No experience is required for our kayak tours! Our adventures are for everyone. Our trips are designed to cater to all levels of experience and abilities. The majority of people who join our tours are first time kayakers. All that we ask is that you welcome adventure with an open mind and are able to laugh and have fun when encountering the unexpected.

No. Our adventures are not considered to be strenuous or physically demanding, and we do not require a high level of fitness. We just ask that you are capable of a few hours of moderate exercise each day. Keep in mind that good general health will go a long way if we happen to encounter some strong winds or time restrictions. Most important is an adventurous spirit.

Spirit of the West caters to all ages of adventurers, and the mothership is an especially comfortable environment to base our explorations from. Although we do not have any age restrictions on our day tours we do prefer minimum of 12 years for our multiday tours. For those concerned with being in 'their older years', feel free to contact us to discuss your physical abilities.

Paddling time will vary depending on our destination, the groups abilities, and desires. Generally expect to be on the water between 3-5 hours a day. In our days activities we also like to incorporate some hiking, swimming, beach combing and of course leisure/lounging time.

The kayaks we use on our tours are stable and designed for comfort. Most of the time we travel in double kayaks, which are slightly more stable than the singles. The likelihood of a capsize is minimal, and generally only occurs in an uncommon situation.

If for some reason your kayak flips over, all of our guides have ample practice time on the water with rescue procedures, in order to quickly and efficiently get you back in your boat. At this point we will take you to the nearest shore to change into some warm cozy clothing and carry on with our journey. While we are out on the water, it is of the utmost importance that the group sticks together in the event of a capsize or change of route plan.

Our weather in the Pacific Northwest is generally pleasant from May through until the end of September, and the mothership as always cozy and warm at the end of a day. The temperature will vary slightly depending on which area you visit, but as Johnstone Strait and the Great Bear Rainforest is a little further north and more exposed to weather, these areas tend to have cooler temperatures. Although it is uncommon, it can rain in the summer. The rule of thumb is to be prepared for any type of weather and you will stay comfortable. Layering is the key, for at any time if you need to warm up or cool off while on the water, you simply adjust a layer.

The diversity and abundance of wildlife in the Pacific Northwest is one of our privileges. With river run off from the mountains, ocean currents, tide rips, eddies and upwellings these waters are among the most productive on earth. From the rich marine life of colorful plants and invertebrae, seabirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, mink, otter, seals, sea lions, dolphins, and whales, to the land animals of deer, raccoons, cougars, wolves and bears, we are bound to see something. For those with an eye for eagles take note that they are most prominent in the earlier months before the salmon migration in the late summer/early fall. Depending on which tour you take, some areas offer more wildlife opportunities than others. Inquire if you would like to know what sort of wildlife you might see on your tour.

Our tours are all inclusive. We supply the kayaks and related gear (paddles, spray skirts, lifejackets etc.), gourmet food, bedding and shower towels, plus wine with the evening meal. Please see our packing list for more details.

We have both 110 VAC North American-style plug outlets and 12 VDC cigarette-lighter style systems aboard with ample power for charging camera batteries and related equipment.

We provide a couple of bottles of wine with dinner, but you may wish to bring a selection of your favourite beverages to enjoy (in moderation) in the evenings.

There are five private cabins which accommodate two guests each. Three of the staterooms have double beds for couples and two of them have single bunks for single passengers. There are three toilets and two showers shared between the five staterooms.

In general it is never a problem. On the Great Bear/Goose Islands tour we make one forty-five minute crossing (aboard the Columbia III) out to the Goose Islands where it can be a bit rolly, although we have never had anyone find it a problem.

We carry one spare single kayak for just that purpose. Usually we start everyone out in the doubles, but as the week goes on, we can swap around so everyone gets to try what they want.