Kayaking Broken Group Islands: Wildlife and First Nations history

Paddle through islands where First Nations canoe runs and ancient middens still mark the water

Kayaking in the Broken Group Islands off Vancouver Island's west coast: a full day starting with a 45-minute boat ride from Ucluelet, then paddling through protected waters to explore islands, beaches and cultural sites of the First Nations who inhabited them. The guide, all equipment, lunch and return transport are included. You'll spot wildlife like eagles, whales and seals. Minimum age is 13.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayaking and exploring Broken Group Islands

• Meet at dock at 8 am
• Boat ride to Broken Group Islands
• Kayak around islands and beaches
• Enjoy picnic lunch on sandy beach
• Explore First Nations sites by kayak
• Return by water taxi to Ucluelet

The experience

You meet at the Ucluelet dock at 8am and board a water taxi for a 45-minute ride to the Broken Group Islands. The boat crossing itself is part of the day: watch for eagles, whales, sea lions and seals in the protected waters. Once you arrive, you start paddling, exploring a string of islands, islets and sandy beaches at your own pace with your guide.

A few hours into paddling, you pull ashore for a fully catered lunch on a sandy beach. After eating, you head back out to discover the deeper layers of the place: ancient middens (shell mounds left by First Nations people), fish traps, and canoe runs carved into the landscape by the Tlingit, Nuu-chah-nulth and other nations who first lived here. The water taxi picks you up and returns you to Ucluelet by around 4pm.

The trip is customizable. You can adjust the length, food and location to suit your needs. All kayaking gear is provided: paddle jacket, life jacket, spray skirt, gloves, dry bags and shoes if you need them. A live guide leads in English and keeps the group small enough to move at a comfortable pace.

What’s included

• All kayaking equipment including paddle jacket, life jacket, spray skirt, gloves and dry bags.
• shoes if you need them.
• a live guide in English.
• a fully catered lunch on a sandy beach.
• and the water taxi ride to and from the Broken Group Islands.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday, Friday, Saturday and SundayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Hello Nature Adventure Tours

Is this one for you?The day starts and ends at the Ucluelet dock, so you don't need a car to reach the water. Book accommodation in Ucluelet or arrange transport there, and the boat and kayaking are handled from the dock onward.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife might I see while kayaking the Broken Group Islands?

Eagles, whales, sea lions, seals, mink and otters are commonly spotted in the protected waters around the islands. The boat ride to and from Ucluelet also offers chances to see marine life.

How long is the kayaking part of the day, and how difficult is it?

You spend a few hours paddling after the 45-minute boat ride in, then more time exploring after lunch. The pace is set by the group and your guide, and the activity suits all fitness levels. Minimum age is 13.

What's included in the lunch on the beach?

A fully catered picnic lunch is provided on a sandy beach partway through the day. You'll need to bring your own snacks, bottled water, sunscreen and hat if you want them.

Do I need to bring my own kayaking shoes, or are they provided?

Shoes are provided if you don't have footwear suitable for getting wet: sturdy sandals, old runners, neoprene booties or rubber boots work well. Bring your own if you prefer.

What time does the day start and end?

You meet at the Ucluelet dock at 8am. The water taxi returns you to Ucluelet with an estimated arrival time of 4pm, making it a full-day outing.

Is there a pickup service from my hotel or accommodation?

You meet at the operator's dock in Ucluelet at 8am. If you're staying in Ucluelet or nearby, it's walkable or a short drive. The boat ride to the islands is included.