explore from sea to sky.
Composed of a network of fjords, islands and surrounding mainland communities, this region hosts some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
Mountain Tide Adventures Ltd., offers a unique wilderness experience for locals and visitors alike. Offering guided hikes with an Accredited Canadian Mountain Guide through the quiet, unpopulated trails of Gambier and surrounding islands, as well as Gambier and Cypress Provincial Parks.
Marvel at the emerald waters of the Salish Sea while we shuttle you to your destination on our fully enclosed aluminum passenger boat. Our Mountains and Tides are beautiful beyond measure and we cannot wait to share them with you.
Our day hikes are geared for all levels of fitness. Whether you’re an experienced hiker that enjoys the challenge of conquering a little bushwhacking and pushing yourself to the peak or someone that just loves being in nature to take in the sights and sounds. Maybe your goal is somewhere in the middle - we have you covered.
If hiking is not what you desire in a wilderness experience, then come set sail with us for a beautiful tour of the Howe Sound. We offer two hour cruises with a maximum of five passengers. Don’t let a little rain deter you as our vessel is fully enclosed and heated - some of the most beautiful scenery happens on these rainy coastal days.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”
– John Muir
Our day hikes are geared for all levels of fitness. Join us for sea + land adventures on Gambier Island [Lost Lake, Mt. Killam and Mt. Artaban] where you’ll be shuttled by boat to your destination to enjoy a day on the quiet, less travelled trails of our island neighbour. Or take your adventure to the mainland and dive deep into Cypress and Garibaldi Provincial Park to take in the alpine beauty that these destinations have to offer.
If hiking is not what you’re looking for, then join us on a private two hour boating adventure in the Howe Sound. We cater these excursions to what you would like to see and do on the water; whether it be searching for sea lions [seasonal] or photographing our rugged coastline, we know lots of great spots to create lasting memories.
meet geoff.
BORN AND RAISED IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTH VANCOUVER, GEOFF HAS BEEN TREKKING THE BACKCOUNTRY PRETTY MUCH SINCE HE LEARNED TO WALK.
His deep love of the outdoors led him to his first job of trail maintenance at the age of fifteen on Cypress Mountain. He has since tackled over 100 mountain peaks and is consistently adding to that number whenever he gets the opportunity.
June 2023, Geoff successfully completed the gruelling Training and Assessment program and became a member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and has since become certified as a Sea Captain.
Geoff owns and operates the family business, Howe Sound Automotive, a mobile automotive repair shop that services Bowen Island, Gambier Island and West Vancouver.
meet kirsten.
Kirsten has lived by the sea her entire life. Her art and design style is deeply influenced by the rugged nature that surrounds her.
Kirsten is the graphic designer, marketing director and pretty much every other administrative hat behind Mountain Tide Adventures Ltd. She is also Geoff’s wife of over twenty years and mama to their two children, Logan and Chloe. Kirsten has been in the design industry for over twenty years and loves creating unique brand identities for her awesome clients.
Kirsten is also the owner/operator of Woodlands Guesthouse Ltd. - a beautiful self contained cabin located in the valley of Bowen Island, BC.
When not on the computer or changing the cabin’s bedding, you can find Kirsten in her woodland garden, beachcombing, exploring the island’s rainforests with her pups or shuttling her two teens from one place to the next. She wouldn’t want it any other way!
exlpore + stay.
Stay for the weekend or stay for a week (or more!) to truly experience life in the Pacific Northwest.
Woodlands Guesthouse is a beautiful two bedroom private guest cabin centrally located in the valley of beautiful Bowen Island, British Columbia. We are within walking distance to working farms, two cideries and specialty food shops. Just a short drive from the shopping hub of Snug Cove and Artisan Square and minutes to the sunset beaches of the westside on the island. Enjoy your morning coffee on the covered porch and your evenings at the fire table in our woodland garden. Combine any of our excursions to your stay to create a truly memorable experience.
faq
WHAT TYPE OF BOAT DOES MOUNTAIN TIDE ADVENTURES USE?
We are the proud owners of a 20’ fully enclosed aluminum KingFisher. Built for the rugged oceans of our coast and comes equipped with a 200hp engine.
HOW MANY PASSENGERS CAN THE KINGFISHER TAKE?
A maximum of 5 passengers (not including the captain)
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE?
You can expect to see beautiful scenery, rugged mountain coastlines, wildlife, second growth forests, stunning vistas and so much more.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?
The tours go rain or shine unless it is dangerous weather conditions for both boating and/or hiking some of the steep terrain.
WHAT SHOULD WE BRING WITH US?
Dress for the weather. Layered clothing is always best as you work up a sweat! If travelling by sea only, we still recommend layering as the temperature can change quickly on the water. Bring lots of water for the hikes and snacks.
IS THERE A BATHROOM ON THE BOAT OR AT THE TRAILHEAD?
There is no bathroom at the final destinations nor on the boat. There is however, a lovely bathroom for our guests at the Union Steamship Marina.
Additional Information
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travellers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travellers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level (for hiking excursions)
Not recommended for travellers who have difficulty with stairs.
Our tours have a maximum of 5 travellers