Broughtons vs. Barkley Sound

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20dauntless

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I've got 2-3 weeks in June most likely and want to see one of these areas. I'll take the C-Dory from Twin Bridges via water to either place. I'll be traveling with a dog who needs regular walking. I'm not interested in fishing and don't care about tying up to docks much. Scenery and wildlife are both important.

Are there other places I should consider in this time frame? I've already been through the Gulf Islands, Howe Sound, Jervis Inlet, and Desolation Sound, although I'd definitely go back to some places if we end up heading to the Broughtons. Any and all advice is appreciated!
 
the only problem with getting to the Barkley sound is the trip around the island. It was discussed at length here in the past, last month?

As long as you have time to wait any weather troubles its a doable run. stops at Victoria and sooke are nice it the weather does not allow a one day trip.

Once there in the sound fuel is available at several places. Lots of uninhabited islands to visit and explore. In June you may see orcas and hump backs. We saw both in may. We where unable to leave the sound for 4 days due to large swells. but on the inside there was plenty to see and lots of bays to hide it. Bring the camera for sure.

If weather permits you can also go north to the next sound or two. not a long run if the weather is good.

The whole trip is dependent on weather far more then the east side areas. As long as you don't have a drop dead date and can fudge factor your return you should be fine.
 
Thanks, Tom. I started a thread about Barkley Sound a few months ago and got lots of good info. I'm more curious now about which area (The Broughtons or Barkley Sound) offers better cruising. Of course, I suspect both are great, but for anyone who has been to both, which one did you prefer? And why?
 
This would be/has been a difficult decision for us. You can't go wrong either way. We love the Broughtons and could go back every year. We love the West Coast of Vancouver Island and really start to miss it if we don't get back at least once every other year.

Ditto what Tom said about the weather on the West Coast. However, if the weather is good, the west side of Vancouver Island is amazing. I wouldn't limit myself to just Barkley Sound. Barkley is very popular and there are a lot of people there for the fishing and kayaking. If you want to get away from people, we like Clayoquot, the next Sound to the north better. Once away from Tofino, there is little tourist traffic. You can be in protected water up to Sidney Inlet and then it's just around the corner to Hesquiat Harbour, which is another remote destination. Making this decision is a good problem to have.
Lyle
 
Thanks for the response, Lyle. I agree that there probably aren't any bad choices to be made. And Clayoquot Sound certainly isn't out of the question. If the weather is good, I'm sure we'll head up there since it's really not that far from Barkley Sound. Ideally I'd have enough time for a trip around Vancouver Island, but I don't think that will happen this summer.

Right now my inclination is to head to the west coast of Vancouver Island. If the departure time comes along and the weather isn't cooperating, we'll head up through the Gulf Islands and to the Broughton's. My biggest concern with the west coast is that we'll be leaving for Africa pretty soon after getting back from the boat trip. I need to finalize Africa plans and see how much time I'll have between the end of the boat trip and the departure Africa to make sure I won't have a problem with weather.

And I'd still love to hear more opinions of the two destinations. All advice is appreciated.
 
I haven't done it, but one of the things on my bucket list is to trip Barkley Sound, but my preference (time, ease?, etc) would be to trailer to Port Alberni (not too far from Naniamo), launch there and go up Alberni Inlet to Barkley Sound. The Inlet is quite lovely, and maybe 20 miles long (don't quote me.) :? We have done that trip on the local freighter Lady Rose -- wonderful!
Rod
 
Let me mention that we took Journey On to both the west coast of Vancouver Isle and the Broughtons last summer (09.) We did it by trailer and ferry as discussed here: Journey On's Travels

Beautiful scenery, and how we ferried, launched the boat and stored the truck.

Would love to go back.

Boris
 
Trailering is out of the questions since we don't own a trailer. Boris, thanks for the link and I look forward to reading your reports on both places. Which one was more enjoyable? If you could only go back to only one, which one would it be?
 
We've launched Cindy Sea at Gold River, traveling Nootka Sound, Esperanza, Kyuquot, Checleset, and on up to the south side of the Brooks Peninsula in two weeks. It was absolutely terrific - very remote and out there. Lots more critters and less civilization than the Broughtons.

We were apparently pretty lucky on the weather, however.
 
We refueled at Kyuquot, but they were not open every day. I'm not sure they're still doing fuel.

I think there's a fuel dock at Zeballos.
 
I have done both, and agree with those who suggest that Broughtons would be a better choice with your time frame. As for trailering--I suspect that if you asked, you would find a C Dory owner who would loan you a trailer for the trip. I would if I was there and had an appropiate trailer available. With the time constraint, it is best to trailer to the West Side of Vancouver Island.
 
With the time constraint, it is best to trailer to the West Side of Vancouver Island.
Click to expand...

We have not done either one yet, but our plans for doing the West Side include launching form Port Alberni, and that has most to do with the dependence on weather being a major factor in getting around the southern tip both ways.

Best wishes in your planning and trip,

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
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