Our kayak guides are the heart and soul of Butterfly Tours, embodying the passion and values we hold dear. They absolutely love exploring the stunning coastline of British Columbia and have chosen this path to share the incredible beauty of Haida Gwaii with you. With over a decade of experience, our Level III guides have ventured across BC, discovering the best kayaking spots and soaking in the tranquility of nature. They all agree—there’s nothing quite like the coastline of Gwaii Haanas.
Our guides are not just experts in kayaking; they’re seasoned adventurers dedicated to making your wilderness experience both thrilling and safe. With their deep knowledge, you can confidently explore the hidden gems of Gwaii Haanas and create unforgettable memories. They’re adaptable, responsible, confident, and always ready with a good laugh.
Beyond kayaking, our guides are world travelers and wilderness enthusiasts who’ve sharpened their skills in navigation, leadership, and campcraft. They’re here to ensure every trip is as safe and amazing as possible, so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.
Wesley is all about finding the most stunning "adventure reading" spots in British Columbia. After diving into adventure tourism, he found himself hooked on the incredible kayaking coastline and beaches in Haida Gwaii and the Broughton Archipelago. These places are where his love for the water truly shines.
In 2019, Wesley decided to take his passion to the next level by founding "At the Water's Edge Adventures." He wanted to share the jaw-dropping beauty of BC’s coastal waters with others, offering kayaking experiences that really let you connect with the wild and wonderful nature out there.
Wesley’s got a special place in his heart for Haida Gwaii and the Broughton Archipelago. He believes these spots are perfect for anyone looking for adventure and discovery, with their rugged coastlines and amazing wildlife.
Through "At the Water's Edge Adventures and Butterfly Tours" Wesley invites people to come and experience the magic of BC’s waters. His love for kayaking and the natural world makes every trip a memorable adventure for those who join him.
Rob Watson, owner and guide at Butterfly Tours, is not only an experienced kayak guide but also a passionate educator about the intricate ecosystems of British Columbia's coastline. With a background in Marine Biology and Earth Science from the University of Victoria and Bamfield Marine Science Center, Rob brings a deep understanding of the small yet vital components of marine life.
He has a particular fascination with invertebrates and seaweeds, appreciating how these often-overlooked organisms play crucial roles in the health and balance of marine ecosystems. Rob loves to share this passion with guests, offering insights into the interconnectedness of these tiny yet significant creatures and their environments.
During his tours, Rob takes the time to point out the fascinating world of seaweeds and invertebrates, explaining their roles in the food chain and their contributions to the ecosystem's overall health. He believes that understanding these connections enriches the kayaking experience, allowing guests to see the ocean in a new light.
Rob's enthusiasm for these small wonders is infectious, and he aims to inspire a similar appreciation in those who join his expeditions. By sharing his knowledge, Rob hopes to foster a deeper respect for nature's complexity and the delicate balance that sustains it, leaving guests with a newfound wonder for the natural world.
In another life, Dave Hilder might've been jamming out as a drummer on world tours. But instead, he found his groove along the stunning coastlines and wild terrains of British Columbia. Dave’s become a pro at navigating the ocean landscapes around Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, and the Central Coast.
His adventures through BC's rugged beauty sparked a love for nature that he can’t wait to share with others. Dave’s all about teaching guests about the environment, championing conservation, and creating a tight-knit community of fellow adventurers.
And it's not just guiding where Dave shines—he’s also a whiz in the kitchen. He loves whipping up meals that celebrate nature’s bounty, turning remote camps into culinary hotspots with unforgettable dining experiences.
With Dave as your guide, you’re in for more than just an amazing adventure; you’re in for a genuine connection. His infectious positivity guarantees a journey filled with smiles and laughter, bringing out the best in everyone.
Seeing the joy and wonder on his guests’ faces is what keeps Dave going. An adventure with him isn’t just a trip; it’s an unforgettable experience, thanks to his boundless enthusiasm and passion for the great outdoors.
While Dave might not be rocking out on a global stage, he’s found his true calling exploring the majestic BC coast. He loves sharing these awe-inspiring experiences with fellow adventurers and dropping some serious knowledge about our ecosystem. His dedication makes him one of the best guides around, promising a journey filled with laughter and good vibes.
Meet Dan Finer, or as his friends like to call him, "Danny Boi." Born and raised on the beautiful Saltspring Island, Dan's been connected to nature from a young age. At 14, he started kayaking around the breathtaking Gulf Islands of coastal BC, and that's when he truly fell in love with the intricate ecosystems of the BC coast. Growing up in this coastal paradise, he developed a deep appreciation for the marine wonderland he calls home.
For over a decade, Dan's been sharing his passion as a sea kayak guide, leading adventurers through the magical waters of the Gulf Islands, Johnstone Strait, Gwaii Haanas, and the Broughton Archipelago. In 2022, he took on a unique role as the Warden for the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, teaching boaters how to safely interact with wildlife.
Recently, Dan spends his winters on epic expeditions to Antarctica. He led the kayak program and was a skilled zodiac driver and guide, soaking in the pristine beauty and reinforcing his love for marine life, both big and small.
Dan is all about education and loves sharing the wonders of the ocean with others. His mission is to help people appreciate and understand the incredible relationships within the marine world. Whether you're on a kayak or just chatting with him, Dan's enthusiasm for the sea is contagious!
Say hello to Maia, whose paddling journey began in the breathtaking Southern Gulf Islands. With over ten years of exploring the stunning BC coast, she's become one of the most passionate and knowledgeable guides you'll meet. Her love for nature, especially salmon, even saw her taking a stand against harmful salmon farming in the Broughton Archipelago—a place she proudly called home for a long time.
Maia's adventures took her further north, where she embraced guiding, tree planting, and working as an environmental tech in the scenic town of Terrace, BC. Now, she lives in Laxyuumb Ts’msyen, with a garage full of boats and skiing gear. She’s also had the amazing chance to live on Haida Gwaii, where she spent her days paddling, fishing, and wandering through magical, mossy forests.
These experiences have given Maia a deep sense of gratitude, and she’s super excited to join Butterfly Tours this summer. With Maia as your guide, get ready for a journey filled with nature's beauty, her infectious passion, and a whole lot of knowledge. It’s bound to be an unforgettable adventure exploring the wonders just beyond the horizon!
Kai, born in the coastal town of Squamish BC, was raised amidst the beauty of the ocean, trails, lakes, rivers, and forests that thrive within the temperate rainforest. Growing up in the lap of nature, his naturalist parents instilled in him an unwavering passion for ecology and outdoor exploration. At the tender age of four, Kai had his first taste of sea kayaking, nestled in the centre hatch of a double kayak, surrounded by a custom skirt and a makeshift seat. Lulled to sleep by the gentle whispers of salt-spray and the rhythmic swell, that initial experience paved the way for an adventurous journey that lay ahead.
Over the years, Kai has embarked on numerous multi-week expedition paddling trips, each one a testament to his indomitable spirit and love for nature. From the lower Stikine River and LeConte Bay, to Hakai to Bella Bella, to a captivating circumnavigation of Price and Swindle Islands in the central coast near Klemtu, to the awe-inspiring Coppermine River, and the mesmerizing west coast of Moresby Island in Haida Gwaii, Kai has delved into the heart of these wild landscapes, experiencing their raw beauty firsthand. In parallel to his outdoor pursuits, Kai is currently pursuing a degree in forest biology and ecology at the esteemed University of Victoria. Through his academic journey, he seeks to unravel the intricate complexities of the natural world, further deepening his understanding of these remarkable ecosystems.
In 2022, Kai fortuitously stumbled into the world of guiding. Inspired by a transformative personal trip with friends, Kai was captured by the idea of sharing his deep connection to the wild and inviting others into these captivating ecosystems. Driven by his boundless enthusiasm as a naturalist, he eagerly embarks on each new adventure, fervently sharing his observations and igniting a passion for our rainforest home among all those who cross his path.