Broken Group Islands Gear List
The Broken Group Islands are reached by boat and have no drinking water, so Parks Canada says to bring 4 to 6 liters per person per day. Fires depend on bans and tides, and your group must be able to read tide tables.
Water and toilets
Drinking water
Parks Canada says potable water is not available on the islands. Bring 4 to 6 liters per person per day.
Toilets
Solar composting outhouses at designated camping areas, for bodily waste and toilet paper only.
Fires and cooking
Camp stove
The page recommends one for cooking.
Fire rules
Check the fire ban status. When fires are allowed, keep them small and below the high tide line, burn driftwood no thicker than your wrist and never abandon one.
Marine gear Parks Canada recommends
Flotation and signaling
A personal flotation device and whistle.
Navigation
Nautical charts #3670 and #3671 with a waterproof chart bag, a compass, a GPS and a VHF marine radio.
Self-rescue
Paddle floats, towlines, a spare paddle and a repair kit.
Cold water
A wetsuit, drysuit or other immersion gear. Parks Canada gives the water as 7 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Tide tables
Your group must be able to interpret tide tables. Parks Canada names the Canadian Tide and Current Tables for Tofino.
Food storage
Hatches or rodent-proof containers
Store food and garbage inside kayak hatches or in rodent- and crow-proof containers. Never leave food, toothpaste, soap or cookware unattended.
Gear questions for the Broken Group Islands
Is there drinking water in the Broken Group Islands?
No. Parks Canada says potable water is not available on the islands and to bring 4 to 6 liters per person per day.
Do you need a VHF radio for the Broken Group Islands?
Parks Canada lists a VHF marine radio among its recommended kayak and boat gear.
Sources
Checked against the agency page above on October 30, 2026. This page names no products, and it lists what the agency says, in our words. Check the agency page for rules that changed since.
In an emergency in Canada, call 911.