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 If
there’s one thing I don’t believe in it’s all-time favorites—favorite
color, favorite country, favorite song, whatever—life is just too
varied and changing and beautiful to single out anything as the
best. I guess it’s the same problem I have with women…Anyway
there are current favorites, whether they be people, things, or
places, that inhabit my ever-growing list of cool things, and this
page is an excellent example.Below is my latest find: a great outfitter
with awesome trips and incredible people.
Tofino Expeditions is the creation of Grant Thompson. A mountaineer
who blew out his knee ice climbing and needed a less jarring activity
to satisfy his adventure bug, Grant looked to the ocean for inspiration.
He has been sea kayaking since the late 70’s so it was a natural
progression when he turned his main focus onto sea-level expeditions.
By the mid-80’s he had made it his career, and since 1989, Tofino
Expeditions has provided fun and adventure for people of all skill
levels. In fact that is one of Grant’s biggest sources of satisfaction—creating
trips which appeal to city folk, world-wise adventurers, and anyone
in between.
 Tofino
organizes around 72 kayaking excursions in Mexico and Canada each
year. Depending on the skill level and desire of the group they
try to include hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and open ocean
exploration whenever possible. They also set themselves apart by
surprising their guests with excellent food. All of their guides
are experienced and well-rounded, and concerned with giving people
the best possible experience.
A favorite
trip of Grant’s (and mine) takes place in the Queen Charlotte
Islands off Canada’s west coast. The environment is beautiful, the people are friendly,
and the wildlife makes the trip even more memorable. In a way it’s like going back in time. The people that live there now live as they always have,
and the environment is untouched compared with much of the world. Tofino guides you through the Gwaii Haanas National Park,
and into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Skun Gwaii Village
where you can still see tall totem poles.
So check them out at their website (www.tofino.com)
or click
here to see the tours they offer—don’t forget, members receive
a 15% savings! Oh yeah, and don’t miss the slideshow section of
their website where you can see some of Grant’s amazing photos.
Check back
soon for my next latest find!
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