What
sets us apart from other tour operators? Probably the most
significant fact is we live here ? our guides know every
inch of the coast because for the most part, they've grown
up on the local waters, and spent summers and winters scouting
campsites, studying tides, upgrading their leadership, kayaking
and outdoor skills, and learning coastal lore. This knowledge
is yours to share.
Our
company has built a well deserved reputation for delivering
quality and satisfaction by taking care of guest's needs first,
listening to their desires, comments and suggestions, and building our
different trips to please a variety of paddling requirements. We have
4 basic trip styles to keep you happy, with variable lengths to suit
your time commitments. Each has been developed over the years based on
feedback from our guests and guides.
Day
Trips are a good way to try kayaking for the first time, or get on
the water if you are visiting the area. Half day or full day trips let
you explore Quadra Island1s coastline, and we offer pick-up from the
ferry or any location on the Island.
Overnight
Expeditions to a number of destinations allow you to travel
through new territory each day and camp in different locations on your
trip. This is classic kayaking at it1s best, through some of the most
beautiful marine environments in the world.
Base
Camping in Johnstone Strait introduces you to a level of
wilderness luxury only dreamed about...probably while lying cold and
wet and hungry in a crowded tent. Our permanent camp features large
tents with platforms, gourmet bush kitchen, and the world1s largest
Orca reserve as a next door neighbor.
Mothership
Tours combine luxury and adventure. Our lovingly restored 95ft
WWII era vessel features private cabins, a gourmet cook, and a captain
and crew ready to take you and a small group into the coastal
wilderness on the voyage of a lifetime. Did we mention the hot tub on
the afterdeck...
In this
web site, we've presented an overview of our different guided tours,
each specially designed to satisfy the adventurer wanting something a
little different out of their vacation, looking for the road less
paddled.
Is this
going to be Fun?
In a word, "YES!" Our goal on any trip, from a half day
excursion to a week long expedition to the West Coast, is to get you
out on the water and ensure everyone is having a good time. Reasonable
fitness, a love of the outdoors, and a sense of adventure are our only
pre-qualifications; our guides will help you develop your kayaking
skills on the trip.
Many are
first-timers; if that’s a concern, don’t worry. You’ll visit
some of the most beautiful locations on earth, meet great
new friends, enjoy fabulous meals, and have a memorable vacation.
Just remember, we’re visiting with mother nature...If you’ve
got any concerns, just ask.
Meals
Modesty prevents us from bragging about the food you will eat on
our trips (whoever thought guides could double as gourmet bush chefs?)
so we’ll let our guests do it for us...you will never go hungry when
traveling with Spirit of the West!
(Random
quotes from our survey forms)
The
food was the best I had on any of the 6 different multi-day trips I
did while vacationing in Canada A 10!
Appreciated
the vegetarian options and the gourmet desserts. Meals were top
quality, always had snacks.
As
good as any restaurant... Even with all the talk of food in the
brochure, it was better than expected.
Tour
Groups
We accommodate singles, couples, families, or groups on our trips.
You’ll meet interesting people like yourself from all over the
globe, who share a spirit of adventure, a love of nature, and a sense
of humour. Expect to meet some great new friends.
Age
You are never to young or old to learn how to kayak, however....we
recommend 12 for kids, and as for the other end of the equation...if you're
old enough to wonder if you can still do it...give us a call. You
might be surprised.
Kayaks
and Equipment
We like to stay current with the top equipment in the business. In
many cases, we have gear that hasn’t hit the store yet. We feature a
mixture of single and double kayaks, with ample room for trip
supplies. We go 2 per tent, singles will be accommodated where
possible. We’ll give you a check list of personal items when you
book.
Weather
Although the regions we kayak in have generally moderate and
temperate weather in spring, summer, and early fall, we can experience
extreme heat, rain, or wind sometimes in one day. Sorry, our slice
of paradise didn’t come with a climate control knob...be prepared.
(We can help you pick the right type of clothing to bring)
Safety
& Guest Responsibility
Although no previous kayaking experience is required on our tours,
as with any adventure there is always an element of risk. While our
trips are not considered to be strenuous or physically demanding, and
we do not require a high level of fitness, good general physical
condition is necessary. If you have any physical limitations or
concerns please let us know. As we are not qualified to evaluate your
level of fitness we ask that you (and possibly along with your doctor)
determine whether or not you are able to join one of our adventures.
We just ask that you welcome your adventure with an open mind and be
able to laugh and have fun when encountering the unexpected.
Spirit
of the West is dedicated to providing safe, environmentally
sensitive, well organized, fun-filled adventures.
