Spirit of the West Adventures

Spirit of the West Adventures Kayaking Tours in British Columbia's Coastal Paradise - Book your Adventure today! International tours in Chile, Bahamas and Greenland
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Our 2024 Photo Contest 2nd Place Winner is... Calum Maclean 🌟✨⁠⁠Here is his magical moment: ⁠"Whale!" The cry echoed aro...
11/06/2024

Our 2024 Photo Contest 2nd Place Winner is... Calum Maclean 🌟✨⁠

Here is his magical moment:

⁠"Whale!" The cry echoed around camp. Guests all rushed to the rocks, hopping out of the hot tub, and carrying cameras. At first distant, the fins got closer. As they surfaced, we heard the unmistakable blows of air. They glided closer to the camp, first heading East before reversing direction. The calm, quiet waters of the Johnstone Strait carried the sound to our ears.

One fin looked smaller than the rest. Was it? Could it be? Yes! A pod of Orcas. Some of the group, now giddy with happiness, shouted: "There's three of them, or maybe four!"

The guides all rushed over, dinner prep paused, for at least a few minutes. Gazing as a group, we were now all invested in this one moment. Our guide Cait threw up her hands, 'Yes!'

The shared experience, to see these creatures, at home, on their own terms was a joy. A joy to live long in the memory.”

Congratulations, Calum! You have won a $500 gift certificate towards a future Spirit of the West Adventures trip. 🐋🫶🏼💫

📍: Johnstone Strait Ultimate, Johnstone Strait BC
📸 : guest Calum Maclean

- Spirit of the West Adventures paddles in and acknowledges the traditional, unceded territory of the 'Namgis, Mamalilikulla, and Ławitsis nations during this tour.



https://www.kayakingtours.com/2024/11/2024-photo-contest-highlights/

Our 2024 Photo Contest 3rd Place Winner is... Hendrik Schulze Kalthoff 🌟✨After a record-breaking amount of entries, we a...
11/05/2024

Our 2024 Photo Contest 3rd Place Winner is... Hendrik Schulze Kalthoff 🌟✨

After a record-breaking amount of entries, we are so thrilled to finally announce the three lucky winners of the 2024 Photo Contest— starting with our 3rd Place Winner, Hendrik.

"The light was magical out there in Nuchatlitz."

Congratulations, Hendrik! You have won a $250 gift certificate towards a future Spirit of the West trip. 🐋🫶🏼💫

Stay tuned to see our 1st + 2nd place winners next week!

📍: Nuchatlitz Expedition, west coast Vancouver Island BC
📸 : Hendrik Schulze Kalthoff

- Spirit of the West Adventures paddles through and acknowledges the traditional, unceded territory of the Nuu-chah-nulth nation during this tour.



https://www.kayakingtours.com/2024/11/2024-photo-contest-highlights/

Did you know Spirit of the West offers our very own newsletter subscription? 💌Stay in the loop on all things paddling, t...
11/01/2024

Did you know Spirit of the West offers our very own newsletter subscription? 💌

Stay in the loop on all things paddling, tour availability, our sustainability efforts, exclusive behind-the-scenes content + **new!** special member-only online events you won't want to miss!

Join our amazing community of people who have a shared passion for paddling and our natural world. 🐋🌲🫶🏼

Sound like something you want to be part of? Head to the link below to sign up now!

*HINT: There may be an upcoming online event related to something in this photo...👀

📍: Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Blackfish Sound BC
📸 : guest Tom Warshawski

- Spirit of the West Adventures paddles in and acknowledges the traditional, unceded territory of the 'Namgis, Mamalilikulla, and Ławitsis nations during this tour.

https://www.kayakingtours.com/about-spirit-of-the-west-adventures/newsletter-sign-up/

As we get closer to announcing our 2024 Photo Contest winner, we wanted to reminisce on last years winning submission th...
10/30/2024

As we get closer to announcing our 2024 Photo Contest winner, we wanted to reminisce on last years winning submission that resonated with our whole team. 🫶🏼🌟💫

Tyler's magical moment:

"This picture was taken our first full day out on the water. I was all excited to go see the humpbacks, and I couldn't wait to see the bald eagles. Those were the big, majestic animals that I don't get to see really ever where I live. As we set out, there was this rock absolutely covered in seagulls. I get to see seagulls all the time out where I live, so I didn't really think much of it. As we got closer, I decided to just get my camera out and use the seagulls to get my settings adjusted for the lighting. ⁠

Suddenly, all the seagulls took off. I snapped this picture as they were taking off, but then I put the camera away and just sat there watching the seagulls. These were animals I wasn't even planning to pay attention to, and then in this moment they transformed into a beautiful scene of birds flying all around us with the fog slowly lifting off the water. ⁠

It was beautiful, and it was a moment that I was ready to write it off as just something commonplace. This photo has become a reminder to me that beauty in nature, that awe-inspiring moment, doesn't have to come from what we expect to be amazing like the whales or the eagles (though we did have plenty of amazing experiences with those, too), but it can come from the everyday moments that we tend to overlook. ⁠

This photo is my reminder to be open to seeing the beauty that's around me every single day and in the small moments because that's often where we find happiness and peace."⁠

We cannot wait to announce this year's winners and showcase all the magical moments that our wonderful guests took the time to share with us!

Stay tuned... ✨

📍: Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Blackfish Sound BC
📸 : guest Tyler Rablin

- Spirit of the West Adventures paddles in and acknowledges the traditional, unceded territory of the 'Namgis, Mamalilikulla, and Ławitsis nations during this tour.

https://www.kayakingtours.com/kayak-trips/

Imagine resting your head under a blanket of twinkling stars, surrounded by nothing but the sounds of the natural world....
10/25/2024

Imagine resting your head under a blanket of twinkling stars, surrounded by nothing but the sounds of the natural world. 🪐🌲🌛

Not only is our Johnstone Strait Ultimate basecamp known to be in the heart of whale territory, it is also protected from any light pollution— allowing an opportunity for your best stargazing dreams to come true.

Head to the link below to begin dreaming up your 2025 adventure now. 💫

📍: Johnstone Strait Ultimate, Johnstone Strait BC
📸 : guest

- Spirit of the West Adventures paddles in and acknowledges the traditional, unceded territory of the 'Namgis, Mamalilikulla, and Ławitsis nations during this tour.

https://www.kayakingtours.com/kayak-trips/british-columbia-kayak-tours/kayaking-killer-whales/

Postcards from Chilean Patagonia 💌🐋✨“An absolute thrill to travel with Spirit of the West. All info and logistics were b...
10/23/2024

Postcards from Chilean Patagonia 💌🐋✨

“An absolute thrill to travel with Spirit of the West. All info and logistics were bang on. All details dealt with. Guides knowledge was wide and varied. Ultra friendly. Didn’t want to leave!

Highlights were: chances for extra paddling, jaiba (crab) feast on aft deck, thermal beach, cordero (lamb) on beach, and Isla Kent. An incredible blending of wild Patagonia and the warm comforts of home. Spirit of the West manages to capture them all. An incredible experience!” - guest Darrel 🏔️

2025 DATES:
〰️ January 11th-22nd (2 spaces remaining)
〰️ January 29th-February 16th (SOLD OUT)
〰️ February 20th-March 3rd (4 spaces remaining)

Ready to experience it for yourself? Head to the link below to learn more or email [email protected] to book your adventure now. 💫

📍: Ultimate Patagonia Mothership, Chile 🇨🇱
📸 : Spirit of the West Adventures

https://www.kayakingtours.com/kayak-trips/chile/

"Everything else is downstream." - Ecological Proverb 🐟️🌲🐋✨Spirit of the West Adventures has been a proud 1% For the Pla...
10/21/2024

"Everything else is downstream." - Ecological Proverb 🐟️🌲🐋✨

Spirit of the West Adventures has been a proud 1% For the Planet member since 2007. As part of our commitment, we donate 1% of our sales (not just profits) to organizations dedicated to protecting and preserving the environment.

Over the years, we have donated over $143,000 to many amazing non-profit organizations devoted to protecting BC’s west coast. This wouldn't be possible without the incredible support of our guests, who also value our company mission and want to be mindful of their impacts on the environment.

We are so thrilled to share that we have donated a $3,000 gift certificate to this year's auction! This is a phenomenal chance for our guests to bid on a future trip while supporting a great cause.

This gift certificate can be used towards any of our tours in British Columbia, the Bahamas, or Chile.

Head to the link below to access the 2024 Auction now! 💚

📍: Whales & Wilderness Expedition, Broughton Archipelago BC
📸 :

- Spirit of the West Adventures paddles in and acknowledges the traditional, unceded territory of the ‘Namgis, Mamalilikulla, Kwikwasut’inuxw, Ławitsis, and Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw nations during this tour.

https://event.auctria.com/5250f8fa-8df9-4e71-8325-a6f673462ef4/a780d600ec2e11e9ae081db830846aa5?2bd25550ec3411e98fdeb3a273cf08d8/q=spirit%20of%20the%20&2bd25550ec3411e98fdeb3a273cf08d8/currentPage=0&2bd25550ec3411e98fdeb3a273cf08d8/selectedItem=cbd4d06e-d419-46ee-b672-689a6e769f3b

The photos are phenomenal, but who will win the "Sea Huggers Choice" award? 🌊🐚Living Oceans is an incredible locally-run...
10/19/2024

The photos are phenomenal, but who will win the "Sea Huggers Choice" award? 🌊🐚

Living Oceans is an incredible locally-run (founded in Sointula on Malcolm Island!) organization focused on marine conservation, ocean planning, marine debris clean-ups, sustainable harvesting, and much more.

Spirit of the West Adventures is proud to have supported the 2024 photo contest through their amazing prize packages. Support by voting for your favourite photo and help choose one lucky winner!

Head to the link below to view the entire gallery + vote now. 🩵

https://www.flickr.com/photos/findingcoral/albums/72177720320774101/with/54035447747

Great Exuma Island, where our warm water adventure begins + ends. 🌴🌈🐠The Exuma Cays are an archipelago made up of 365 is...
10/18/2024

Great Exuma Island, where our warm water adventure begins + ends. 🌴🌈🐠

The Exuma Cays are an archipelago made up of 365 islands, which are primarily uninhabited sandy cays, pristine sandbars and quiet solitude.

Throughout the southern portion of these Cays where our expeditions take place, we move through a mixture of mangrove and beach habitats, snorkel amongst colourful reefs, paddle on crystal blue waters + explore the shorelines of endless white-sand beaches! ☀️

2025 DATES:
〰️ February 27th-March 4th (1 space remaining)
〰️ March 8th-13th (5 spaces remaining)
〰️ March 17th-22nd (8 spaces remaining)

Head to the link below to learn more now. 💌

📍: Southern Exuma Cays, the Bahamas 🇧🇸
📸 : Spirit of the West Adventures / .al

https://www.kayakingtours.com/kayak-trips/the-bahamas/kayaking-exumas/

Today is your LAST CHANCE to enter our 2024 Photo + Video Contest! 🤩We are so excited to see all of the incredible submi...
10/15/2024

Today is your LAST CHANCE to enter our 2024 Photo + Video Contest! 🤩

We are so excited to see all of the incredible submissions from this summer and select one special winner who will receive a $1,000 gift certificate towards a future adventure with us. ✨

Want it to be you? Head to the link below to submit your magical moment now!

📍: Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Blackfish Sound BC
📸 : guide

- Spirit of the West Adventures paddles in and acknowledges the traditional, unceded territory of the 'Namgis, Mamalilikulla, and Ławitsis nations during this tour.

https://www.kayakingtours.com/news-media/photocontest/

Johnstone Strait: where every unmistakeable exhale is a reminder of the wild beauty that surrounds us. ✨What makes this ...
10/13/2024

Johnstone Strait: where every unmistakeable exhale is a reminder of the wild beauty that surrounds us. ✨

What makes this area so significant? Spanning thousands of years and with help from numerous complex processes such as glaciation, volcanic activity and more, Johnstone Strait as we know it today was eventually formed. Known for its deepwater channels carved out by glacial sheets in the last ice age, it serves as bountiful habitat for a rich variety of species throughout the area.

But why? The combination of its depth, cold ocean temperatures, and large tidal cycles makes for some of the most productive, oxygen-rich water on earth! With each tidal exchange, significant nutrients that often settle deep on the ocean floor get stirred up into the upper levels of the water column.

This provides a steady and robust supply of food for the many species of all sizes that move throughout these waters, including the incredibly well-researched populations of Biggs (transient) + Northern Resident killer whales.

Head to the link below now to learn all about the wilderness + wildlife of coastal BC. 🌲💧🫶🏼

📍: Johnstone Strait Ultimate, Johnstone Strait BC
📸 : - captured with telephoto lens

- Spirit of the West Adventures paddles in and acknowledges the traditional, unceded territory of the 'Namgis, Mamalilikulla, and Ławitsis nations during this tour.

https://www.kayakingtours.com/wilderness-and-wildlife-of-coastal-bc/

The Matriarchs of the Pacific💧🩵✨"While paddling in the emerald waters of Johnstone Strait, I wondered what impact my gra...
10/08/2024

The Matriarchs of the Pacific💧🩵✨

"While paddling in the emerald waters of Johnstone Strait, I wondered what impact my grandmother had had in my life, in that of my mother too, and of course, also in the lives of my two sisters and my nieces..."

In this very special issue dedicated to women, editor-in-chief Frédérique Sauvée— who joined us on a Johnstone Strait Ultimate basecamp tour last summer, explored a unique analogy between human beings and orca.

Head to the link below to read the whole (French) article now! 💫

📍: Johnstone Strait Ultimate, Johnstone Strait BC
📸 : Cover image - Dave Hartman

- Spirit of the West Adventures paddles in and acknowledges the traditional, unceded territory of the 'Namgis, Mamalilikulla, and Ławitsis nations during this tour.

https://issuu.com/mountainlifemedia/docs/vem-ete-2024

Where every sunrise brings the promise of new adventures on the water. 🦅🌲✨Our 2025 dates are filling quickly— head to th...
10/06/2024

Where every sunrise brings the promise of new adventures on the water. 🦅🌲✨

Our 2025 dates are filling quickly— head to the link below to secure your coastal kayaking experience now.

📍: Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Blackfish Sound BC
📸 : chef

- Spirit of the West Adventures paddles in and acknowledges the traditional, unceded territory of the 'Namgis, Mamalilikulla, and Ławitsis nations during this tour.

https://www.kayakingtours.com/kayak-trips/british-columbia-kayak-tours/

Do you want the chance to win a $1,000 gift certificate towards a future adventure with us? 🤩✨Our annual photo + video c...
10/02/2024

Do you want the chance to win a $1,000 gift certificate towards a future adventure with us? 🤩✨

Our annual photo + video contest is open for two more weeks and we've been loving all the submissions received so far! This is YOUR opportunity to showcase your most impactful moments from the 2024 kayaking season. ⁠

Seeing our tours through your eyes, reading stories that resonate + hearing about the lasting memories that are created out there is nothing short of magic.

Head to the link below to submit your special memory now! Contest deadline is October 15th. 💚

📍: Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Blackfish Sound BC
📸 : guide

- Spirit of the West Adventures paddles in and acknowledges the traditional, unceded territory of the 'Namgis, Mamalilikulla, and Ławitsis nations during this tour.

https://www.kayakingtours.com/news-media/photocontest/

Today, September 30th, is National Day for Truth & Reconciliation in Canada. To honour and hold space for Canada's Indig...
09/30/2024

Today, September 30th, is National Day for Truth & Reconciliation in Canada. To honour and hold space for Canada's Indigenous peoples and the hardships they have faced throughout our colonial history, our office will be closed today to reflect on the role we have and how to best use it to elevate Indigenous voices and culture as part of our commitment to the ongoing process of reconciliation.

We will spend today, and days yet to come, listening to, learning from, and creating space for Indigenous groups both here on Vancouver Island and across Canada. 🧡

If you or someone you know requires support or mental health resources, please reach out to the 24-hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. ⁠

📍: Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Blackfish Sound BC
📸 : owner Breanne Quesnel

- Spirit of the West acknowledges and operates in the unceded traditional territory of the We Wai Kai, Homalco, Klahoose, Mamalilikulla-Qwe'Qwa'Sot'Em, 'Namgis, Ławitsis, Kwikwasut’inuxw, Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw, Nuu-chah-nulth and Heiltsuk First Nations.

https://nctr.ca/

Ready to trade the winter blues for breathtaking views? Join us on a paddling adventure like no other in Chilean Patagon...
09/28/2024

Ready to trade the winter blues for breathtaking views? Join us on a paddling adventure like no other in Chilean Patagonia! 🌲💧⛰️

What makes this tour so special? 🌟

Unique mode of travel:
〰️ Travelling by mothership allows for more access to remote paddling areas that few folks are lucky to reach! Plus, nothing compares to relaxing on our cozy vessel after a day of adventuring on the water. ⛴️

Small group w/ immersive itinerary:
〰️ Our small groups (8 guests max) means we have the flexibility to meet the needs of the whole group. We have found this is the perfect size to slow down and connect with nature + those around you, whether it's loved ones or newfound friends. 🫶🏼

Captivating landscapes + wildlife:
〰️ Each day brings a new sight, from rugged glaciers and volcanoes to deep fjords and expansive vistas! The areas we paddle in are home to diverse wildlife such as penguins, albatross, whales, dolphins, porpoises and (on our 19-day itinerary only) even the world's largest mammal, the blue whale. 🐋

Quality time in nature:
〰️ Soak in remote hot springs, stargaze, paddle amidst dramatic landscapes + swim in bioluminescence. You'll have the flexibility to partake in activities or opt for relaxing in the remote beauty instead. 🌅

Chilean hospitality:
〰️ Your adventure begins at a family-run hotel in Santiago before venturing into Patagonian wilderness w/ a local crew aboard our chartered expedition vessel. You'll even get the chance to sample Chilean wine and cuisine throughout your trip and make a special stop at our captains estancia (ranch)! 💙

Will we see you down there? Head to the link below to book now! 🏔️

📍: Ultimate Patagonia Mothership, Chile 🇨🇱
📸 : Spirit of the West Adventures

https://www.kayakingtours.com/kayak-trips/chile/

Did you hear? Our 2025 BAHAMAS dates are live! 🌴🐠✨Here are 🖐🏼 things you'll love about this warm water paradise: 〰️ Esca...
09/27/2024

Did you hear? Our 2025 BAHAMAS dates are live! 🌴🐠✨

Here are 🖐🏼 things you'll love about this warm water paradise:

〰️ Escape the crowds:
Get the chance to paddle through hidden cays and relax on remote sandy beaches that are too shallow for larger tour boats to access. Enjoy breathtaking views + dazzling clear waters without the bustle of tourist crowds. 💧

〰️ Unique landscapes + wildlife:
Explore mangrove forests, beach habitats, reefs, old sea salt collecting flats while keeping an eye out for local wildlife such as tropical birds, fish, dolphins, stingrays, sea turtles, iguanas + more. 🐬

〰️ Balance of adventure + relaxation:
While we paddle and camp in new spots each day, we always ensure plenty of time is carved out to lounge in the sand, go for a beach walk, swim or snorkel. 🏖️

〰️ Remote + immersive:
Travelling by kayak allows us to access remote wilderness adreas, offering an intimate and immersive sense of place. We're lucky to be one of the very few folks who offer paddling trips in this part of the Bahamas! ☀️

〰️ Expert guides leading the way:
Our amazing guides enrich each trip with an impressive breadth of knowledge and expertise. We're consistently told how enjoyable it is to travel + learn alongside them. 🩵

Ready to see it for yourself? Head to the link below to book now.

📍: Southern Exuma Cays, the Bahamas 🇧🇸
📸 : guide .al

https://www.kayakingtours.com/kayak-trips/the-bahamas/kayaking-exumas/

And just like that, the sun has set on another unforgettable summer here on BC's coast. 🌞✨As our 2024 season comes to a ...
09/24/2024

And just like that, the sun has set on another unforgettable summer here on BC's coast. 🌞✨

As our 2024 season comes to a close, we wanted to extend a massive THANK YOU to our guests for choosing us! We are honoured to share this phenomenal coast with you all and we hope your time on the water with us can be reminisced on for years to come.

To our invaluable team— WOW! Every summer we are blown away by the enthusiasm, big dream ideas, and stewardship you all bring to the team. Spirit of the West Adventures would not be what it is without all of you. 💚

Are you ready to experience a new adventure? Join us this winter down in Patagonia, Chile or the Bahamas! Head to the link in our bio or email [email protected] now for more details.🌴🏔️☀️

📍: Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Blackfish Sound BC
📸 :

- Spirit of the West Adventures paddles in and acknowledges the traditional, unceded territory of the 'Namgis, Mamalilikulla, and Ławitsis nations during this tour.

https://www.kayakingtours.com/kayak-trips/chile/

Address

1313 Cramer Road
Quathiaski Cove, BC
V0P1H0

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

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