Location:

Thank you - Tlaako!

It’s been too long since we’ve shared a newsletter! We want to take this seasonal opportunity to reconnect, provide brief updates, and most importantly, share our gratefulness for time together in Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' (Kyuquot - Checleset) traditional territory.

"Tlaako" (thank you) for another great year on the west coast!

Camosun College Adventure Education group kayaking

We so appreciate our committed staff, valued partners, and many wonderful guests from last summer and over the past 50 years!

We look forward to staying connected, hearing from you, or welcoming you back for another adventure together in 2026. Check out our trip dates, or contact us with questions or requests, so we can help find the best trip for you and your group!

Grateful for over 50 years!

Though no longer fresh off the press, 2022 was a very significant year for West Coast Expeditions. In addition to celebrating our 50th anniversary, WCE transitioned to new ownership.

The Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' First Nations (KCFN) now owns WCE as the primary eco-cultural tourism venture in the area. WCE is managed as part of Tiičma Hospitality, within the Nation's broader economic development and resource management strategy.

WCE’s unique wilderness kayaking retreat on Spring Island – known as “Tle:hoh” in the Ka:'yu:'k't'h' language – is on KCFN treaty lands. This is the perfect setting for diverse experiences on the water, shoreline, or in old growth forest.

Bev Michel welcoming guests on Spring Island

Former WCE owner-operators Dave Pinel, Caroline Fisher, and Bev Michel have continued to be very supportive through the ownership transition.

Bev is a Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' elder who lives locally. She has stepped-up in a key role helping to manage many aspects of WCE’s operations and community relations.

Bev proudly welcomes WCE guests to Tle:hoh and her home territory. Learn more in this great article by a guest.

Many long-term staff like guide Dan Smetaniuk, and cultural hosts like Lana Jules and Tessie Smith have continued their integral roles with WCE, each sharing their passion and expertise with guests. Read more about our history, and in this article that further describes our exciting ownership transition.

KCFN appreciates the care and respect that has shaped WCE over the first 50 years as a foundation for everything ahead.

West Coast Expeditions guide Dan Smetaniuk

salmon with Lana Jules and elder Tessie Smith

Being present, throughout time

Bev Michel helping guest weave with cedar bark

What is “pristine wilderness,” and does it even exist? While Indigenous land ownership and management evolves, the notion of wilderness is also changing.

Dave Pinel, our former co-owner and guide, shares some reflections in this article about the rich human history where local Indigenous people and culture have evolved within complex ecosystems. WCE’s ownership transition acknowledges and respects historic, current, and future human interactions in this special place.

At our remote "wilderness" location guests also experience the dynamic "home" of the Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' people!

For the last four summers, guests may have noticed a small new stewardship fee of $25/person. This fee helps to support Witwaak, KCFN’s stewardship guardian team (scroll to section 8/11 in this video to learn and see more about Witwaak).

The Witwaak Guardians are engaged with research, monitoring, protection, and restoration projects throughout the vast KCFN territory. This work is an important aspect of our ongoing story and stewardship of our home.

Sea arch and rugged intertidal zone on Spring Island by Freedom in Nature Photography

Learning together

cultural sharing and drumming with Leroy Jack and guests around fire with salmon cooking

We are profoundly grateful to all members of the West Coast Expeditions family who have shared their experiences and memories with us over the past 50+ years.

Your support has been instrumental in ensuring our success for over half a century! We sincerely appreciate your ongoing trust, feedback, and contributions to our trips.

Our 2026 trip dates are available online and are starting to fill up!

Book now to guarantee your base camp and expedition kayaking experiences or contact us with questions or requests. Our online reservation system even has the option for you to gift an experience, either for the full value of a trip, or any amount towards the trip of their choice!

We hope to see you next summer, to deepen our ongoing relationship with Tle:hoh (Spring Island), and the Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' people and culture.

Best wishes through the winter solstice, holiday season, and into 2026!