A mecca for sea kayakers, the 100+ Broken Group Islands offer a wide range of paddling experiences, from enclosed and protected islets to the rugged open Pacific Ocean. Wildlife is abundant in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve featuring eagles, intertidal life,  porpoises,seals,  Stellar & California sea lions. With luck we'll see humpback and grey whales  Spectacular scenery, giant cedar trees, and sandy beach campsites make this one of our favorite destinations. An ideal 'first-time' environment new paddlers, yet offering enough variety for those with some experience.

KAYAKING

No experience is required, although we do insist that you know how to swim and have a good fitness level. All kayaking and safety equipment is provided, including dry bags. We take along six single kayaks and two double kayaks and take turns in the variety of boats - Necky TESLA's,  ARLUK III's - IV's, Current Designs SOLSTICE GT's,and NimbusTELKWA's. Our group size is ten, including guides. We paddle approximately 4 hours each day, leaving plenty of time for a hike in the woods,  or just relaxing on the beach. Weather and sea conditions will ultimately determine our route. The Broken Group Islands offer both protected waters for the novice paddlers, and more challenging ocean conditions if the wind is up. Weather permitting, paddlers will get an opportunity to paddle in the exposed west coast and get a taste of ocean swells. For those interested in developing or improving their kayaking skills, our guides are always happy to provide paddling tips, practice rescues, or discuss the art of navigation. As camping is limited to nine sites designated by Parks Canada (with fabulous solar composting outhouses!), come prepared to share campsites with other groups.

Agenda

We rendezvous the night before our journey begins at TOQUART BAY - approximately 50 miles west of Port Alberni. People are responsible for getting to Toquart Bay - we can help arrange car pooling. There is a Forest Service campground here where you can camp. After a brief paddling introduction, we head out the first morning, returning early afternoon on the final day in time for people to catch ferries from Nanaimo returning to Vancouver. We will break camp the majority of our traveling days, but have multiple route options in the Broken Islands, and keep our itinerary flexible.

Meals

We have found from past experience that the most economical, fun, and greatest variety of meals comes from when the food effort is shared (this also keeps our guides fresh!). Each person is responsible for the purchase and preparation of a share of group meals (typically two or three meals depending on group size).  We organize the meal schedule and can forward you some suggestions about what keeps and packs well if you wish. Check out Meal Ideas and vist our facebook group The Paddling Chef

How to Reserve

A $200 non-refundable deposit reserves a space. Full payment due 60 days before trip start. We aren't able to process credit cards. In order to minimize your costs , please pay by cheque. Thanks. If you cancel, you'll get your balance back unless it is 14 or fewer days before trip start, in which case we'll refund you 50%.

To make your reservation,

Please email us at info@kayaktoursbc.com

Or give us a call at  (250) 247-0189

Payments can be sent to Gabriola Sea Kayaking, 363 Hemlock Ave, Gabriola BC, Canada, V0R 1X1.

Please make cheques out to Gabriola Sea Kayaking.

Price Includes

• All kayaking equipment
• Cooking equipment
• Two guides
• Dry bags (one 20 litre bag per person)
• LOTS OF FUN

Does Not Include

• Transportation to and from Toquart Bay
• We share meal purchase & preparation (meals from lunch day 1 to breakfast on the final day)
• Accommodations the night before trip start
• Tents (rentals available for $45 if you reserve well in advance)
• Sleeping bag & camping mat 

Your guides will be using nautical chart  #3670 for the Broken Group available for roughly C$20. Please visit  the Canadian Hydrographic Service website  to find a location near you to purchase your chart if you would like to bring one along.

Philosophy

GABRIOLA SEA KAYAKING are ADVENTURE OUTFITTERS. We wish to attract healthy, self-sufficient, fun-loving adventurers. Participants take part in all aspects of the adventure, including meal preparation and daily trip planning. Our primary role is to look after navigation, reduce risk, and outfit your trip. Our guides are outdoor professionals from an eclectic variety of backgrounds and have spent many seasons exploring the wilderness. We have been leading kayak adventures since 1995.

Hope to paddle with you this summer!