Responsible Ecotourism - Respecting Community & Place

We care about this coastal home, and as an ecotourism operator we consciously work toward minimizing our carbon emissions and ecological footprint, while maximizing what we give back to the people and area.

Our success relies on a long-term commitment to one site and location, and our close Aboriginal connections. And this success benefits the community and Ka:'yu:'k't'h' / Che:k:tles7et'h' (Kyuquot - Checleset) Territory.

Responsible Ecotourism: Panorama of the Forest Floor on Vancouver Island
  • With local First Nations ownership and a history of supporting community-based planning, we are committed to local capacity building, education, and training collaboration with the Ka:'yu:'k't'h' & Che:k:tles7et'h' (Kyuquot & Checleset) First Nations people and the Kyuquot community, including apprenticeship training and student employment opportunities.
  • Our BC Park Use Permits and First Nations site use permissions are in place. We actively participate in collaborative discussions about resource use decisions that shape the future of our coast.  This has included participation in the Vancouver Island Land Use Plan, Kyuquot Coastal Plan, and KCFN Economic Development Business Feasibility Study.
    • Dave Pinel and West Coast Expeditions are an excellent example of community-centred leadership and socially sustainable eco-tourism practices.
    Rural Tourism Development in BC, Tourism Research Innovation Project Report, 2008
  • We use high quality and reliable locally-sourced products and services whenever available, suitable, and practical (Kyuquot, Gold River, Campbell River, Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, Vancouver, and British Columbia).
  • We are stewards of Kyuquot and Vancouver Island coastal ecosystems, and strive to share this wilderness ethic, sensitivity, and action with our guests and all other visitors to Spring Island and the Kyuquot area.  This includes involvement with the Volunteer Warden program for Checleset Bay Ecological Reserve, acting as caretakers for the Checleset Bay Important Bird Area, monitoring Beached Bird Surveys for Bird Studies Canada, and active membership in the Wilderness Tourism Association of BC.
  • Our seasonal Wilderness Retreat Base Camp blends with the natural features, uses solar power for minor electrical needs, relies on water conservation practices, and produces minimal waste.
  • We are a local resource for other visitors to Spring Island and the Kyuquot area, happy to share knowledge, suggestions, and safety support whenever needed/requested.
  • We are professionals and leaders in the sea kayaking, eco-adventure, and Aboriginal tourism sectors, continually working with industry associations toward high levels of safety, service, and standards that are healthy, forward-thinking, and of benefit for our staff, guests, service providers, and associated communities.
  • We know that our business success is interwoven with the success of each of the above - and we embrace that challenge!
Sunset over the costal shores of Vancouver Island