Moon Jellyfish in BC
January 5th, 2023
Imagine — more than 500 million years ago, before dinosaurs roamed the land, earth’s oceans were already abundant with peacefully pulsating jellyfish. In coastal British Columbia, one of the most common types of jellies are moon jellyfish, scientifically known as Aurelia aurita. We often see them swimming just beneath the surface of the sea while kayaking in shallow waters…
Sea Wolves of Coastal BC
December 6th, 2022
It’s rare to spot wolves in the wild, let alone ones that leap into the open ocean and swim from one island to the next in search of marine delicacies. Meet the majestic sea wolves of coastal BC. Sea wolves, also known as coastal wolves, are a genetically distinct group of grey wolves unique to the Pacific Northwest. In British…
2022 Photo Contest Highlights
November 15th, 2022
2022 PHOTO & VIDEO CONTEST This summer was a season of abundance: an abundance of take-your-breath-away moments, lasting connections, exceptional paddling days, and appreciation for the world around us. One of the things we love about our annual photo and video contest is the chance to see our trips through your perspective. Thank you to all of our guests for…
Where the Garbage Meets the Sea
December 20th, 2021
I slide my body over the bow of the boat, careful not to catch my coat tails on any hooks or cleats. With my feet dangling, I lower myself onto the slippery shoreline below, trying to judge where the water is shallow enough not to flood my boots. Safely on dry land, I remove my mask and put on my…
Winners of the 2021 Photo Contest
December 14th, 2021
The end of an awesome season… Once the gear has been stacked, the documents filed and the boats have been put to bed, the last task for the Spirit of the West team to complete after a long summer season, is to review the annual submissions to our photo & video contest. This year, even though life felt strange and…
