MILL BAY KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Deer Group — Bear Bones Expedition: Sea caves, whale corridors and remote island camping in Barkley Sound
A 5-day sea‑kayak expedition out of Mill Bay exploring the rugged Deer Group islands, wild camping and frequent whale sightings — this guide distills what to expect and how to prepare.
Deer Group — Bear Bones Expedition: Sea caves, whale corridors and remote island camping in Barkley Sound.
The Deer Group sits in Barkley Sound as a quieter sibling to the Broken Group: a scatter of islands where private, crown and First Nation lands mingle, shorelines become a maze of sea caves and arches, and camps are often unregulated and wild. Orca and humpback whales commonly cross Trevor Channel into the archipelago before the expedition’s first campsite; from there paddlers move through the complex, rugged coasts of Tzartus and Fleming Islands toward the sea‑cave country of Edward King Island and, when conditions allow, the sea‑lion colony on Folger Island at the southern end of the chain.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Whale crossings in Trevor Channel
Before reaching the expedition’s first campsite, orca and humpback whales are often seen crossing Trevor Channel — a frequent, dramatic prelude to the island circuit.
Sea caves and arches of Edward King Island
Edward King Island offers some of the trip’s most striking geology: labyrinthine sea caves and sculpted arches that reward careful paddling and exploration at the waterline.
Wild, unregulated island camping
The Deer Group’s islands host a mixture of private, crown and First Nation land, and expeditions make use of wild, unregulated campsites on some of the most beautiful islands in the area.
What the day feels like
How the expedition feels
Expect a compact, five‑day rhythm: crossing open channels where marine mammals gather, slipping into sheltered inlets and rockbound coves, pitching camp on undeveloped shorelines, and probing sea caves and archways when weather and tides permit. The Deer Group can be more exposed than the Broken Group, but the route offers plenty of sheltered paddling so less experienced paddlers can still enjoy the trip — provided they meet the expedition’s non‑negotiable skill requirements.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this expedition suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a 5‑day expedition.
Departures meet at Poett Nook Marina or Bamfield depending on availability.
Participants must be capable of a wet exit and have the skills for assisted and unassisted rescues and rolling; bring personal paddling kit consistent with expedition‑style sea kayaking and overnight camping.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Deer Group — Bear Bones Expedition?
The expedition is 5 days in duration.
Where do we meet for departure?
Meeting locations are Poett Nook Marina or Bamfield, depending on availability.
What paddling skills are required?
A Paddle Canada L2 skill level (or equivalent) is required; a wet exit plus knowledge of assisted and unassisted rescues and rolling is non‑negotiable.
Will we see whales or sea lions on the trip?
Orca and humpback whales are often seen crossing Trevor Channel before reaching the first campsite, and the itinerary can include a visit to the sea‑lion colony on Folger Island when weather permits.
What kind of camping is involved?
Camping is wild and unregulated on some of the most beautiful islands in the Deer Group, which include a mix of private, crown and First Nation land.
Is the Deer Group more exposed than the Broken Group?
Yes — the Deer Group is a little more exposed than the Broken Group, though there is still plenty of sheltered paddling.