Some of our prominent guests who have toured with Coastal Spirits Expeditions and Lodge LTD: • Martina Bischof (Kayak Olympic Goldmedallist 1980/ Worldchampion) • Peter Bischof (Kayak Olympic Bronzemedallist 1976/ Worldchampion • Ian Indridson, Public Relations, Government of British Columbia • Janice Mucalov, travel writer for the National Geographic Travel Guide • The X-Files, Special effect team • Stanford University • Miriam Luke, Olympic Rowing Silver Medallist Sydney 2000 • Frank Sonnenberg, Journalist, Author of "Orcas of Canada's West Coast" • Sonora Resort, Konferenz Resort of President Clinton and Boris Jelzin • The German Adventure Travel Magazine • The Lonely Planet • Kevin Quirk, MA, Editor and Book Author • David Luke, British Rowing National Team • Klaus Peters, German TV Talk master • Carol Mc Kinley, Journalist, Reporter, Fox TV • Raymond and Yeen-Shi Chen, Technical directors and digital artists, Rythm & Hues Studios, Los Angeles. (Special effects for "Dr. Doolitle, Babe") Academy Award for "Babe"

Bernard and Crew,
Thanks for the AWESOME time! The camp Orca trip we took from Aug 18-21, could not have been better. Shale and Craig were right on and perfectly fit into our diverse group. Please follow the links below to view footage of our trip and pass them onto Craig and Shale(or at yahoo.com click on the video tab above the search field and type in Camp Orca in the search field to see a list of all the videos at once). Feel free to use these videos to promote business because Everyone should experience Camp Orca once in their lifetimes!!!
Eric Kuhns

Liebe Sandra, lieber Greg, das stinknormale Leben hat uns wieder und wir sind direkt auf das Hamsterrad, das Arbeit heißt, aufgesprungen. Aber nach so einem schönen Urlaub ist das alles doch gar kein Problem. Unser Trip von Vancouver nach Calgary, eigentlich über Whistler geplant, mussten wir etwas umstellen, da ein Felsen (wer war das?) die Straße blockiert hat. Hatten aber Superwetter in Banff und Jasper und so war doch alles gut. 2x 10 Std. Powershopping in allen Malls von Calgary (mother of god!) waren dann unser Urlaubsabschluss. Wir haben vielen Bekannten von unser Kanutour mit Euch erzählt und wie gut Ihr beide das gemanagt habt. So richtige Stadtmenschen können sich gar nicht mehr vorstellen, wie unkompliziert man Urlaub machen kann. Jetzt machen wir uns daran, ein schönes Fotobuch zu fertigen und werden uns immer gern an die Zeit mit Euch erinnern. Also, viel, viel Erfolg für Euer Unternehmen, jede Menge neue Kunden und herzliche Gruesse (Trip Discovery Islands August 2008)
Olympic Champions and World Champions Martina und Peter
Martina Bischof (Kayak Olympic Goldmedallist 1980/ Worldchampion Peter Bischof (Kayak Olympic Bronzemedallist 1976/ Worldchampion

Both Theresa and I were delighted with out Orca Camp trip (July 19-22). Mani is a terrific trip leader - friendly, knowledgeable, but also clearly in command should the need arise. Aaron was very friendly and always very helpful. Food, gear, camp, were all very good. Please give Mani our best regards and best wishes.
Frank and Theresa Richter

I wanted to thank you again for the great time that you had shown my brother and I. I thought, that the whole experience to be extremly rewarding, and I'm quite pleased, that I took the time to absorb the product you offer.
Mike Flint, General Manager, Sonora Resort, Sonora Island, B.C., Canada

Dear Coastal Spirits!
Our first time kayaking, ............
We are loving it. Best wishes...
Miriam Luke,
Olympic Silver Medallist, Sydney 2000

Hello Bernard and Marion, Rob and I just wanted to write a quick email to thank you for providing us with a vacation we will remember forever! Both Jeremy and Jody did Coastal Spirits proud - they were not only professional and knowledgeable in their jobs as Guides, but also very approachable making everyone feel welcome and at home. (I'm jealous they can both cook so well!!) The whole experience has left us wanting to come back for more - the whales, the eagles, the excellent conversations with other guests, the food, the hermit crabs, the seaweed, the jelly fish, the food, the waves, the sunsets, the rain, the food, the sun, the fog, the fresh glacier drinking water, the kayaking adventures (especially at night!)and of course, THE FOOD! EVERYTHING WENT BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS!! Thank-you.
Rob and Laurie Benn
The Positive Culture Company
Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada

Please give this email to Jessie-I will be sending him a copy of the print in the mail thru your company. We had such a splendid time, and Jessie was a fantastic guide.
Thank you so much
Barry and Debbie Goldman-Hall, San Jose

Hi, Just wanted to let you guys know that I had a great time on the Discovery Island Tour last week. I hadn't kayaked very much before, but it was the perfect amount of time spent on the water and downtime to explore the land and relax. Jessie was a great guide, very knowledgeable and a good cook. If he has an e-mail address could you send it along so I can thank him.
Sincerely,
Maureen Branch

Bernard:
We are back in the UK now after a marvellous trip to Western Canada.
As a family over three weeks we did a huge variety of things in Places from Vancouver to Victoria, to Sooke and Squamish and Whistler, but we agreed without doubt that our undisputed highlight was the Orca Kayak trip with you at Coastal Spirits. There were many contributing factors- several unforgettable close viewingsof Orca, of dolphins and other marine life- but also the place, the food and the attention of your staff. Rusty steered us there safely and with a lot of good humour, then your team on shore of Craig, Mel and Luke we everything we could have wanted. Please pass on our admiration and thanks to them-
The Hugo Welsh Family

Hallo Coastal Spirits
Ich möchte einmal danke sagen für den tollen Aufenthalt im Orca Camp vom 30.08. bis 02.09.2006. Es war wirklich ein unvergessliches Erlebnis, die Gruppe war super, die guides auch. Die Orcas so nahe vom Ufer aus zu sehen war beeindruckend.
Beste Gruesse
Martin Weissmann, Heidelberg Zement AG, IT Demand Management Germany

Dear Coastal Spirits:
I'm writing to tell you that I had a wonderful time on the July 10-14 Discovery Island tour. Luke and Hillary did an excellent job. As I told Luke and Hillary on the trip, this was the best vacation I have had yet. I have enclosed thank you cards for Luke and Hillary. Please pass them along for me.
Sincerely
Sabzina Mozelli
Washington , DC

To Whom It May Concern:
I have just returned to the states after spending an amazing days at Orca Base Camp with the Coastal Spirits Team. I must say that it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The whales were unbelievable. The campsite was great. Above all your guides were the best I have ever encountered. Extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. Their energy and laughter were contagious. Craig, Jess and Luke MADE our trip. Thanks again for the experince of a lifetime. I will be back! -- Sarah Sayre

Hi!
I am sorry I could not write before. It is always hard to go back to 'realilty'!
I just wanted to thank you for everything, it was just fabulous! I am back to New Mexico, and everthing in the Orca Camp feels like a dream right now... Oh actually have proof that it was real, the photo of orcas on my computer desktop! many thanks again! cheers!
Aysegul Birand.

Hello Laurie Ann:
Hope you have received book- more when I get back to Vermont. Absolutely fantastic trip- great group- great guides- great whales- wowwwoowow
At hotel - am a little busy but check in e-mail and wanted to say" thanks"
Maree Gaetani

Dear Bernard and Marianne, (I'm sorry if I got the spelling wrong), Thank you so much for the exquisite experience that we had at the orca camp recently. Jeremy and Jodi managed to keep all of the guests safe, well fed and happy. It was clear that Jeremy was in charge, but he established his authority in such a charming manner that he had us easily in hand. We were impressed by the maturity, hard work, patience and humour shown by both of the guides. I have been on several similar trips previously (Expedition du Monde, Ecosummer and Guerba) and Jeremy and Jodi are truly excellent. The setting was glorious, the camp delightful, the weather perfect and the whales cooperative. We kayaked with orcas on the second last day and woke to humpbacks exhaling (and more orcas) on the last morning. I feel so lucky to have been able to see such wonderful animals without feeling as if we were intruding on, or disturbing, them.
Thanks again,
Amanda Sutherland and Verne Rosenberg

Our sea kayak expedition was a truly magical experience. We especially enjoyed watching the bald eagles, while the eagles watched us. The huge purple starfish were incredible. We greatly appreciated your respect for the traditions of the Native People of Quadra Island, and your knowledge of them was quite illuminating. And we felt very well taken care of throughout our stay.
Kevin Quirk, M.A., Editor, Author,
Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

Coastal Spirits,
I just wanted to let you know that our group had a very enjoyable and exciting orca trip last week. I cannot say enough about Damien and Andy. They made the trip for all of us. They were excellent guides and managed to keep our diverse group extremely satisfied. I hope that many other people get to experience the orcas, kayaking, and the wonderful meals these guys provided to us. I do recommend the trip to others, but I HIGHLY recommend the trip with Damien and Andy. Big Thanks to both of them for making our vacation a great experience. Again Thanks! Todd Mikulenka, Dallas, Texas

This is Ron Kreml and my sons and daughter took a trip last summer with Scott and Brody and as a testimonial….”This was the most magical and uplifting experience I have had ever! The knowledge of the guides far exceeded our expectations. The insight into the natural surroundings and history was so deep. The most interesting surprise was the night dip into the ocean bound stream after a hot steam bath wafting with the smell of cedar and the burst of phosphorescent Diatoms glowing in the dark night cold water…oh my the wonder of nature! Even if I had never seen a Killer whale the trip would have been complete! When you are open to new experiences life will show you wonders beyond your imagination
Ron Kreml- Jewelry designer
Please feel free to post this as you wish…..Thank You Very Much!!!!!!

Dear Coastal Spirits: We had the great pleasure of camping and kayaking July 13 thru July 16. Jeremy and Jody were our guides and I want to take a moment and compliment them on the fabulous job they did. They took exceptional care of us, providing us with a memorable experience. The camp was great along with the food, kayaking, and whale sightings. Kudos to all the crew of Coastal Spirits and again especially to Jeremy mad Jodi.
Doug and DeeDee Dretke Huntsville, Texas

Dear Coastal Spirits, Back at home we would like to let you know that we really enjoyed our Orca Camp July 16/19. The location was very special and the accommodation was very good. We have never before been in such a special place. We had a very nice group and the guides were great. Jeremy was an excellent lead guide. Very into safety and clearly "in the lead". He listened to the radio all day to be able to show us the whales. Jody was an excellent assistant. Also very safety conscious. But on top of that extremely customer-orientated, trying to make our holiday as enjoyable as could be. And very capable of giving extra information about the Canadian nature. Thanks to all of you for making this possible.
Joke Eggermont, Wouter and Marloes.

Hi Coastal Spirits!
Gib Adams here; my girlfriend (Kristie Miles) and I recently took a tour with Steve and Brodie.
I just wanted to take a minute to tell you how much we enjoyed the trip. In particular, both Brodie and Steve were fantastic.
I've done a number of these guided "adventure" vacations, and have really come to appreciate the importance of quality guide teams.
These two are outstanding. Several qualities stand out:
First, very well organized, and flexible.
The team know their business very very well: I think everyone got enough of what they came for, while I don't think any one individual was overly taxed.
For instance, on a short paddle day, those of us that were interested in more "work" headed out with Brodie for an evening paddle, while the tired ones hung out at camp.
Second, sociable, intelligent and knowledgeable.
Brodie's local knowledge (and patience in cheerfully answering the multitude of repetitive questions) was a great asset on the trip.
Both Steve and Brodie were engaging, genuine, and humerous - not always true for guides, unfortunately!
Third, the meal plan was excellent - we were very impressed by the variation in the menu, and the quality of the ingredients - testement to Brodie's planning abilities. Both Brodie and Steve were excellent cooks, and always delivered timely and tasty stuff for the crew. We felt that the value of these skills cannot be underestimated.
In short, a great trip, thanks to both guides.
Rgds Gib

We really enjoyed our Orca Camp--Darren especially was very patient with our incompetent kayaking at the start, and he made sure that we enjoyed the trip. Great people, great food, and wonderful whales. My daughter Maddy just loved it and none of us wanted to leave. I've been telling all my friends. It's the best holiday I've had in years.
Sue Bowler (and Maddy Butler)
Editor and writer, physical sciences

Thank you again for the holiday of a lifetime. Can't wait to do it again. Best wishes for the rest of the season. Hope you see a lot of whales and dolphins. Auf wiedersehen.
Dave and Lee Hopkins

I want to say thank you for having provided me with a fantastic wilderness experience. I enjoyed myself greatly. With Brodie's excellent leadership and help I was educated, entertained, awed by beauty, relaxed and well fed. This trip was four stars in my book. I will spread the word to the Californians to sign up with Coastal Spirits for an excellent adventure. Thanks again.
Sincerely
Julianne Maier

We have rested up and played at Saltspring Island but sadly, the second part of the trip is complete.We are safely home now and attending to the myriad of things that pile up, while one is away. However, we fondly discussed our trip to Quadra Island and Johnstone Strait with Coastal Spirits over wine last night and have decided our stay with you was nothing short of magical. You two run a first class operation and everyone we met on your staff were excellent kayak guides and support personel. We found all to be truly fine people as well and I want you to know, our stay was a pleasure. Marion, we thank you so much for your wonderful breakfast, lunches and coordination work. Bernard, we thank you for the fun companionship and for sharing your extensive knowledge of your area. The series of day trips you prepared for us were really great and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Our Johnstone Strait excursion ( kayak with the whales) was everything we hoped for and more. Excellent equipment, guides, food, whales and magical experiences to last a lifetime. Can you tell we had fun? Gee, my back was tender when I arrived and it feels great now, so can claim even healing powers. So we raise our glasses to you Bernard, Marion, Michael, Darren, Harris, Lisa, Joseph and Lucy. We miss you all, we were sorry to go...it was a great time.
Dan and Jamey Ransford,
Sebastopol, California, USA

Many thanks again for making the stay a memorable one. It's not too often, that one gets this service when on holidays.
Lawrence Lim, Hamburg, Germany

Hi, thanks again to you and Brodie,
I thoroughly enjoyed my coastal adventure from start to finish. Your expertise in planning and excecuting a fantastic trip were evident in every detail.
Marybrooke Middlethon, Maryland, USA

Dear Michael, Bernard and Marion,

Thanks for all the memories, the comfortable room and great breakfast. Would like to visit again for a longer adventure.
Peter Pisami, Snohomish, Washington, USA

Dear Coastal Spirits,
Our family went on your Desolation Sound trip in July with Darren and Bernice. We had a wonderful time. I'm enclosing a few pictures we took, that you may want to include in your photo book. Thanks again for a great time.
Leslie Langridge, Victoria, B.C, Canada

Dear Folks,
We have just returned home today after a wonderful 2 weeks in BC. Our stay with you and the kayak trip was a highlight of the whole trip. Thanks for the hospitality, good breakfast (you will remember that it was Drew who said these breakfasts are worth more than $7) and a great kayak tour leadership. We will plan to stay longer next trip.
Sincerely,
Cindy Janechild, Alan Donaldson and Drew
Free Union, Virginia, USA

Viele Gruesse aus Kaiserslautern sendet euch Horst Bauer. Wir haben unsere Kanada Wohnmobil Tour mit sehr vielen Erlebnissen abgeschlossen, besonders bei Euch hatten wir einen tollen Tag, besonders Brigitte war total happy nach der Kayak Tour. Vielen Dank fuer alles.
Horst Bauer Sport Reisen,
Kaiserslautern, Germany

Dear Bernard,
Thanks for the fun trip last Friday. I was glad to have the opportunity to go out with you again. Next time I'd like to take a full day or, even better, several days. Somewhere remote and quiet, with lots of seals.
Elizabeth Anderson,
Quadra Island, Canada

Our Johnstone Strait kayaking trip with Coastal Spirits was packed with unexpected excitement. We’ve paddled other kayaking trips in the Pacific Northwest, but none matched this one for intensity, wildlife sightings and scenery.
Even before our paddle blades hit the water we were treated to an adrenaline pumping mountain trek via unpaved logging trails to our secluded "put-in" far from the crowds. Our kayaking gear was top notch and up to the crossing of the Strait where we entered some of the most pristine and undisturbed kayaking waters in North America.
Our adventure was punctuated by all sorts of wildlife sightings, an eerie and wondrous night paddle bathed in brilliant phosphorescence and even the visit to a research observation post perched high above Johnstone Strait where we conversed with Wardens and Naturalists about pinniped, orca and salmon activity in these famous waters.
The views were breathtaking in every direction, the food was sumptuous and plentiful (thanks to Marion’s special touch) and the Guides (Bernard and Harris) were not only expert paddlers, but accomplished woodsmen and knowledgeable in all relevant topics of discussion. Coastal Spirits’ unique team approach got everyone involved (if desired) in daily evolutions which contributed to a very fulfilling experience and sense of accomplishment.
This trip truly exceeded our expectations, concentrating a week of experiences into four action filled (but not exhausting) days.
Bill and Denise Girrier
Bristol, Rhode Island USA

P.S. Accommodations at the Coastal Spirits Bed and Breakfast on Quadra Island before and after the trip made for a very comfortable transition into and out of our adventure. Great breakfasts, Marion!