Barkley Sound Travel Guide

Welcome to Barkley Sound, BC, British Columbia

A maze of islands, bays and inlets comprises Barkley Sound. Lying on the west coast of Vancouver Island between Ucluelet and Bamfield, Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands are one of the three main recreational components in Pacific Rim National Park. The Sound was named after sailing Captain, Charles William Barkley of the Imperial Eagle. The Captain named the area after exploring it in 1787 on his British trading vessel. Today, the area is quite popular as it provides a true west coast experience in sheltered water. Visitors and locals alike enjoy many outdoor activities such as diving, kayaking, fishing and hiking. The nutrient-rich bottom water of Barkley Sound is one of the reasons the region has some of the most diverse marine life found anywhere. Killer whales, porpoises, salmon, shrimp, rockfish and others call the area home. It is also known to be a great spot for viewing dry-land wildlife such as minks, martens and raccoons. The nearby West Coast Trail stretches 75 km (47 mi) from Bamfield to Port Renfrew and offers experienced world-class hiking, while the scenic Wild Pacific Trail is ideal for all levels of hikers and features beautiful panoramas. The trail extends from Ucluelet to Half Moon Bay and is a seven phase trail system.

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