Vancouver, Whistler & Vancouver Island - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 818

For an introduction to the area's natural history and First Nations heritage, visit the
Kwisitis Centre (Wick Rd; with park pass admission free; 10am-4:30pm Mar-Aug) overlook-
ing Wickaninnish Beach. And if you're suddenly inspired to plunge in for a stroll, try one
of the following trails, keeping your eyes peeled for swooping bald eagles and giant ba-
nana slugs. Safety precautions apply: tread carefully over slippery surfaces and never
turn your back on the mischievous surf.
» Long Beach Great scenery along the sandy shore (1.2km; easy).
» Rainforest Trail Two interpretive loops through old-growth forest (1km; moderate).
» Schooner Trail Through old- and second-growth forests with beach access (1km; mod-
erate).
» Shorepine Bog Loops around a moss-layered bog (800m; easy and wheelchair-ac-
cessible).
Broken Group Islands Unit
Comprising some 300 islands and rocks scattered across 80 sq km around the entrance to
Barkley Sound, this serene natural wilderness is beloved of visiting kayakers - especially
those who enjoy close-up views of whales, porpoises and multitudinous bird life. Com-
passes are required for navigating here, unless you fancy paddling to Hawaii.
If you're up for an advetnture, Lady Rose Marine Services ( www.ladyrosemarine.com )
will ship you and your kayak from Port Alberni to its Sechart Whaling Station Lodge
(three hours away) in Barkley Sound on the MV Francis Barkley . The lodge rents kayaks
($40 to $60 per day) if you'd rather travel light, and it offers accommodation ($150/235
per single/double, including meals).
From there, popular paddle destinations include Gibraltar Island, one hour away, with
its sheltered campground and explorable beaches and tidal pools. Willis Island (1½ hours
from Sechart) is also popular. It has a campground and, at low tide, you can walk to the
surrounding islands. Remote Benson Island (four hours from Sechart) has a campground,
grazing deer and a blowhole.
Camping fees are $9.80 per night, payable at Sechart or to the boat-based staff who
patrol the region - they can collect additional fees from you if you decide to stay longer.
The campgrounds are predictably basic and have solar-composting toilets, but you must
carry out all your garbage. Bring your own drinking water: island creeks are often dry in
summer.