BROKEN GROUP Situated on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, Barkley Sound is a magnificent setting for sea kayaking. Explore the meeting place of the vast Pacific Ocean and the dense British Columbia forest. Our trip centres on the wild and spectacular scenery of the Broken Islands Group. Paddle past trees with branches twisted by the storms of winter and peer into the sea caves sculpted by the chisel of the waves. Standing beside a blowhole on the rocky shore, listen to the "breath" of the ocean swells. From high atop an exposed bluff search for dwarfed pines and hardy wildflowers that eke out a precarious existence. Wildlife is abundant. Birders will thrill to frequent sightings of the many species of birds, which are found in the Broken Islands. On a calm day we may venture out into the gentle swell of the open Pacific, where sea lions haul their massive bodies onto barren rocks to sun and socialize amidst the deafening roar of their rookery. In contrast to the wild quality of the outer islands is the quiet serenity of the inner islands. Our kayaks will weave between myriad tiny islands in the shade of towering evergreen trees. Drifting across a mirrored salt water lagoon we invite you to simply sit back, look, and listen. Through the hush of the old-growth forest come the pure warbling tones of a hermit thrush. High overhead an eagle circles effortlessly, then drops from the sky to pull a salmon from the sea. Peer down through crystal clear water to spot fish darting among a forest of giant kelp. Back on shore, take time to poke around the aquarium of a tidepool, observe a mother mink moving her kits across the beach, or just retire against a log, listen to the plaintive call of a loon, and watch the sun slip slowly into the Pacific. Itinerary Day 1: Sunday Guests can arrive any time after 4pm at the Batstar Bed & Breakfast in Port Alberni, 6360 Springfield Street (250) 724-2050. When you arrive, we'll give you a briefing on how to pack and what to expect in the days to come. We'll issue your gear for the week, including the dry bags to pack your personal gear in. You can leave your car and extra baggage at the Batstar B&B while you are in the Broken Group Islands for the week. Day 2: Monday A full breakfast will be served at the B&B. After which you will either drive by van to Toquart Bay (approx. 1 hour) or we will be shuttled to the Port Alberni dock where we will take a water taxi to our put in. We will paddle this day to Keith Island where we will make our camp for the 5 days we are paddling in the Broken Group. Day 3 - 5: We'll start each morning waking up to the beautiful scenery and wildlife of Barkley Sound. Enjoy breakfast with the morning shore birds. Our day paddles will take us in and around the surrounding Islets exploring the nooks and crannies and the magnificent natural sculptures the sea has provided. We'll stop for lunch and snack breaks along the way. Day 6: Friday On our last morning of sea kayaking we'll pack up camp and make our way back to Toquart Bay where we will either water taxi back to Port Alberni or drive back in the van We'll arrive back at Port Alberni at approximately 5:00 or 6:00pm. Once we're back in Port Alberni we'll go to the Batstar B&B to drop off gear and get cleaned up. We then meet at a restaurant in Port Alberni for a final dinner and to say our farewells. Day 7: SaturdayA full breakfast will be served at the B&B. Check out time is 11:00 am. For guests who are taking the bus, the B&B can help you make your connection. What is included . . . The services of a fully qualified guide and assistant guide All group equipment including kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, tents, sleeping bag A Thermarest LE self inflating bed roll - luxury model Dry bags (one 25 litre & one 20 litre) for your personal gear A day bag (20 litre see through Baja bag) for your gear in the sea kayak A RidgeRest chair for every guest An awesome Chlorophylle group tarp All kitchen and food supplies A library of field guides Each guide carries a well stocked first aid kit, carries flares and has a VHF radio and/or a cell phone 10% off any trip accessories, books or clothing, purchased from Ecomarine before the trip What is not included . . . Return transportation between your home and Port Alberni Any meals and accommodation in Port Alberni not listed in the itinerary Any optional excursions Personal clothing & equipment as listed on the detailed ‘Clothing & Equipment List’ Expenses incurred due to bad weather / fog / flight delays Gratuities for guides (never obligatory but always appreciated, our guides suggest 5% of trip cost based on client care and attention) Tell Me More! Q: Do I need previous kayaking experience? A: No, many novices join this trip. Basic instruction is provided and our double kayaks are very seaworthy and easy to handle. We will be paddling 3 - 4 hours each day; with snack & bathroom breaks. Most of the paddling will be in the morning when the winds tend to be calmer. We will paddle at a leisurely pace. If we are lucky with our tides and winds, we'll float over some amazing tidal pools of batstars, sea cucumbers, sea anenomes & sea urchins, just to name a few. Q: What type of weather conditions will we likely encounter in the area? A: Weather conditions can be variable ranging from daytime temperatures of 21?C - 24?C (70?F - 75?F). Evenings are cool with temperatures near 10?C (55?F). Extended periods of rain are unusual, but possible, and mornings may be foggy. Q: What other activities can I do besides kayaking? A: The Island offers many opportunities to explore tidal pools. The bays are full of inter-tidal life. Beach walks and forest trails offer a different perspective to this breathtaking area. Q: Do I have to buy special sea kayak clothing and equipment? A: No. Gearing up for sea kayaking is very similar to camping. As we are in a marine / rainforest environment, synthetic clothing such as fleece and underwear are a must. A rainproof jacket is a must as is a good wide brimmed rain hat. A baseball cap will not stop the rain from going down your neck. However, a favorite ball cap is always in my drybag for sunny weather. We recommend rubber boots, a water shoe/sandal or neoprene diving boots for kayaking. Batstar provides all clients with dry bags to use (a kodiak sac 25 litre & kodiak tapered 20 litre), and a 20 litre day bag for the kayak. We even supply pogies (neoprene mitts that attach to the paddle which you slide your hands in) if your hands get cold. Q: Is the food good? A: Yes. What else can we say? The roomy double sea kayaks can carry an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables which makes remote cooking a pleasure. We plan balanced meals and can accommodate the palate and special needs of our guests. We do not harvest shellfish in the National Park but enjoy dressing and cooking any fish that we might catch. We always have fluids and snacks available for guests. For more information, please give us a call (1-888-425-2925) or send us an e-mail. To go back to the dates page, please click here.