Orca kayaking and camping tour, Canada

Planet

RESPONSIBLE PRACTICES WHILE KAYAKING & CAMPING
In the field, we are committed to conducting ourselves in the most responsible manner possible – this goes above and beyond mere camping practices to include all of the elements below.

Leave No Trace - We practice minimum impact camping in order to preserve the nature of the coast. Human waste is dealt with in the most appropriate manner for the location we’re in, soap use in freshwater lakes and streams is not permitted, and at our campsites, we keep our ‘footprint’ as small as possible by keeping to established tent sites and trails. Our food is stored out of the reach of any curious animals so as to not alter their natural behavior.

Wild & Free - We respect wildlife and believe in their right to exist without harassment, and while we treasure all sightings, we maintain a healthy distance. We also abide by all (whale-watching guidelines) and try not to ever disturb wildlife from their normal behavior.

Stronger Together - We are founding members of the (North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association) (NIMMSA) which was established to ensure best practices and responsible wildlife viewing standards for tourism operators.
Respecting Traditional Territories- We have established some protocol agreements and are working to establish others with First Nations groups whose traditional territories we travel in.

CARBON CONSCIOUS
Every season we seek new ways we can reduce our company’s carbon footprint. Here are some of the steps we have taken so far:
Powered by the Sun - We use solar panels to provide electricity at our basecamps.
Back-to-Back tours - Vans and water taxis are never empty.
Thighs of Steel - We have an e-bike and trailer to run local errands on Quadra.
Waste Not! - In order to minimize food waste, we follow-up with guests with dietary restrictions so that we can custom pack for each tour.
Garden Gold - We compost all organic waste produced on both our tours and from our base.

People

COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
We deeply value the local communities in which we operate, live, and work.

Quadra’s Own - Through purchasing locally and hiring local staff where possible we support those around us. We also work with local accommodation providers ensuring that the money generated by the stay of our guests’ benefits the local community.

1% For The Planet - Through our membership, we donate to local non-profit environmental groups such as the (Sierra Club of Quadra) and the Quadra Island Salmon Enhancement Society. These organizations work tirelessly to promote a healthy environment and protect sensitive ecosystems in the Quadra Island area and beyond.

In-Kind Support - We volunteer our services and resources (through labour, vehicles, boats or kayaks, and vegetables from our garden) for various community events.

Equal Opportunity Employer - We do not discriminate based on sex, race, class, sexual orientation, etc. (The same goes for our guests; everyone is welcome at Spirit of the West.)