Sea kayaking is likely one of the least intrusive ways of travelling through and discovering marine coastal environments. The mobile observation platform kayaks provide is perfectly suited for gaining a greater understanding of inter-tidal dynamics and of the incredible richness in the special places we visit.
Kayaks are quiet. When one travels by kayak to places with low human population density such as those featured on our trips, one must pack all of the supplies and camping equipment required in the kayaks. A “leave no traces policy” is always in effect. We don’t harvest any live shellfish during our trip, preventing further unnecessary pressure on that population. We also request that our guest keep to a minimum their use of beach finds for decorative purposes back home, so other area users are able to enjoy the natural integrity of these places in the years to come.
As many of the food items used during the trips as possible are produced locally, from organic or chemical-free sources. We minimize disturbance in sensitive environments around our campsites though practices like preventing our guests from putting too much pressure on fragile mosses encountered on shore hikes. We tread as lightly as possible. Because we operate in provincial parks and special places, we hold permits that require us to adopt best practices in our activities and policies. At the end of the trips, we recycle as much of the metals, glass and plastics as possible. We will systematically compost what can be composted. All our guides embrace these principles; they are often the first ones to proudly enforce them.
We will choose quality craftsmanship and local suppliers in the equipment we use as much as possible. For instance, all our kayak are manufactured right here on Vancouver Island by Atlantis Kayaks, a family-owned business inspired by passion and excellence. Our spray skirts are made in North Vancouver; the paddle and safety floats are made in Victoria. We will choose garments manufactured by organizations that abide by Fair Trade principles in their supply chain; companies like Vancouver’s Westcomb. The use of better quality products ensures the equipment has a longer life and doesn’t have to be replaced as often.
This local operation supports a number of community organization through financial contributions and mentorships opportunities for students at Camosun College, thereby helping ensure a greater number tourism stakeholders have an appreciation for the principles of responsible tourism on Vancouver Island in the future.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
