+ What time and where does the van meet each morning?

We are happy to pick people up at their hotel, B&B or campground within Port Hardy before 8:30am, please provide us the name of your accommodation when you book so that our Van can pick you up.

If you are driving from the surrounding area, we will meet you at Kwa'lilas Hotel at 9040 Granville Street.

+ Is food provided on the trip?

We typically carry an assortment of snacks, fruit and water but recommend hikers pack their own hardy lunch and a few snacks as well. Please bring your own water bottle, we have extras but are eager to lower our environmental impact by using fewer plastic water bottles. We usually eat lunch at the beach, so bring a backpack to carry your lunch and water.

+ Do we go rain or shine?

Yes! We love the west coast in all types of weather. The only time we may make a slight change or cancel is for extreme wind.

+ What kind of safety gear is available?

Our guides will carry a satellite phone, a GPS messenger device, and a VHF radio at all times. In the event of an emergency, we will be able to contact our local office, search and rescue, or the coast guard (depending on location).

+ What happens when we reach our destination?

Guests will hike into the beaches with our guides. Once we reach the beach there are several key locations for guests to explore. The most iconic spots to check out are the sea stacks, sea cave and the amazing tidal pools. All of the places we visit are rich with natural and historical diversity.

+ What is the average air & water temperature on northern Vancouver Island?

The average air temperature in the summer is between 20-25 degrees Celsius. Grant Bay can be even hotter in late summer as it has a southern exposure. The water temperature tends to always be cold, and averages between 6-10 degrees Celsius.

+ Will it be high tide or low tide when we visit?

Tides vary daily and season to season. While we know that everyone wants to explore the beach at low tide, it sometimes just isn't possible. To check the tides for your trip dates, we recommend the following sites that show the tides for the week ahead:

Tides Chart Website for an easy to understand and visual chart.

Government of Canada Weekly Tide or Yearly Tide page

+ What thickness of wetsuit should I have for surfing?

During the winter months we recommend a 5/4mm hoodie with booties and gloves. In the summer, a 4/3mm and a 3/2mm can be appropriate (depending on the day). To check out weather and swell predictions, we reccommend using www.windy.com

+ What is the minimum/maximum number of people that can attend each tour?

We require 2 hikers as a minimum for any excursion. Maximum capacity is 10 hikers.

+ Is there an age restriction for tours?

No, but we do ask that everyone attending is comfortably able to hike the well-maintained trail and walk on the sandy beach. Beyond that children are welcomed as long as their parents are always responsible for them. Please contact us before booking if you have any questions about age/limitations for a tour.

+ How physically demanding is the tour?

San Josef Bay is an easy/moderate 45 minute hike each way. There is no elevation change and the trail is very well-maintained. The beach there does require guests to be relatively mobile in order to explore the tidal pools and sea stacks.

+ What do I need to bring?

This will depend on weather, but everyone should wear comfortable hiking boots or running shoes. We always recommend having a rain jacket or wind breaker, backpack and sunscreen. Pro tip - extra socks are worth their extra weight.

+ What about wild animals?

There is a very good chance that you will see a black bear on the drive to the west coast. Black bears, cougars, wolves, deer, and eagles are all part of our local ecosystem and call Northern Vancouver Island home. All of these animals tend to be very shy and do not want to mingle with people. If we do encounter wildlife we will not attempt to feed or engage with them. As guides we are prepared with Bear Bangs and Bear Spray should we come in close contact and require immediate action.

+ What is the cancellation & re-booking policy?

We require 14 days notice of cancelled trips for a full refund. If cancellation happens within 7 days of the tour we will offer guests the opportunity to reschedule. If the trip minimum of two people is not filled by 24 hours before departure we may decide to cancel the trip and will offer a full refund or the opportunity to re-schedule. If the trip is rescheduled due to extreme weather we will provide a full refund.

+ Is there pricing for kids and youth?

We do not offer pricing for children and youth at this time.