Spirit of the West Adventures has been approved as a “Safe Travel” tour operator by the World Travel & Tourism Council.
The ‘Safe Travels Stamp’ is an international designation awarded to businesses that have implemented health and hygiene protocols that are aligned with WTTC’s Safe Travels Protocols – so you can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
As a certified Safe Travels Operator, we take our responsibilities seriously and remain committed to keeping our guests, our staff and the communities in which we operate, safe. We will continue to meet and exceed all public health guidance in regard to COVID safety measures.
Thanks in advance for your cooperation. We really appreciate your support in our efforts to keep everyone healthy and happy.
See you on the water,
Breanne Quesnel, Rick Snowdon & the entire Spirit of the West Team
Keeping You Safe so You can Focus On FUN and relaxation!
We Take Care of the Details
Spirit of the West Adventures took the lead in developing the best practices for the sea kayaking sector in British Columbia. This robust plan and procedures combined with extensive training for staff and physical infrastructure all help us to manage COVID safety. We have a proven safety record – and have been operating throughout the pandemic without incident.
*Please note not all policies are still in place due to the close of the Federal Public Health State of Emergency.
Kayaking – The Perfect Way to have a safe vacation
SMALL GROUPS & PLENTY OF SPACE
Maximum group size of 9 – 12 guests. The mantra of our public health office throughout COVID has been fewer faces and open spaces – and we deliver. There is plenty of space for all guests to spread out and enjoy the open-air/outdoor campsites and facilities. While tents are typically based on double occupancy, we will do our best to provide private tents for those travelling on their own (please contact us to reserve in advance).
ENHANCED CLEANING
Sanitation and hygiene are always important in a group setting. In addition to our usual thorough hygiene measures, we have added additional precautions, further cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment.
Prepared & Trained Guides with 24/7 Support
Our guide team members hold advanced certifications in kayaking guiding, wilderness first-aid, VHF radio operation, and bring a wealth of experience to all they do. They also receive thorough training regarding the prevention and management of possible COVID-19. This includes our protocols for evacuation should that be necessary. Our staff adheres to all public health guidance and regulations.
PERSONAL HYGIENE & SANITATION
We have made even more opportunities for ensuring good hygiene practices, including the installation of additional sinks with touch-free faucets at our basecamps and portable handwashing set-ups for our expedition-style tours. Hand sanitizer is also available in various locations. All staff and guests will be reminded to hand wash at various times throughout the day. Our Whales & Wilderness Glamping, Johnstone Strait Ultimate, and Ultimate Family Adventure base camping style tours now also have private composting toilets for each tent.
MAINTAINING DISTANCE
Wide-open spaces and open-air camp facilities allow us plenty of space to maintain physical distancing while relaxing and enjoying.
Meal Preparation & Outdoor Dining
Our guides are FoodSafe certified and follow the recommended health and safety guidelines for food service. Our team will maintain excellent hygiene while handling, preparing and serving food.
Transportation
In addition to thorough and enhanced cleaning, we have strategically chosen meeting locations and times that support guests travelling in personal vehicles to and from your trip. By travelling in your own personal vehicle to and from the tour, we eliminate one of the only places physical distancing cannot be maintained.
TRAVEL PREPARED & RESPONSIBLY
We will provide information before you depart to help ensure that you are prepared for your journey and up-to-date on the latest ways to help keep you and the communities through which you pass safe.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Your deposit for our tours that take place in Canada is refundable up to 60 days prior to your tour departure date, less an admin fee. To learn more about our Terms and Conditions.
We have also done extensive research into Travel Insurance and are happy to help you find the right coverage to protect your travel investment in this ever-changing world. Travel Insurance makes travel less financially risky in these unsettled times so you can just focus on having fun and enjoying your vacation.
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of how we do our very best to keep you safe. Please do let us know if you have any questions or would like more details.