Broken Island Group

September 4 to 7, 2021

September 4

Vancouver to Clarke Island

I managed to convince some friends to join me on a kayak trip over the Labor Day long weekend. Since it was rather last minute we did not have a B.C. ferry reservation and this meant we had to catch the 0625 am Horseshoe Bay to Depature Bay. From Depature Bay we drove across Vancouver Island to reach Secret Beach in Uculet in Barkely Sound. This was approximately a three hour drive. We arrived at Secret Beach around noon and it was pouring rain. (Check Drive BC for construction along this hwy!)

Once at Secret beach, we parked and paid for parking and met our water taxi. We had booked double kayaks for $80 per day from Broken Island Lodge and the kayaks were already loaded onto our water taxi. Our water taxi had a ramp in about a foot of water and unless you want your sneakers to get wet, it is best to wear your water shoes to get onto the water taxis. From Secret beach we were finally off (in the pouring rain) for 20 min ride to our destination island, Clarke Island.

The cheaper option would have been to depart in our kayaks directly from Broken Island Lodge. However because we were short on time we decided it was worth it to get dropped off on Clarke. This seemed like a popular choice as we were shuttled to clarke with another group of six.

Once we arrived at Clarke Island the water taxi dropped us off on a beach. From this beach we had to load up the kayaks and paddle around the corner to the official camp site. Once again this was a wet water taxi exit and the first test to see if all our gear could fit into our kayaks!

Based on several blogs and library books Clarke Island seemed the most iddyllic and central location to explore the outer Islands and to set up camp for two nights. Apparently lots of other campers had the same idea. We actually found it to be quite crowded but this was made up in the fact that beach was nice and sandy compared to the extremely rocky beaches in Desolation sound.

We set up camp and tarps and hung up all our clothes to dry!

Getting Dropped off by our Water Taxis
Re organizing on the beach
Hanging our clothes to dry
Set up for PNW camping!
Rainy Day
View from Clarke island
Remenants of an old hotel
Deer
Friends

September 5

Our goal today was to explore the outer islands of the Broken Island Group. Our kayaking and navigation skills were immediately put the the test as we cross the Coaster Channel. The swells were large enough that we could not see our friends nearby. From past experience it is best that each boat has their own map (or two) and compasses. We past be Batley, Wouwer, Howell, Dicebox and Effingham Islands on the way there. We had lunch at the Gilbert Island campsite.

On Effingham Island we completed a 20min hike across the island. We walked through a lush forest and appeared on the other side and enjoyed some beachcombing.

Once back in our kayaks, we were lucky to have calm waters and blue skies. We decided that it was safe enough to explore the side of the island most exposed to the Imperial Eagle channel to get to the Sea arch. All three kayaks paddled through the sea arch. Paddle as hard as you can through it otherwise the current will suck you back in and slam your kayak sideways!

After this adventure it was time to head back to Clarke Island for dinner.

September 6

Day two the sun came out for our adventure to Owen, Lovett, Trickett and Turret Island. We read that there were wind swept sitka trees … We had lunch at.

After lunch we headed to Gilbralter for camp. This would make our morning pack up and paddle shorter. On the way we passed by a seal colony! The seals were very curious and we saw them everywhere in the water.

When we arrived at Gibralter we camped right on the beach and enjoyed our last evening in the Broken Group. Tonight it was finally clear enough that saw shooting stars and biolumenesnce!

September 7

We woke up early and had a blissful flat water paddle back to the Lodge to meet our water taxi. Could not have asked for more perfect weather and sunshine this morning.

Thank you to A&R, J&A for coming along and for your photos!

Take Aways

Always be prepared for Westcoast weather – this means a cold wet climate where your clothes may never dry. (Tarps, put your maps in a ziploc bag and bring an extra one)
Less rocky shores than Desoloation sound (still recommend good protective footwear to carry your heavy kayaks onto the beach)
Bring lots of water to cook and to drink. There are no freshwater sources.
Use one Island as basecamp to minimize setting up camping and to maximizing time exploring. We stayed on two different islands.
The water is very cold for swimming!
Spotty service – offline download the area if you have trouble navigating. GPS may not be accurate but it was for us. Don’t rely on this for location, use just as a reference.
Bring a spare battery pack to charge your phone for photos. The temps got cold so my battery drained fast.
Have all your gear prepacked so you can throw it on the water taxis. Your feet will get wet getting on and off the water taxis.
Remember to pay for your backcountry/marine camping permits and the Pacific Rim National park permit.
Tide charts, windy.com
Borrowed The Wild Coast from VPL to read about each of the islands
And don’t forget the hand sanitizer and toilet paper 🙂