Barkley Sound is considered the most popular recreation area on the west coast of Vancouver Island attracting sports fisherman, sea kayakers and whale watchers. The Broken Islands are the main focus for sea kayakers. They are a cluster of over 100 islands and islets in the centre of Barkley Sound that provide protected waters and a haven for wildlife. The Deer Group off Bamfield is another popular area known for sea caves, sea lion haul outs and sea bird rookeries. Sports fishing is considered nothing short of spectacular, the waters off the Broken Islands and Bamfield being the prime spots for Coho and Spring salmon. The Alberni Inlet stretches inland from Barkley Sound approximately 40 km, providing an important waterway. This inlet is also an important route for spawning salmon, attracting wildlife and recreational fisherman to the area.