdoors people. Krista was excellent at bringing a group of strangers from several nations as a cohesive team in mere hours. I was constantly impressed by her knowledge of seamanship, navigation, tides, and also her willingness to go the “extra mile” to help us. Erin was a very effective second and her meals on the trip were excellent.”
Gerry & Candy Roney, San Jose, CA

Off the west coast of Vancouver Island, a vast maze of islands, islets, and rocky outcrops thrust upward from the gentle waters of Barkley Sound. A kayaker’s dream, the sheltered hundred-plus islands comprise what’s known as the Broken Group—a favorite vacation spot for Vancouver residents and paddlers from around the world.

Formed at the end of the last Ice Age, the islands’ rugged bedrock and nutrient-rich waters support ample marine life, as well as old-growth rain forests, lagoons, arches, blowholes, tide pools, and sandy secluded beaches. Stonefish traps and the remains of villages—traces of culture from the aboriginal Nuu-chah-nulth people—add an element of curiosity and discovery to a paddle through the Broken Group’s narrow passageways

For a true wilderness experience, backcountry camping is permitted in designated areas on seven of the islands. All of the spots are family-friendly and include composting toilet facilities.

• Food: Meals in transit to the put in and return to Vancouver are your responsibility.
• Arrival in Departure City (Nanaimo-Vancouver Island): You should be here at least one day before Day 1.

Day 1:
We will drive north and west along the Island Highway to our put-in point and campsite at Secret Beach in Barkley Sound. The remainder of the day will be used to provide kayaking skills instruction and discuss safety protocol. Weather permitting we will practice our paddling skills near camp.

Days 2-5- An exact itinerary of where we go will be determined by group ability and weather conditions. There are so many beaches, islands, campsites, and channels to explore that route choice is unimportant.

Day 6- We will make our way back to our put-in point and return to Nanaimo, and by ferry to Vancouver.