Leave No Trace Camping

Essentially...take only photos, leave only footprints.

Wildlife Viewing Guidelines

Codes of conduct regarding keeping a safe distance from and limiting viewing times with marine mammals, bird and wildlife,on and of the water.

Education

All of our guides are  outdoor educators, interpreters and naturalists in their own right with varying degrees of experience/expertise in a wide variety of areas. We love to share our passion, knowledge and enthusiasm for the marine environment, through interpretation and teachable moments as they unfold in a casual and laid back manner.

Carbon Offsetting

In 2009, Gabriola Sea Kayaking will be  purchasing carbon offsets. While we recognize that this alone is not the solution to climate change, we feel that everybody has a small role to play, this is part of the answer and action is better than no action. 

• We've partnered with Vancouver based company Offsetters to help us acheive this goal.
• We'll also be providing a carbon calculator and offset purchase option for paddlers

                                    Click here for more info on Offsetters and carbon offsets.

Transportation

We are currently researching fuel efficient hybrid biodiesel/ diesel powered vans for when we need to start replacing our fleet.

At the moment we operate a  propane powered pickup truck and a minivan for hauling our kayaks. We have replaced  our well loved (and well used...) Toyota Corrolla with a similar small  fuel efficient Mazda for commuting, Island errands and off season use.

Carpooling

Gabriola has always encouraged ridesharing among guests to travel to paddling destinations and we commonly coordinate and organize carpooling from the office. In 2008 we added a carpooling application through social networking site facebook for you to be independent in getting where you need to go. You can check it out at Carpooling, under the Community on the top menu bar.

Recycling

Our office program is pretty straightforward. All paper/plastic/metal/tin products are separated & recycled.

On the water - In 2008 we began to do a better job out in the feild by separating the recyclables from garbage and compost. We strongly encourage guides &  guests to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Composting

Last year we were using our next door neighbours' compost  (...thanks Laurie & Diane!) however a new composting facility now exists at our Gabriola office and is ready to go for the 2009 season.

Local and Organic Foods

Where and whenever possible, we strive to buy local and/or organic foods and support the producers and suppliers of local and organic products. However, we do realize the difficulty for us and our guests, to consistently find what we need to supply our respective kayaking pantry’s. 

For 2009 we'll be bringing  fair trade gourmet coffee and carry more locally produced Gabriola Island specialty items from Slow Rise Bakery, Gabriola Island Chocolate and Garlic.

Energy Efficiency at the Office

Gabriola Sea Kayaking is run out of a small energy efficient building thoughtfully designed,  contracted and landscaped with drought resistant plants by Matt's dad Gerry Bowes, and built by freinds,  neighbours and local tradesmen.

Water Conservation 

Gabriola Island is groundwater sensitive and in the height of summer, our dry mediterranean climate can cause drought like conditions. We make a big effort to use our water supply  gently and wisely.

Gear and Equipment

We purchase ethically sourced products and  buy as locally as possible.

Advertising

Gabriola has always thrived on good old word of mouth.

In 2008 we used 100%  post consumer non-virgin recycled cardstock for our business and plaque cards. This batch of Gabriola swag should last us another year or so.

In the next round, we've sourced out synthetic “paper”  made out of non-toxic and child safety tested plastic resins and inorganic fillers creating product which can be melted down and reused in perpetuity —made and remade as ‘paper’ or other products. We'll let you know how it goes.

We're also debating the idea of all web based advertising in the future.