Due to the nature of the area it is strongly encouraged that every paddler have their VHF Radio certification and a working radio, plus they should also carry a helmet accessible from the cockpit on every paddle. This -may- become a requirement due the the rapidly changing wind, weather, sea state and swell conditions which may be encountered.

TRIP DESCRIPTION

The next SISKA kayak trip to the Broken Group Islands in Barkley Sound will take place from Sunday, September 13 to Friday, September 18, 2026, and includes five nights and four full days of paddling.

Accommodation will be at Broken Islands Lodge, where most rooms will be reserved for our group. The lodge provides two hearty, home-cooked meals each day, with lunches packed for kayaking. The facility is comfortably furnished and offers a mix of queen rooms and rooms with two or more single beds. The managers and staff consistently do an excellent job of looking after our group.

Each day will feature three different paddles, all following SISKA guidelines and led by experienced SISKA paddle leaders. Paddling in and around the Broken Group Islands is classified as Energizer level. Although routes are generally protected, paddlers are always close to the open Pacific Ocean and crossings of exposed channels are required. Conditions can change quickly, with winds typically building in the afternoon, making the risks significant. We aim to offer one less strenuous paddle each day; however, all paddles are considered Energizer level.

For these reasons, participants must be strong paddlers (reference checks will be conducted) and must have recent rescue training, completed in 2026, through one of the following options:

1. Participation in 2026 in a Rescue Clinic, Level 1, or Level 2 course with an approved Paddle Canada Instructor, or

2. Attendance at a Rescue Clinic that will be arranged in late August.

These requirements are mandatory to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

The cost at Broken Islands Lodge (including meals and taxes) starts at approximately $360 per person per night for single occupancy and is reduced when rooms are shared. Prices vary by room type, and a 15% group discount will be applied to your final payment. Please note that a Tseshat Beach Keepers Fee of $18.25 will be added to your invoice. Beer and wine are available for purchase at the lodge by credit card. Please remember to bring sufficient cash for staff gratuities. There is no Parks Canada fee for day paddles in the Broken Group.

The lodge is accessed by boat from Secret Beach Marina at Toquart Bay, with two options:

1. Paddle from Secret Beach Marina to the lodge (approximately two hours). Parking is $10 per day, and kayak launch is $15. Morning paddles are recommended to avoid afternoon winds.

2. Take the Broken Islands Lodge water taxi from Secret Beach Marina. Two trips will be scheduled for our group at 14:00 and 16:00 (a third trip will be added if required). Please do not book your water taxi when making your room reservation. Final water taxi details will be confirmed in September. Each trip accommodates up to twelve people with gear. The cost is $85 per person round trip plus a loading fee of $20 for a single kayak or $25 for a double, payable at the lodge. Parking at Secret Beach is $10 per day.

To make a booking, contact Liz Lilly or Konrad Sechley. You will be sent a link to select a room and complete your reservation directly with Broken Islands Lodge. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the balance due seven days prior to arrival. Cancellations with a full refund are available up to 30 days before arrival. A standby list will be maintained.

Here are relevant links:

Broken Islands Lodge (Tina: 1-250-466-5663): https://www.brokenislandslodge.com/

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

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

Liz Lilly

Phone 250 858 5217

email lglilly436@gmail.com

​Konrad Sechley:

Phone 778-840-2872;

Email ksechley@shaw.ca

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.