Meet The Team

Damon (He/Him)

Damon is a graduate of Algonquin College’s Outdoor Adventure Program and as Expedition Manager he ensures everything about your trip is ready to go once you arrive. He manages our awesome team of sea kayak guides.

Damon’s love of the great outdoors means that each trip is based on his detailed knowledge of the area and the favourite spots only a resident local expert knows how to find.

Stephen (He/Him)

Stephen has had a passion for the water since moving from Alberta in 1992. He is a avid fisherman and outdoorsman. Stephen lives in Campbell River and loves spending time with his family. His two daughters are 5 and 12. They have enjoyed spending more time on the water and share his passion for the outdoors.

His business background as an entrepreneur has grown a company from 30 employees to 75. Stephen has a Bcom in Entrepreneurial Management from Royal Roads University. He is a trained naturalist, Commercial Bear Viewing Association Level 1 bear viewing guide and is Transport Canada Certified for small commercial vessel operations. Stephen also holds a Multi Engine IFR Pilots License, and a Class 1 Commercial Drivers License.

He also currently serves as President of the North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association, member of the City of Campbell River Tourism Advisory Committee, and member of the Discovery Islands Tourism and Forestry Working Group.

Tyler (He/Him)

Tyler has grown up on the water. His early years were spent down in the Gulf Islands, before moving north and exploring Nootka Sound, Discovery Passage, and the Johnstone Strait.

He’s been involved in the commercial sportfishing and ski industry since 2001. He was the Assistant Slope Supervisor at Mount Washington Alpine Ski Resort, and was tasked with supervising a crew of 20 in day-to-day operations. He is also a commercial sports fisherman in Nootka Sounds Discovery Passage, and Johnstone Strait.

Tyler has a Leadership and Safety Excellence certificate from ACSA, MED 3A- Marine Emergency Duties, Marine First Aid CPR/AED Level C, VHF Radio Operators License, and Small Vessel Operators Proficiency from Transport Canada.

Maddie (She/Her)

Maddie was born and raised in the countryside of southern Germany. Although she grew up far from the ocean, childhood camping trips to the Atlantic coast of France and the Baltic Sea sparked a lifelong fascination with the marine environment and ocean creatures.

Maddie holds a bachelor’s and master's degree in tourism and destination management and has been a part of our team since 2023. She has found her dream job in the ethical whale watching industry, where she finds herself immersed in constant learning about wildlife, while also fulfilling her passion for creativity and sustainable development. Maddie utilizes her marketing expertise as a tool to communicate the importance of ethical practices in wildlife viewing, inspiring guests to join educational tours and fostering a deep interest in ocean conservation awareness.

Outside of work, Maddie loves spending time outdoors - mountain biking, hiking, or enjoying a quiet beach day with a good book and plenty of time swimming. She also volunteers with Kitty Cat PALS, helping socialize feral cats, and enjoys creative outlets such as painting, linocut printmaking and baking.

Anaïs (She/Her)

Born on the island and raised in the rural Northern Rockies, Anaïs' love for the outdoors and adventure is grand. The ocean was calling, and she found her way back to the island in 2015.

Anaïs graduated University in the Arts and in Administration. She is thrilled to join the team in 2025 and be a part of sustainable eco-tourism. Helping others to experience and enjoy the incredible beauty of our local area and wildlife, while helping to educate them on the importance of sustainable and responsible practices is of great importance to her.

When not helping others have their dream day on the water, Anaïs can be found enjoying time with her busy little family in the garden, on the trails, or singing in local choirs or productions.

Taya Rice (She/Her)

Taya grew up on Vancouver Island, where spending time on the water and immersed in nature was simply part of everyday life. Those early experiences shaped her connection to the marine environment and led her to pursue a Management Degree with a major in Sustainable Tourism and Recreation.

Taya has been working in the tourism industry since 2012 and joined the Campbell River Whale Watching team in 2018. Having always envisioned a career rooted in nature and the ocean, she feels right at home in an industry that allows her to share meaningful wildlife experiences with guests. One of the aspects she values most about her role is working for an employer that truly puts people first and is committed to building supportive, long-term careers for its team.

When she’s not at work, Taya loves exploring and playing outdoors with her young kids and spending as much time as possible on the water aboard their own boat during the summer months.

Rachel (She/Her)

Meet Rachel, our adventurous sea kayak guide originally from London, UK, whose journey to Wildcoast Adventures has been as dynamic as her background. With a diverse career spanning from London’s bustling pub scene to the fast-paced world of financial services, Rachel found her true calling in outdoor instructing and guiding across the globe. Drawn to Wildcoast for its unparalleled whale-watching opportunities and thrilling paddling expeditions, Rachel brings her passion for kayaking and sustainability to every trip. Her love for kayaking stems from its unique ability to foster a deep respect for environmental conservation. Joining Wildcoast for her first season, Rachel loves the opportunity to share the outdoors with enthusiastic groups, making each expedition unforgettable. Outside of work, you’ll find her exploring even more natural wonders or planning her upcoming thru-hike.

Vincent (He/Him)

Vincent's passion for the outdoors ignited at 13 with a canoe tripping camp in Quebec, sparking a lifelong love for exploration. Guiding backcountry skiing and patrolling in Quebec winters, Vincent also holds certifications from Cégep de Saint-Laurent's adventure tourism guide program and carpentry school.

Joining Wildcoast Adventures for his second season, Vincent thrives on guiding multi-day tours, fostering deep connections with guests and sharing his expertise in kayaking, a sport he admires for its continuous learning opportunities and being immersed in the beautiful nature.

Beyond kayaking, Vincent finds joy in white-water canoeing, telemark skiing, and bicycle touring. His favorite adventure memory involves cycling through Canada with one of his friends.

Diana (She/Her)

Meet Diana from Patagonia, Chile, whose passion for ecotourism led her to become a kayak assistant and guide in Torres del Paine National Park. For three summers, she paddled amidst icebergs and glaciers, captivated by nature's grandeur.

Transitioning to Canada for a new adventure with Wildcoast Adventures, Diana is excited to continue her journey in kayaking, a sport that has quickly become her passion. She values its ability to connect her deeply with nature and educate others on environmental conservation. Diana enjoys sharing her love for the outdoors with people from all over the world, showcasing the beauty of nature while fostering a respect for the environment.

Outside of work, she keeps active with exercise and enjoys occasional climbing and going out with friends.

Josh (He/Him)

Meet Josh, one of our enthusiastic kayaking guides at Wildcoast Adventures. Originally from Labrador, Josh graduated with a diploma in Geomatics Engineering Technology and has since explored Canada through various outdoor pursuits like kayaking, snowboarding, climbing, snowmobiling, fishing and camping. This summer marks his introduction to Vancouver Island, drawn by Wildcoast's reputation and the island's beauty. With prior guiding experience on Georgian Bay, Josh thrives on guiding kayak expeditions that range from leisurely paddles to adventurous multi-day trips. He's passionate about pushing boundaries, introducing others to outdoor experiences, and spends his free time practicing Jiu Jitsu, rock climbing, and exploring BC in his Jeep-home.

Brady (He/Him)

Meet Brady, one of our sea kayaking guides. Brady grew up on a small island on the Bay Fundy called Grand Manan. His family started a kayaking company on Grand Manan in 1989 so Brady has spent his whole life around kayaks and the ocean.

Brady started kayak guiding in 2015 for his family's company. He spent seven seasons guiding for them and then has done two seasons guiding in New Zealand’s Marlborough Sound. He will be returning for a third season in November. Brady also did one season guiding around the Whitsunday Islands in Australia.

He joined Wildcoast in May of 2024, excited about the opportunity to kayak with so many different types of marine life. What Brady loves most about this job is the opportunity to meet new people and hear their stories and show them all the amazing things the area has to offer.

When Brady is not guiding, he loves to travel to new countries and experience new cultures and spend time with friends and family.

Fun Fact: In the summer of 2019 Brady summited Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and then after that spent a month and a half driving across all of South Africa.

Laura (She/Her)

Laura grew up in North Vancouver and has a diploma in outdoor leadership. Now in her second season with Wildcoast, she previously spent several summers working with youth at a summer camp on the Sunshine Coast. The wide variety of marine life in the Johnstone Strait and Discovery Islands is what brought her to Wildcoast and her favourite part of guiding is sharing that with guests from all over the world.

When she’s not paddling, Laura can be found enjoying the slower moments spent with her dog, Bentley, and channeling her creativity through art. In the winter she can be found downhill skiing and working as a ski patroller.