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Derived
from a specialized Inuit hunting vessel, the modern sea kayak
is light, strong, stable, and easy to operate. Originally
designed for the high arctic, the single or double kayak has
become the preferred boating method for individuals who wish
to travel on the water with minimal environmental impact. ItÍs
shallow draft and maneuverability allow it to navigate where
other vessels cannot go, and pass almost silently among the
creatures who share the earth and ocean with us.
Nowhere
are these attributes better illustrated than during a guided
Spirit of the West sea kayaking adventure tour on the
coast of Vancouver
Island.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
n 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.
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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 thatÍs a concern, donÍt worry. YouÍll visit some
of the most beautiful locations on earth, meet great new friends,
enjoy fabulous meals, and have a memorable vacation. Just
remember, weÍre visiting with mother nature...If youÍve got any
concerns, just ask.
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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 weÍll let our guests do it for
us...you will never go hungry when traveling with Spirit of the
West!
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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.
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Tour
Groups
We accommodate singles, couples, families, or groups
on our trips. YouÍll 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.
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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.
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Kayaks and
Equipment
We like to stay current with the top equipment in
the business. In many cases, we have gear that hasnÍt 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. WeÍll give you a check list of
personal items when you book.
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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 didnÍt come
with a climate control knob...be prepared. (We can help you pick
the right type of clothing to bring)
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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.
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Spirit of
the West is dedicated to providing safe, environmentally
sensitive, well organized, fun-filled adventures.
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