Questions & Answers - Canoe Trips

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are there age limitations?

A. Yes, depending on the outing or expedition requested. Small children and the infirm are generally not self sufficient and therefore cannot be considered for any whitewater activities, however any age that can reasonably fit into a life jacket can participate in lake and flat, moving water trips. In the elderly physical ability and mental awareness are two prime considerations to be factored. That said I know there's plenty of seasoned paddlers out there who could more than hold their own in our rapids.

Q. What experience do I need?

A. All participants must have some canoe experience for whitewater trips. Paddling with Scouts, or the family canoe on lakes as a kid or adult should have taught one the essential balance of a canoe. That we can work on at launching. The water we play in is almost exclusively Cl. 1 and 2 which anyone reasonably fit, in fair control of his canoe and able to follow directions can handle...with a bit of a thrill. We are all well practiced and knowledgeable about every corner and eddy in our rivers and can guide individuals through waters suited to their skill level and dare level. It's not in anyone's' best interest for you to have a negative experience so we customize each trip and each run to the individual.

Q. Will I get wet?

A. Only if you fall in or it's raining. We supply wetsuits and drybags for gear on day trips, so getting wet isn't that horrible a concept. It rarely happens but it is certainly a possibility in a canoe on a river in rapids.

Q. What do you supply?

A. We supply canoes, paddles, PFD's, wetsuits, drybags, rappelling harness and safety gear, helmets, sleeping bag, inflatable mattress, eating and cooking gear, shelters, and food as described. A digital photographic record of your trip is an option. (That's you rappelling 180' into a canyon to run the Upper San Juan!) We can provide access to supplies we do not stock that you may want to purchase, such as raingear, river-shoes or additional packs. Just Ask!

Q. What about corporate excursions?

A. At Wilderquest we have built several careers based on team function and cooperative approaches to a multitude of situations, many of us have worked together for ten or more years. We know the value that a strong team atmosphere brings to any corporation, big or small. With our "full participation" style we reinforce the notion that 1) off work time should be fun!, 2) almost anything can be done by almost anyone and 3) doing it together can be way better, easier and more fun. And there is always that other side of Ed in Shipping or Sue in R&D and rumours of guitar prowess that sometimes reveal their truth in the firelight under the star filled night sky. Almost without exception team growth and employee satisfaction (which translates positively on the bottom line) is strengthened and developed in any out-of-work setting that demands cooperation and skill that few employees knew their workmates had.

Q. What is expected of me in terms of "full participation"?

A. At Wilderquest we believe that the experience you are buying from us should be more than watching Survivor with the window open. Particularly on the overnight and multi-night expeditions your real sense of satisfaction and accomplishment will come at the end of the day when you have accomplished something...not watched it being done. You won't get the heaviest loads or the hardest jobs but everyone pitches in, setting up tents and shelters, firewood gathering, gear cleanup and drying, and whatever else makes up a top notch camp. This way we all learn, we all contribute and you go home having participated fully in achieving goals which individually may have been challenging in themselves and so together add up to quite a package.

Q. How many people per canoe?

A. We find that one modestly experienced paddler per canoe, without a guide, works quite well. Two people not used to paddling together put too many contrasting weight considerations into play and more often results in two people wet rather than one, or none. Novice paddlers can often paddle tandem with a guide. Most of our canoes are 16' whitewater expedition boats, and we are accumulating a stock of playboats for those so inclined. On some overnighters you may find your craft is a freighter that you are dragging upstream for several miles, but you'll be well warned, well fed and well rewarded at the end.

Q. How big is that Cheewat Cedar?

A. Well in bad weather it takes two days to walk around it. It's so tall it experiences three seasons at any given time, sometimes having snow in its' upper limbs in August. It is so old that flash burns from the "Big Bang" are thought to exist near the core. While none of that is entirely true, Cheewat Cedar, along with the forest around it and in the Carmanah Valley we still find incredible and spectacular everytime we visit. The trip is both affordable and accessible but an overnighter allows one to adsorb the sights of the day and gives more time in each valley. (It is about 61 feet in circumference at chest height - 22 ft. through from one side to the other! Check that out on your floor)

Q. May  we bring a pet?

A. In a word - No.  Sorry but between farm animals and our pets and furnishings...well you understand.

 Q. What about...?

A. E-mail us at info@wilderquestadventures.com , fill out our form or call 250 642-5190 or toll free at 1-888-740-4003 for any other answers or information you require. If we can't help you we'll try and help you find someone who can.