FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions. We hope that the answers will assist you in your planning. If you have a question that is not answered here, check our backpack, kayak, canoe, raft pages or contact our office.1. Can you tell me a little about your organization?
2. Why have you selected the regions you operate in?
3. Who typically goes on one of your expeditions?
4. What are the qualifications of your guides?
5. Are there age restrictions?
6. How many guides are with each group?
7. What is the accommodation like for your trips?
8. Do you assist me in preparing for the expedition?
9. What do you provide on your expeditions?
10. What about washing and bathroom?
11. When is the best time to do a trip?
12. What do I have to bring?
13. How do I meet up with you?
14. How large are your groups?
15. Are you licensed?
16. What is the food like and can you accommodate special dietary needs?
17. How about bears?
18. What are the bugs like?
19. Can you guarantee me a great trip?
20. Should I tip the guides?
21. Can you do custom trips for groups or families?
22. How difficult are the expeditions?
ANSWERS
Can you tell me a little about your organization?
Sea to Sky Expeditions is a Canadian company, owned by Len Webster, and established in 1988. As an educational administrator I realized the importance and value of educating our youth about our wild places and to the freedom these places present to our spirits. I sensed that other generations were looking for this connection, and thus Sea to Sky Expeditions was born.
Our trips will take you to some very special places. Not only will you experience a sense of freedom, but you will see some incredible scenery, learn more of the history, nature, and culture of the visited area, make new friends, and come to appreciate the need to preserve our natural treasures.
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Why have you selected the regions you operate in?
British Columbia: Whether you enjoy rugged coast and sandy beaches, quiet lakes, or alpine scenery, British Columbia is in a class by itself. To understand the freedom of BC's outdoors, you must experience sitting on a wilderness beach listening to waves lapping against the shore, smell the scented offerings of a verdant rainforest, marvel in a sunrise or sunset unobscured by buildings or smog, or view a blue-tinted river of ice wrapped around a jagged peak.
Canadian Arctic: As for Greely, Amundsen, and Peary, the High Arctic is a land for the true adventurer. It is a land of quintessential solitude and majesty. A land where man has had little influence in sculpting or defining its course. Indeed, it is a land that can impact you in profound ways
Yukon:: Pierre Berton's book about the Klondike Goldrush of 1898 and Robert Service's poems capture the essence and spirit of the Yukon. Visiting these same areas gives one a finer understanding of the magnitude of the goldrusher's quest. Hiking through the Tombstones, or viewing the Northern Lights and fall colours of the arctic tundra along the Dempster Highway, leaves one in awe of the vastness and beauty of the Yukon. There is a saying here that once you visit the Yukon, you will return again one day.
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Are you licensed?
We are fully licensed to operate in the national, territorial, and provincial jurisdictions in which we operate. In order to receive this licensing, we must satisfy authorities that our guides are knowledgeable and qualified, trained in wilderness first aid, and that the company is adequately insured.
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What are the qualifications of your guides?
Our guides, many of whom have been with us for years, have many years of experience in the outdoors and are expert and certified in the activity they lead. They are familiar with the natural and cultural history of the area in which you will be traveling, trained in wilderness first aid, and committed to your satisfaction and safety. One need only read the references we supply to get a sense of the high regard in which our guides are held.
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How large are your groups?
We keep our groups to a maiximum of 10 plus 2 guides. This minimizes our impact on the area we are visiting, assures better safety, and creates a better environment for group interaction.
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How many guides are with each group?
We abide by industry and park standards of 1 guide to 5 participants. Mitigating circumstances may at times override this ratio.
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Who typically goes on one of your expeditions?
They are a mix of gender, nationality, profession, and age. Most come from North America but we have visitors from Europe and the Pacific Rim area. They either travel alone, in couples, or as a family. They are looking for an active vacation, and one in which their love for the outdoors, adventure, and discovery will be satisfied.
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How difficult are the expeditions?
We are not an "Outward Bound" type of organization, structured to see how far you can push yourself. There will however be physical demands associated with each trip.
We have rated each trip for difficulty that expresses the overall demand of the expedition. However, with each trip, there will be a range of demands.
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When is the best time to do a trip?
We have set our schedule to deliver the best times for weather and for viewing the wildlife that is indigenous to the area. Contact us to discuss particular trips.
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Do you assist me in preparing for the expedition?
We will send you an information package that includes a list of equipment and clothing, along with details about what to consider and look for when purchasing items you may need.
We also look to your physical preparation by providing a conditioning program of exercises and routines to best ready you for your expedition.
We encourage you to contact us as many times as you feel necessary with your questions. We are there to serve you.
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What do you provide on your expeditions?
All Expeditions: transportation from the point of origin and return, national or provincial park user fees unless otherwise stated, camping fees, cooking gear, camp stoves, meals/snacks/beverages on the expedition, tents, meal preparations, tarps, major first aid supplies, emergency radio or satellite phone, and professional guides. We can provide sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and backpack if required.
Some expeditions will include some accommodation and some air and/or boat charter. Please refer to individual trips for a complete list of what is included
Canoe and Raft Expeditions: canoes, paddles, PFD [life jacket], canoe carts [where applicable], large dry bags.
Sea Kayak Expeditions: sea kayaks, paddles, PFDs [life jacket], spray skirts, dry bags, paddling jacket.
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What do I have to bring?
We will provide a comprehensive list of equipment and clothing to bring upon registration.
Wilderness trips can present their own unique set of unexpected circumstances. Patience, a sense of humour, and willingness to accept the unexpected are essential.
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How do I meet up with you?
We have set an origin for each of our expeditions that makes it as logistically and cost effective for you.We have made arrangements with an area accommodation provider to offer a reduced rate. Our comprehensive information package will outline various travel options, as well as accommodation suggestions for all budgets.
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Are there age restrictions?
Age is not a disqualifier. We have had guests in their 70s and children and teens. Some trips require a certain stature and strength in order to attempt. Consider the demands of the expedition and your own fitness level. It is best to discuss this topic individually by contacting our office.
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What is the accommodation like for your trips?
You will be staying in a tent for most of our trips and based on double occupancy . We will supply a top quality tent, with two entrances and two vestibules. You are welcome to bring your own tent but check with us to see if it is ideal for the conditions you may face. With some of our trips, a hostel or hotel stay is included. Check the individual itineraries for details.
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What is the food like and can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Our menu is designed to fulfill the nutritional needs of our expeditions. Menus will vary depending on the activity and guide choices. Lunches and dinners are diverse, often supplemented with fresh vegetables and foods dehydrated by ourselves. There is always enough food to offer seconds. Guests are often surprised and pleased with what we offer on our menu. We do have a great deal of experience accommodate special dietary needs.
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What about washing and bathroom?
The guides will assist you with the conventions of the area you will be in. We suggest that you use biodegradable soaps and shampoos. Some parks will have rustic toilet facilities, but for the most part, a special area will be designated and prepared for washroom use or the guides will outline the proper proticol.
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What are the bugs like?
It varies with temperature, rainfall and wind. In coastal areas they are not a problem. As you move to the interior and the north they can prove to be an annoyance to some. Mosquito repellent, a head net, or bug jacket is in order for the bothered. Bugs tend to be less of an issue in August and September.
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How about bears?
You can expect bears to be present in all the wilderness areas we attend. On Vancouver Island there are only black bears. The Yukon, mainland British Columbia, and arctic is home to both black and grizzly.
The chance of encountering a bear is unlikely. If we do happen to see one, it is often viewed as something special.We aim to avoid bear encounters by maintaining clean campsites and announcing our presence. Our guides will always be on the lookout for signs of bear activity. They are equipped with bear spray and bear bangers. There has never been a recorded bear attack upon a group. By traveling in a group you are minimizing the possibility of an encounter of the bruin variety.
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Should I tip the guides?
There is no set rule. If you feel that the guides have been attentive to your needs above your expectations, and have made your experience an enjoyable one, you may want to show your appreciation with a tip. Five percent of the value of the trip appears to be the norm. Please do not feel compelled or required to offer a tip.
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Can you do custom trips for groups or families?
We are prepared to design itineraries to suite the schedule and preferences of small groups or families. The same quality of equipment, attention, and professionalism can be expected.
Ask how our special group rates can save money for your party.
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Can you guarantee me a great trip?
We wish we could guarantee you a great time. All we can say is that we will do our darnedest to make your time with us a wonderful experience. We have been running wilderness expeditions for 18 years with a very high return rate.
We must be doing something right!
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