Kayaking in Barkley Sound - A Local's Perspective

I was born and raised on Vancouver Island and I have the good fortune to have parents who were lovers of the outdoors. Each summer when I was young they gathered my siblings and myself for camping trips to the west coast of the Island. Being young, fit, and fearless, I quickly developed a love of surfing and in 2010 I moved permanently to Ucluelet to pursue this passion. My parents are both avid kayakers and about a year later I borrowed a kayak from them and spent a few weeks exploring the waters of Barkley Sound. The beauty and peace of the kayaking experience allowed my second west coast passion to take root. I bought my own kayak to continue to explore the coast and the following year I obtained my kayak guiding certification and became a professional guide. Over the ensuing 9 years I have traveled throughout the Barkley Sound area and into some places that are lesser known but equally as enchanting. I would like to share with you some of my favorite spots.

Barkley Sound

Barkley Sound includes the Broken Group Islands, which are part of the Pacific Rim National Park. This area has been recognised as one of the world’s best kayaking locations. The National Park has 7 campsite locations dispersed throughout the islands which allow kayakers to spend days being courted by the natural beauty, wildlife, and serenity of the Sound. Stunning night time skies with countless stars (no light pollution) and good company help the mind and spirit to be revitalized as lifetime memories are created, naturally.

Early spring brings the opportunity to sit in your kayak north of Toquart Bay and marvel while schools of herring descend as part of their annual Hello Nature sea lions

spawning. A natural part of the ecosystem for millennia, the herring draw in many Grey and Humpback whales, as well as sea lions, seals, and myriad sea birds who arrive to feast on the herring and their roe. Sitting quietly in the kayak during the spawn creates a feeling of wonder, appreciation, and deep pleasure as you view the depth of nature’s interconnections. These moments are akin to being a participant in a National Geographic movie.

If you wish to see a bear, paddling through the Pinkerton Islands offers a great opportunity in late summer as this small maze of islands hosts a large population of coastal black bears. Low tide in either late August or September offers you the chance to glide in close for a perfect photo.

For more technically advanced paddlers, the Deer Group Islands, located off Bamfield, BC, is a challenging and awe inspiring location. Traditionally owned and managed by the Huu ay aht First Nations, this chain of islands offers opportunities for rock gardening as well as exploration of the abundant sea arches and sea caves. A word of caution, skill set and safety gear are two very important factors to consider before undertaking this trip.

I believe kayaking in Barkley Sound should be a bucket list trip for anyone who seeks the benefits of time spent in concert with nature.

My name is Phil Padgham. I am a nature lover, surfer, and passionate kayaker and am also co-owner of Hello Nature Adventure Tours in Ucluelet. Click here to book your kayaking tour with Hello Nature Adventures.

Photos by Kevin Bradshaw, Hello Nature Adventure tours