Port Alberni Trailhead: Drive north from Victoria on highway 1 to Nanaimo, take the bypass (highway 19). Turn left onto highway 4 and drive to Port Alberni.
(A $0 parking fee is charged.)
Facilities available at the trailhead include:
- Campsite
- Emergency phone
- Picnic tables
- Shelter is available
- Toilets and/or outhouses
- Water is available
Toquart Bay Trailhead: (alternate start).There is a water taxi operated out of the Lady Rose Lodge that will provide transportation between Toquart Bay and the islands.
Facilities available at the trailhead include:
- Campsite
- Emergency phone
- Picnic tables
- Shelter is available
- Toilets and/or outhouses
- Water is available
Uses
| Sea kayak | Easy to moderate. | | |
|---|
Description
The Broken Islands group in Pacific Rim National Park is lovely. To get there you catch a bus from Victoria (or Naniamo) to Port Alberni and board a boat which takes you down to the coast. You then paddle for as many days as you want before catching the boat back again. I'm not sure if there is a reservation system on this or not (there wasn't the only time I went there).
This is not a trip to be contemplated unless you are comfortable on the water and are well versed in navigation. The islands are on the west coast of BC, and although they do provide shelter, storms are possible during any season and the winds can reach hurricane force. This area is a maze of islands so good charts are vital (and a GPS system wouldn't be out of line although it's not absolutely necessary).
Features
This trail features beaches, fishing and forests.
Hazards
- hypothermia is a serious threat in the cold waters of the Pacific
- paralytic shellfish poisoning (aka "red tide") is a threat. Do not eat shellfish unless you are certain it is safe to do so. On the Pacific Coast of Canada call the Department of fisheries & Oceans’ 24 hour line at 604 666-2828.. Call the Port Alberni federal fisheries agent ((250) 724-0195) prior to your departure.
- route-finding skills are required
Weather is a huge factor, in good weather this is a very easy trip (especially if you do no venture to the outer islands). In poor weather this could be very difficult, navigation in fog would be one difficulty, wind another. Be prepared to stay on shore if the weather is unfavorable,
Campsites along the trail
| Benson Island | | | | Water is limited. |
| | Suitable for experienced paddlers only. |
| Clarke Island | | | | Water is limited. |
| | Suitable for experienced paddlers only. |
| Hand Island | | | | Water is limited. |
| | Suitable for intermediate paddlers. |
| Turret Island | | | | Water is limited. |
| | Suitable for intermediate paddlers. |
| Willis Island | | | | Water is limited. |
| | Suitable for novices. |
| Dodd Island | | | | Water is limited. |
| | Suitable for novices. |
| Gibraltar Island | | | | Water is limited. |
| | Suitable for novices. |
| Gilbert Island | 0.0 km | | | Water is limited. |
Water is a very precious commodity on the islands. You are advised to pack in a full supply with you.
For additional information see:
Service-providers
View trail condition reports for this trail.