Kayaking Ucluelet BC

Photo Credit: David LaPorte

Kayaking Barkley Sound, Ucluelet

Nestled on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Barkley Sound epitomizes the island’s wilderness allure.

Verdant forests giving way to rocky headlands plunge into sheltered ocean waters harboring a medley of wildlife. Its intricate coastline hides tranquil lagoons, surf-pounded passages, and a smattering of islands waiting to be explored by kayak.

Over 100 islands are available to explore between the Broken Group and Deer Group Islands. Most are located a bit farther away from Ucluelet than what would be enjoyable to paddle, so visitors to the area usually indulge in a taxi to the Sound. Alternatively, guests can also launch from Toquart Bay, the main launch point outside of Ucluelet. With so much to explore, many opt for a mutli-day excursion and there are 8 Parks Canada operated campsites in the Broken Group available to stay at.

For paddlers seeking adventure flavored with ocean vistas, bountiful marine life sightings, and the possibility for secluded shore lunches on sandy beaches, Barkley Sound promises a salt-tinged escape. Its relatively calm winds during summer make it an excellent destination for novice and intermediate level kayakers ready to level up their skills and endurance.

Prime Area For Sightings

One of Barkley Sound’s main allures is wildlife watching opportunities. Bald eagles patrol skies above while stellar sea lions, harbor seals, grey whales and migratory orcas transit through nutrient-rich channels. Tidal upwellings also fertilize waters to encourage dense kelp beds filled with marine creatures.

Paddlers often glimpse giant gumboot chitons clinging to rocky undersides as well as purple and ochre sea stars plus brightly colored anemones. Underwater gardens thrive with swaying seaweeds sheltering rockfish, wolf eels and orange-tipped sea cucumbers. Low tides expose additional intertidal life forms like barnacles, limpets and shore crabs. Patient birdwatchers may also spot blue herons, kingfishers or marbled murrelets fishing from shoreline perches.

With a diversity rivalling the renowned Galapagos Islands, this paddle route through the Broken Group Islands satellite park lets kayakers float amid untouched Pacific wilderness. Keep cameras handy for memorable wildlife moments!

Islands With Sandy Shores For Picnicking

While Barkley Sound offers no shortage of pebbled beaches and seaweed-strewn rocks to temporarily debark kayaks on, just a handful of islands feature appealing sandy beaches for leisurely shore lunches. Pack a picnic blanket, portable BBQ and refreshments to make the most of their scenic settings!

Wilson Islets This small cluster of three islets visible looking eastwards from Bamfield islets lies directly opposite Imperial Eagle Channel. Scramble ashore on tiny East Wilson Islet to discover a perfect sandy cove framed by smooth granite bedrock. It may sit exposed to Pacific swells wrapping around Cape Beale, but makes a picturesque stop. Monitor conditions for safe landing.

Dixie Cove – Haines Island Part of the Deer Group Islands, Haines Island shelters Dixey Cove on its east facing shorelines. This shallow, sheltered beach captures heat on sunny days. It connects to short forest trails for stretching legs after paddling. However, check tide tables before landing – extreme low tides can create mud obstacles.

Gilbert Beach – Gilbert Island One of the largest and most popular islands for boaters in Barkley Sound, Gilbert Island hosts Gilbert Beach along its northwest shores.reservations fill fast for this designated campsite during peak season. But kayakers can still land to enjoy a few serene hours. Its sandy slopes and log driftwood make an idyllic stopover when currents permit.

Etiquette For Shore Landings

When stopping to stretch legs during long paddle days, aim to leave no trace while respecting both ecological and First Nations cultural resources.

Follow ethics like:

• Pull kayaks fully above high tidelines to prevent detachment
• Avoid disturbing shorebirds and seal haulouts
• Keep picnicking restricted to existing sandy areas
• Pack out all garbage brought ashore; supplies like fresh water are limited
• Leave all shells, aquatic life and cultural sites untouched for others’ enjoyment

By utilizing durable surfaces while minimizing footprint impacts, paddlers help conserve Barkley Sound’s special wilderness qualities for future generations. Treat it gently as the precious sanctuary it remains.

Barkley Sound meanders over 100 square miles yet contains few major harbor sites or settlements. Bamfield and Ucluelet on opposite boundaries function as main staging areas to journey through the Broken Group Islands with kayak rentals and guiding services available seasonally. Otherwise, wilderness campsites and temporary docking facilities dot this natural region for multi-day trips.

Ucluelet is perched on Barkley Sound’s northern peninsular edge offers a base to voyage out amongst offshore islets and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve’s Broken Island Group. Charter companies run ferry trips across to Loudon, Clarke or Sechart Islands deeper inside the sound as needed.

Types of Kayaks For Barkley Sound’s Waters

Kayaking in Ucluelet

Kayak design matters greatly in determining control, efficiency, and comfort during a full day trip covering multiple offshore miles. Barkley Sound’s cool protected waters intermix with rougher swell-exposed passages. Changeable winds and currents add further complexity navigating this labyrinthian coast.

Therefore, while recreational sit-on-top kayaks offer beginner stability, traditional sit-inside touring kayaks prove best equipped for Barkley’s features. Their longer waterline edge, directional hull shape, foot-controlled rudders, and below-deck storage capacity enhance speed, tracking ability, and cargo space when traversing farther distances.

Mid-range composite touring kayaks by brands like Delta Kayaks, Current Designs and Boreal Design also help prevent arm and back fatigue over long excursions compared to heavier polyethylene plastic options. Unless planning only short, hug the shoreline paddles, investing in or renting quality touring kayaks enables unhurried self-paced exploring.

Safety Preparations & Gear

Venturing out into dynamic marine environments demands adequate preparations even for intermediate paddlers. Barkley Soundcontains convoluted passages between islands that funnel winds while exposing coastlines to Pacific swell waves. Savvy kayakers respect elemental forces by:

Checking Weather & Marine Forecasts

Monitor forecasted windspeed, fog levels, tidal shifts and marine conditions from sources like Environment Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Time launches for calmer early morning periods; bring a marine VHF radio for updates.

Wearing Proper Attire – Base layers wicking away moisture topped by water and windproof outer layers allow adapting to shifting Barkley Sound microclimates. Sturdy footwear with grip prevents slippage while launching through surge zones. Always wear a bright helmet to visibly stand out against dark seas and forests.

Packing Safety Essentials

Carry bilge pumps, tow ropes, emergency flares and repair kits in case trouble arises miles from takeout locations. Stow all gear in dry bags secured to kayak decks for immediate access. Vital survival items include drinking water, spill-proof containers of calorie-rich foods, first aid materials, navigational aids like a map, compass or GPS and a satellite communication device like an InReach or SPOT Gen3.

Paddling Prepared Skills

Hone bracing techniques for counterbalancing wind and waves before embarking. Practice self and assisted kayak rescues in sheltered bays. Only journey through rougher areas like Imperial Eagle Channel in pairs or groups maintaining sightlines.

Additional Tips for Kayaking from Ucluelet into Barkley Sound

• Make sure you take a GPS with you, fog can often set in.
• Make sure you are prepared for the weather – this means packing properly waterproofed rain gear. July and August are the driest months, but “fog rain,” very thick mist, sometimes sets in. May, June and September has less precipitation on average but it is still possible to have a week straight of rain mixed in with sunny and cloudy days.
• When sticking to the outside of the coast or on the Island near the coast, the kayaking is considered moderate to difficult. Paddling against the current or in big swells increases the level of difficulty.
• Kayaks  can be rented in Ucluelet from a couple different outfitters.
• Camp only in designated camping sites.
• Watch for traffic near the Ucluelet Harbour or in main passage ways

By exercising caution, carrying contingency items and paddling within ability levels, kayakers find Barkley Sound invites exploration rather than intimidates.

Ultimately, myriad islands await first-hand investigating tucked within Barkley Sound’s intricate terrain. Allow ample days to paddle unhurriedly through scenery ranging from dense coastal rainforests to boulder-strewn beaches with squeaky sand underfoot at picnic stops. Whether wildlife watching near Bamfield or weaving through the Broken Islands out of Ucluelet, Barkely Sound promises kayakers a salt-tinged escape into Vancouver Island’s splendid wilds!