Paddle into serene and silent coves, hike through ancient, stunted forests, and swap stories over evening campfires.

Breathtaking scenery awaits on our kayaking and island exploration adventure on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island. The rugged coastal mountains to the east and the vast Pacific to the west form the borders of our exploration of the beautiful Pacific Rim National Park. After a night in Ucluelet, we base ourselves in the Broken Group Islands to take advantage of early morning and evening paddles, as well as full days of exploration of tide pools, sea caves, and deserted islands. Gray whale and eagle sightings are common, and if we are lucky, we'll witness a black bear foraging along the shore. Fresh, gourmet meals taken al fresco by the campfire fill our evenings, until we return to our luxurious oceanside resort in Ucluelet for a final toast to a week well spent.

Day 1: Meet in Ucluelet, British Columbia. Visit the Wickaninnish Center and learn about the First Nations heritage of mid-coast Vancouver Island. Walk on Long Beach, where huge pieces of driftwood lie in testament to the Pacific's changing moods. Late in the afternoon, attend a kayaking orientation session.

Days 2-4: Board a private boat to the Broken Group Islands in Pacific Rim National Park. Paddle to our waiting campsite, then spend the days in leisurely exploration of hidden coves and narrow channels, spying sea lions, eagles, and perhaps even resident gray whales. Set off on occasional short hikes around mist-shrouded islands and discover tidepools teeming with sea creatures. Evenings bring campfires and blankets of stars.

Day 5: Return to Vancouver Island by Zodiac boat or challenge yourself to return by paddle. Spend the afternoon walking through a wild landscape of tide pools and sand dunes. Settle in for a final celebratory feast.

Day 6: Visit nearby Tofino with its shops and art galleries before departing Vancouver Island.

Perhaps we didn't exactly discover this amazing island, but we have discovered how to do it better than anyone else. Our Vancouver Island trip blends the best modes of island exploration - hiking and sea kayaking - to expose you to the area's unusual mix of sophistication and wilderness. There's no better way to enjoy both worlds than by spending a couple of nights in the comfort of a luxurious seaside resort, and a few nights immersed in nature, camping on an island in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Our accommodations in Ucluelet are worth a mention

Located on a dramatic rock promontory with the wild Pacific Ocean crashing behind it, The Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is surrounded by the famous Wild Pacific Trail, which meanders along cliffs overlooking the ocean. Each luxurious room has a balcony, fireplace, kitchen facilities, flat screen televisions and views of the ocean or rainforest. Amenities include a lounge, restaurant and patio area - all with amazing ocean views. Ucluelet’s eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and artisans are a 15 minute stroll from the resort.

The Boundless Journeys' Advantage

• A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that is woven into every one of our journeys.
• Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, hand-crafted journeys have received accolades from the world’s most revered travel publications.
• Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider.
• Small groups. We tread softly, and our average group size is just 6-8 guests.
• Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both small-group departures and Private Collection trips.
• Customer service that goes the extra mile. There is no request that is too big – or too small.
• Sustainability. We are committed to traveling responsibly.

Most Convenient Airport:
Tofino Airport, Tofino, British Columbia (airport code YAZ). Flights are available to Tofino via Vancouver International Airport, Vancouver, Canada (YVR), or Boeing Field/King County International Airport, Seattle, Washington (BFI).

Meeting Time and Place:
Your guide(s) will meet you after breakfast on the first day of your trip at 9:00 a.m. in the lobby of Black Rock Oceanfront Resort in Ucluelet. Please be dressed for hiking.

Departure Time and Place:
Your guides will provide a drop-off at the Tofino airport by noon on the final day of the trip, in time for afternoon flights to Vancouver, British Columbia.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Physical Activity
Boundless Journeys’ trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude.  Pacific Rim Kayaking & Hiking is rated 2, easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous).  No sea kayaking experience is necessary as guides will provide instruction. The walks on this trip are of variable length on easy to moderate terrain - primarily beaches and dirt trails.

Preparing for this Trip
It is very important that you realistically assess your physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip.  The more well-prepared you are for the activities on this trip, the more you will enjoy yourself! Please consider some sort of strength building and flexibility maintenance for your core and upper body. Done correctly, kayaking makes use of abdominal muscles and the muscles of the shoulders and back. Consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness programs.  

About Sea Kayaking
It is hard to accurately rate the difficulty of a sea kayaking trip as much of the challenge is determined by the weather.  We typically plan our daily schedule and routes to avoid periods of strong wind and currents. It is especially important on a sea kayaking trip that you travel with a spirit of flexibility and an openness to enjoy nature and all it presents.

Two-thirds of our fleet is comprised of single kayaks and one-third is double kayaks.  Based upon your experience, and the size and composition of the group, your guide will help determine which kayak is most suitable for you, with safety always the first concern.

Camp Life
Our home in the Broken Group Islands is a comfortable beach camp where each single guest receives a roomy two-person tent, and each couple receives a three-person tent.  All tents have vestibules for storing gear outside of living quarters.  

Catered meals are prepared for you with fresh ingredients. For breakfasts you can expect fresh coffee brewed in a French press with cream, pancakes, granola and yogurt, or eggs, and fruit salads. For lunch you will see fresh meats and cheeses, bagels and vegetables, salads, and hearty soups. For dinner you may choose from salads, rice, pasta, and fresh fish incorporated into favorite recipes for delicious meals.

Weather
Victoria and the Gulf Islands boast the mildest climate in Canada. Summertime is reliably warm and sunny, with frequent ocean breezes. Temperatures reach average highs in the 65 to 75 degree Fahrenheit range, but evenings can be cool. July and August have the least amount of rainfall with a monthly average of .8 inches.  

You may obtain more detailed weather information by visiting www.weatherbase.com.

When to Go
Summertime on Vancouver Island is very pleasant with mild weather and comfortable temperatures. Coastal birds and mammals are abundant for wildlife viewing, and there are approximately 20,000 gray whales that migrate to the area each spring, many maintaining residence throughout the summer months.  Orcas and humpbacks, while not as common, may also make an appearance at this time.






 

Overview:  Three nights camping with shared park facilities, and two nights in a luxury resort.

Nights 1 & 5: Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
Ucluelet, British Columbia

Experience the tranquility and natural beauty of this spectacular Ucluelet Resort on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast. Located on a dramatic rock promontory with the Wild Pacific Ocean crashing behind it, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is surrounded by the famous Wild Pacific Trail, which meanders along cliffs overlooking the ocean. Each luxurious room has a balcony, fireplace, kitchen facilities, flat screen televisions and views of the ocean or rainforest. These Ucluelet accommodations feature a lounge, restaurant & patio area - all with amazing ocean views. Ucluelet’s eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and artisans are a 15 minute stroll from the resort.

Nights 2, 3 & 4: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve Camping
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, British Columbia

We camp in spacious tents, and enjoy heartily diverse meals among the Broken Group Islands in beautiful Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

DAY 1 
Wickaninnish Center; Schooner Cove

Walk – easy to moderate, 2-3 hours.

Our exploration of the coast and the Broken Group Islands begins with a visit to the Wickaninnish Center, situated overlooking Long Beach.  This interpretive center offers exhibits focusing on the natural and cultural heritage of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. After time to enjoy the center’s exhibits, we embark on our first walk, the Schooner Trail to Schooner Cove. We follow a pleasant boardwalk through the rainforest until we arrive at the beach. Turning north along the open coast we explore tide pools teeming with life and endless dunes. Walking in the company of waves, the afternoon lasts as long as we do.

This evening our guides provide a full orientation for our coming days of sea kayaking in the Broken Group Islands, followed by a welcome dinner on the beach (weather permitting – there are also a number of charming restaurants we may choose from).
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet

DAY 2 
Transfer to the Broken Group Islands

Sea kayak – easy to moderate, 4-6 hours.

Following breakfast, we board a motorized boat which will bring us to the kayaking paradise of the Broken Group Islands in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.  There are many locations from which kayakers can enjoy Vancouver Island, however, none can rival the Broken Group for its rich intertidal life, prime sea bird habitat, fascinating sea caves, and well protected waters.

During the 45 minute boat ride, there will be the possibility of spotting some of the diverse sea life that makes these islands so special, including sea lions, seals, and pods of gray whales that summer in these waters.  We arrive at a secluded beach, where our guides review paddling techniques and safety guidelines.  From the beach we embark, in our top-of-the-line single and tandem sea kayaks, on our first exploratory paddle.  Later this afternoon, we arrive at our campsite, where spacious and comfortable tents will be set up while we make ourselves at home. 

Our first day in the Broken Group ends with a hearty meal of fresh salmon steaks, or perhaps a delicious seafood stir-fry.  Our guides have earned a reputation for being profound camp chefs, and you will be amazed by the gourmet meals they create!
Camping, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

DAYS 3 & 4 
Broken Group Islands

Sea kayak – easy to moderate, average of 4-6 hours per day. Island exploration – easy to moderate, average of 1 hour per day.

We spend these amazing days paddling into secluded coves, discovering sea caves, and quietly watching the native species going about their daily lives. Our routes are chosen by our guides, in response to the weather, tides, and the ability of the group. Opportunities are unlimited, as they know every corner of these islands.  Together we explore intricate waterways, weaving our way through the 100 islands and tiny islets, and no matter the routes we choose, we are immersed in the beauty and tranquility that can only be experienced by spending a few hours quietly paddling.

During our excursions, there is time to stop for beach-combing, hiking, and tide pool exploration. Hearty picnic lunches on deserted beaches fortify us to venture further during the day. Sea caves, ancient aboriginal fish traps, and sea sculpted rock formations are all ours to discover. 

As we become more confident in our paddling skills (if you have never tried, you will pick it up quickly!), we may venture further out, to experience the gentle summer swell of the mighty Pacific from the safety of the outer islands.
Camping, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

DAY 5 
Return to Vancouver Island; Long Beach

Optional Beach Walk – easy, 2-4 hours.

This morning we break camp and prepare to say farewell to the Broken Group, returning to the mainland by motorboat. 

This afternoon, there is time to relax in the civilized comforts of our oceanside resort and to explore Ucluelet. This evening we enjoy a celebratory dinner overlooking the beach, and toast to a week well spent, full of new experiences and new-found friends.
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet

DAY 6 
Explore Tofino

Optional beachcombing and easy town walking.

This morning we say good-bye to the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, with time to explore the shops and galleries of Tofino, before a transfer to the airport in time for your departing flight to Victoria, Vancouver, or Seattle.

Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise.
 

$2995 per person

• Expert leadership
• All accommodations
• All meals, beginning after breakfast on Day 1
• All transportation during the tour
• All activities as noted in the itinerary
• Park fees, camping gear, and sea kayaking equipment