They carry backpacks instead of laptops on their daily commute. Their idea of good day at the office includes plenty of fresh air, and lots of wide, open spaces. They believe nothing beats evenings with newfound friends telling stories around a campfire. They never underestimate the joy you can find in a pair of warm, dry socks.
“They” are our adventure guides, the passionate folks who ensure that your time in the wilderness is not only wild, but rewarding, and safe too. Experts in their fields, they ensure that when you take the road less travelled, it’s to have an experience you’ll long remember.
Like the great explorers who came before them, our adventure guides didn’t take the most direct route to their careers in the wild. Here are some of their stories:
Wesley is a Level 3 Sea Kayak guide with the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia. Growing up near the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada, Wesley sought out the alluring west coast after completing his schooling in adventure tourism.
After cutting his guiding teeth on the Sunshine Coast of BC, Wesley spent the following years paddling extensively through the Johnstone Strait and Broughton Archipelago for both work—as he guided and managed one of the largest kayaking operators on Vancouver Island—and play, of course.
In 2022, Wesley welcomed ownership of Ecosummer to share his passion and dream to facilitate experiences in this paradigm-shifting environment.
As one of the most experienced guides in the area, Rob Watson brings a decade+ of experience in the Johnstone Strait. After migrating from Ontario in the early 2010’s, Rob has spent nearly all of his time either playing in or learning about nature. He is now a certified Guide Trainer through the SKGABC and working toward his Guide Examiner Ticket. Telegraph Cove and the Broughton is Rob’s home. His passion for nature and living in remote communities fueled Rob to drop his career in the mechanized ski world to head back to school to learn more about the ocean. Rob has spent the past five winters completing his degree in Marine Biology & Earth Science at the University of Victoria and Bamfield Marine Science Center and is excited to share his scientific knowledge whether it be seaweeds, invertebrates, weather, marine mammals, or animal behavior.
A favorite of his friends, peers, and guests, Rob is one of those guys who could have made a go at professional sports. Instead, he followed his dreams to the oceans and mountains where his passion pairs mightily with nature’s beauty to facilitate an uplifting experience you will not soon forget.
If not for a quirk of fate, Dave Hilder would be found onstage behind the drums, performing worldwide with his band. Lucky for us, Dave’s path took a turn west away from international stardom and straight into the glorious mountains and ocean of British Columbia.
After years spent honing his craft in and around the Johnstone Strait, Dave is now amongst the most experienced guides in the area. His passion is ignited in seeing nature bring out the inner children in his guests. Hundreds of days and nights immersed in this area have only increased Dave’s excitement as he is most likely to cheer the loudest and the first to dance when the wildlife comes a-knocking.
Those who head out with Dave are guaranteed to experience a multi-day face workout as the constant smiling and laughter comes part of the package.
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon