This SISKA kayak trip to Barkley Sound is from Saturday 10 to Thursday 15 September 2022 – 5 nights, 4 full days paddling. Accommodation is at Broken Islands Lodge (previously Sechart Lodge) which has all their 19 comfortable rooms reserved for us. The Lodge provides two good home-cooked meals per day and lunch is packed for kayaking. The Lodge is nicely furnished and has some queen rooms and some with two or more single beds.

Each day, three different paddles, following SISKA guidelines, will be led by experienced SISKA paddle leaders. Over the four days, it is anticipated that each paddle leader will lead two paddles and assist one. Paddles in and around the Broken Group Islands are classified as Energizer paddles. All kayakers in the area are never far removed from the open Pacific Ocean and paddles, while generally protected, include crossings of exposed channels. Conditions can change quickly and winds typically rise in the afternoon and, if so, the risks are significant. We hope to have one “Relaxed” paddle each day, but the remainder are considered “Energizer”. It is therefore mandatory that participants be strong paddlers (reference checks will be done) and have recently completed a rescue clinic by either: 1. Participation in 2022 in a Rescue Clinic or Level 1 or 2 Course, with an approved Paddle Canada Instructor or 2. Attend a Rescue Clinic we will arrange on two Tuesdays in late August. In addition, all must be fully vaccinated against COVID. These mandatory conditions are for everyone’s safety and group enjoyment.

The Broken Islands Lodge cost for 5 nights (meals & taxes included) is approximately $300 per person per night for one person in a room, and reduces when others share the room. Prices vary per room. We are receiving a 15% group discount. Beer and wine are available for purchase. You can pay by credit card. Remember to bring sufficient cash for tips. There is no Parks Canada fee for day paddles in the Broken Group.

The Lodge is only accessible by boat. Unfortunately, the Frances Barkley from Port Alberni & Ucluelet is no longer stopping at the Lodge. You can paddle from Secret Beach Marina in Toquart Bay in two hours, but it costs about $10 /day to park and $15 to launch. The Broken Islands Lodge water taxi can pick you up ($70 pp round trip) from Secret Beach Marina in Toquart Bay (2 people min, 12 people max). Sea Bear Charters can transport people plus kayaks from Port Alberni. Two boats are booked departing Port Alberni at 1030 on Saturday 10 Sept, and returning at 1000 on Thursday 15 Sept – cost about $150 return, capacity 12 people + kayaks and gear in each boat. Parking is free. It appears the construction and delays on Highway 4 at Kennedy Lake will continue through 2022.

Contact Norm Smyth to make your booking. He will send you a special link you must use to make your own reservations and room selection at the Broken Islands Lodge. A deposit of 50% will be taken now, and the balance will be due 7 days before arrival. You can cancel and get a full refund up to 30 days before arrival. A standby list will be maintained. Paddle leaders received this notification first and when 8 paddle leaders were registered this notice was sent to the entire membership. As of 22 January the lodge is fully booked and a waitlist is being taken.

Here are relevant links:

Broken Islands Lodge (Sechart), Shannon Williams: https://www.brokenislandslodge.com/

Toquart Bay launch and parking rates: http://www.secretbeachcampground.com/rates/

Sea Bear Charters: https://www.seabearcharters.ca/

Marine Charts: http://fishing-app.gpsnauticalcharts.com/i-boating-fishing-web-app/fishing-marine-charts-navigation.html#11.12/48.9075/-125.2730

Norm Smyth 250-383-9077

Always dress for the possibility of immersion and please bring a drybag containing a spare change of clothes. The drybag goes in your kayak with you, not in your car at the launch site. Please bring a lunch or snacks and sufficient beverage to keep you hydrated, as well as a thermos of something warm. Your paddle leader will introduce the plan and make sure everyone is comfortable with the requirements. Please stay off the water until the group is ready. If you have a VHF radio please bring it with you.