Gibraltar Island Campground

Gibraltar is a designated backcountry campground on the eastern side of the Broken Group Islands in Barkley Sound. It suits paddlers looking for an overnight base while exploring the island group; this isn’t a road-access stop. Nearby paddling draws include Reeks Island’s carved rock face and Jacques-Jarvis Lagoon, with sea caves and rock channels around Gibraltar and Dempster islands for an excursion when conditions suit.

All of the Broken Group Islands are reached by boat. Overnight camping is permitted May 1 through September 30 and requires a reserved backcountry permit; there are no first-come standby spaces. A park entry pass is separate. Sort out your launch and transport before setting out, and check tides and weather because conditions can change quickly. Dogs are not permitted, except service pets.

There’s no potable water on the islands. Parks Canada recommends 4 to 6 litres per person per day, so bring drinking water and food from shore. Solar composting outhouses serve the designated camping areas, and there’s no garbage pickup: pack everything out. Keep food secured from Gibraltar’s chipmunks, which paddlers warn are quick to raid camp food.

The Broken Group lies within Nuu-chah-nulth territories, and some islands hold places of spiritual and cultural significance to Tseshaht and Hupacasath. Leave cultural materials undisturbed.