When there are so many companies to choose from - why PRSK?
We all seem to say the same thing...
...and this is often the case as many sea kayak companies on the BC coast do operate in beautiful areas and run their businesses in an ethical manner.
Is there something more?
On this page, I will mention several key reasons why touring with us is a wise and secure decision. The reasons for choosing a particular company will vary from person to person. Some may value the quality of the food we provide while others recognize our local stewardship as a mark of our integrity. Whatever it may be, please read on and at any time, feel free to pick up the phone and call me personally. My name is Adam Vallance - President and Owner of Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. My toll free number is: 1-866-617-4444.
Let's start with one testimonial from our 2004 season:
"We were on the 4 day Desolation Sound Tour last week and want to say that it was great!
"Stephane and Rhonda are excellent guides - they shared their knowledge and made us feel comfortable and safe, while challenging us.
"Not to mention the food. Lots of kayak operators say their food is gourmet, but that usually means just that the ingredients are fresh (as opposed to dried or canned). That's fine. But Stephane's meals were over the top. We have eaten in many restaurants that can't compare. The guy can cook!
"Thank you for a wonderful experience."
Lynda Ackroyd and Peter Hoult
Toronto, Ontario"
Top 10 Reasons to choose Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd.:
1. Amazing Food
To simply say it's delicious does not do it just cause. Our menus are created specifically for each tour to appeal to the tastes of our clients. From there we add in a local and regional flair that goes beyond sustenance and into an experience. We live on the ocean - expect amazingly fresh seafood! Remember, we are appealing to your tastes! This may involve an ethnical flair blended into a regional dish. Add to all this the fact that our food is fresh and very much homemade.
2. We Live Where we Guide!
While many companies offer tours to wide spread destinations, we remain focused on destinations within our local region (click here for overview map). How does this set us apart? We believe guiding a sea kayak tour goes beyond simply leading a group on the ocean. We believe in authentic experiences, we believe in providing the best an area has to offer! Not only are we located "just around the corner" from Desolation Sound Marine Park but we live here year round! This means we know the area well and can share the special features with you. Think local culture, lively marine gardens, quiet campsites, hidden vistas and fascinating history.
3. Permits - we have them!
There are two types of permits company's need for guiding in most areas of British Columbia:
- BC Parks Permit.
If a sea kayak company is guiding into a Provincial Park, they must have a permit from the Provincial Government. To avoid unnecessary problems on your tour, you may want to check that the company you choose to tour with has the appropriate parks permit.
Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. has submitted thorough management plans and received the appropriate permits for guiding in specific provincial parks (eg: Desolation Sound, Copeland Islands Marine Park, and Jedediah Island Marine Park).
- Crown Land Permit (land outside of Parks).
Sea Kayak companies using any land outside of parks (except private land) must apply to the Province of British Columbia for a permit to guide on this land (Crown Land). This includes everything from launchsites and lunch stops to overnight camp sites.
This may not seem like a big deal, but it is. Companies guiding on Crown Land without a permit risk having equipment confiscated. Certainly not good for the company but where does that leave you on tour?
Choose a company that has integrity. Choose a company that is playing by the rules - not those which are trying to beat the system. By submitting a thorough management plan, this ensures the company you are guiding with is transparent and not hiding anything. It ensures the company you are guiding with operates in an ethical manner. Management plans must include consultation with First Nations, Forestry, and local user groups - to name just a few. Management plans must ensure there are no conflicts with other user groups as well as not impacting nature. Management plans are reviewed by the Province of British Columbia and permits are only offered to companies with sound plans. Management plans and thus permits provide a level of insurance that the company you are guiding with operates with integrity and in an ethical manner.
Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. has been offered tenure (permits) for all areas it uses on Crown Land.
In addition, the Province of British Columbia requires companies to have a minimum amount of Liability Insurance. If a company does not have the appropriate permits, perhaps they do not have adequate insurance - an important factor for any client joining an adventure activity.
4. Stewardship
Simply put - we give back! We are very proud of this wonderful area we live.
We feel very blessed and privileged to make a living in an area we love.
We feel it is our responsibility to give back to this wonderful area - not just
to use it and leave. Living in this area provides us with a unique opportunity.
For example, each year Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. boats to various popular
campsites and removes any garbage left behind. In addition, Powell River
Sea Kayak Ltd. is familiar with many of the local issues that are unique to
this area.  Issues that affect sea kayak guiding and recreation in this area. Aquaculture, First Nations, human waste, water and land use planning - these are just a few topics that provide unique challenges and unique consideration. As the local sea kayaking company, Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. is acutely aware of the issues and concerns and plans accordingly to mitigate and eliminate these concerns.
5. Water and Land Use Planning
In number 3 above, we mention water and land use planning. We also mention
our desire to give back to this area. Another way we do this is through our
participation in water and land use planning. President and Owner of Powell River Sea Kayak, Adam Vallance, has been actively involved with two major plans affecting the land and water in the Desolation Sound area.
In 2002, BC Parks decided it was time to develop a new management plan
for Desolation Sound and the surrounding parks (eg: the Copeland Islands and a new park: Malaspina Peninsula Park). Key user groups were contacted in order
to establish a committee which would provide the necessary information
to establish a management plan that would work for all user groups - certainly no easy task. Sea Kayaking interests were represented by Adam Vallance of Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. It took nearly two years, and many meetings, but the plan was completed in 2004.
Also in 2002 another planning process was getting underway. This process was
to develop a management plan for areas outside Desolation Sound Marine Park -
specifically the four inlets that border the park: Malaspina, Okeover, Lancelot and Theodosia. The plan was called: The Malaspina Integrated Coastal Plan. As with the parks plan, a committee was formed of representatives of the many user groups. Sea Kayaking interests were again represented by Adam Vallance of Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. This was a much more complicated process compared to the parks planning. User groups did not want to budge from their strong opinions of how the waters should be be managed. There were valid
arguments from all sides and it was certainly a learning and growing experience
for all involved. By 2004, the plan was completed.
There were many, many issues to be solved before either plan could
be signed off by the Province of British Columbia. For Adam Vallance
of Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. it was a process of challenges and learning.
A great deal of time was committed to preserving the needs of the sea kayaking
industry. It was time well spent as both plans have ensured a positive future
for sea kayaking in the Desolation Sound area. The process was also valuable
as it helped improve relations between the sea kayaking industry and other conflicting industries. As the key sea kayak operator in the Desolation Sound area both plans also helped to improve the functions and policies of Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd.
More information on the Malaspina Okeover Coastal Plan...
More information on the latest management plan for Desolation Sound Marine Park and surrounding marine parks...
6. Atypical Destinations
Okay, granted, Desolation Sound is well known (and for good reason). However, many of our other destinations are not very well known. The region in which we operate offers wide diversity.  One destination may offer wide open sandy beaches while another offers steep mountains and lush rainforest. The same goes for marine life, history and the entire feel of the areas we tour. This means each of our tours offer unique experiences not only from one another but also from many companies on the coast. Our tour destinations are hardly typical and we continue to creatively plan new and interesting adventures.
7. We are Experienced!
It starts at the top. Owners Adam and Laurie Vallance have been paddling these waters since 1994. Paddling these waters year round, Adam and Laurie have gained an intimate knowledge of the area. This knowledge is passed on to their guides who in turn pass on the treasures of the area to our clients. The quietest most pristine campsites, the best viewscapes, the best intertidal viewing, key seal haul-out sites, best times and places for sea lion viewing, routes which provide interesting meandering loops, stories of local folklore, where to harvest crabs and prawns - successfully...the list goes on.
Powell River Sea Kayak guides are professional. Not only do they receive specific training from the owners, each guide is selected based on their past experiences, education as well as their dynamic personalities.
8. Local Conveniences and Features
Transportation:
Fly to Powell River!
Powell River has an airport that connects with Vancouver International. There are several flights daily between Powell River and Vancouver.
Bus to Powell River!
Malaspina Coach Lines provides daily bus service between Powell River and Vancouver.
Ferry's!
Powell River is accessible both from Vancouver and Vancouver Island via BC Ferry's.
Circle Pack!
Many travelers purchase a Circle Pack of tickets from BC Ferry's. This allows travelers to go from Vancouver to Powell River then across to Vancouver Island and then back to Vancouver. There is a 15% savings for purchasing the Circle Pack of tickets and it is a wonderful way to experience the diversity of the south coast of British Columbia.
Features to enjoy and extend your vacation:
Festivals Galore!
Powell River was declared the Cultural Capital of Canada in 2004! Timing your sea kayak adventure with one of the many festivals may just be the perfect vacation! From the International Choral Festival (Kathalimxw: gathering of Choirs from around the globe) to the week long Blackberry Festival and the Folk Fest there are many options to suit a variety of tastes. Powell River also is a hotbed for talented musicians.
For more information, please go to discoverpowellriver.com.
Hiking and Mountain Biking!
Perhaps after working out your upper body while kayaking, you would now like to exercise your legs. The hiking and mountain biking opportunities in the Powell River area are endless. Powell River boasts the 180km long Sunshine Coast Trail - a beautiful trail that encompasses old growth forests, ocean, lakes and rises into elevations that provide magnificent panoramic views towards the high peaks of the Coast Mountain Range as well as over the Strait of Georgia toward Vancouver Island. The trail is accessible along several points - thus making it possible to hike portions of the trail.
For more information on hiking and mountain biking, please contact the Powell River Visitors Bureau at: (604) 485-4701, or go to: roughlife.com.
Accommodation and Dining
Waterfront resorts, cozy cottages, B&B's galore, Inns, lodges and hostels, Powell River undoubtedly has the accommodation to suit you and your budget.
Dining in Powell River and area is a treat! Classic and classy west coast dining is available at the Laughing Oyster Restaurant (just down from our site on Okeover Inlet). In Lund, one will find the pub and restaurant with not only great food but a wonderful view towards Savary Island and the Straight of Georgia. Restaurants in Powell River include Thai food, lake front bistro's and pubs, classic Mexican, coffee shops, pizza and fine dining.
More information on local restaurants and accommodation...
Also, for more information on any local festivals and services, please contact the Powell River Visitors Bureau toll free at: 1-877-817-8669
9. All-inclusive Tour Prices
Our tours include: high quality fiberglass single and double touring kayaks, tents, Thermarest Sleeping pads, dry bags, incredible food, all the cooking supplies, the cook, wonderful guides, safe parking at our Desolation launch site, safety equipment, alcoholic (wine and beer)  and non-alcoholic beverages.... everything! Clients need only show up with their personal items/clothing and we take care of the rest!
10. Over-All Experience for you!
Authentic, Educational and Entertaining!
As mentioned, we believe there is much more to offer on a tour than simply kayaking on the ocean. Of course, wildlife, scenery, relaxing campsites, these are all part of a great sea kayak trip. However, what makes a sea kayak tour extra special? At Powell River Sea Kayak we strive to improve our tours through entertaining education and authentic experiences. We live here and we know
it well - very well. Our clients benefit from this knowledge: safety, routes,
quiet campsites, location of intertidal marine gardens, local stories and folklore - our guides share this wealth of information with all our clients.
We welcome you to call us, to email us, to JOIN US on a sea kayak experience of a lifetime!
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