Storm Riders: North Island Kayak
The Storm Rider series aims to celebrate the strength of our industry while highlighting some of the many ways businesses have overcome the challenges resulting from COVID-19. We are proud to showcase how the following businesses have adapted while celebrating the people who are at the heart of what we do. In this post, we hear from Lizzie Yates of North Island Kayak in Telegraph Cove.
Why do you do what you do?
We do what we do because of passion. There is nothing like seeing the look on a guest’s face when they have their once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list experience. We are driven by our ability to create lasting memories for people; our passion lies in connecting people from all over the world, with the unique and rich environment that we are so lucky to call home.
What is your hope for the future of our region?
We look forward to partaking in the sustainable growth of our tourism industry on the North Island; we hope to see tourism thrive in conjunction with the long-standing key industries in the region. No industry operates in a silo, and it is crucial in small communities to support all fellow businesses.
What do you most want people to know about your business?
Sea kayaking is more accessible than it looks! We have tours that cater to all levels, allowing beginners, intermediates, and experts to join us in exploring the world-class waters at the doorstep of Telegraph Cove.
In your own words, please share “Travel matters because … “
In light of COVID, travel matters because it is effectively freedom. Whether you’re visiting the town down the road, a country in another continent, travelling with friends, or going solo, relaxing, or adventuring….travel allows us to enjoy experiences that may have been unbeknownst to us otherwise.
Other than your own business, what are 3 other businesses in your community that visitors should experience?
We are incredibly lucky to operate in a region with such rich biodiversity and culture. Our neighbours, Tide Rip Grizzly Tours, can show you one of the Canadian ‘big three’ (the Grizzly bear!). A visit to Alert Bay, and the U’mista Cultural Centre, should be a mandatory stop for anyone on the North Island! Lastly, the beautiful West Coast beaches of Cape Scott are a must-see.
The spark to own/work in this business must motivate you each day. – what are some of your past experiences that have contributed to this spark.
We love owning and running a business in the tourism industry because we have created a product that we wake up every day excited to share with our customers. Collectively, our team has extensively travelled the world; now, we strive to provide our guests with the same memories of adventure, fun, and exploration, that we once felt!