Grant first began dreaming about opening his own kayaking business after noticing that despite the region’s reputation for excellent canoeing and kayaking, there was very little infrastructure in place for paddlers who wanted instruction or guided tours. “I saw that gap,” he says, “and thought, ‘Let’s give people the opportunity to get out here with really high trained guide, proper wilderness first aid, and Paddle Canada training. With good quality touring kayaks, so people can get the full experience.”

As a trained kayak instructor and wilderness first responder Grant has the chops to show even seasoned paddlers a trick or two, but finds introducing newcomers to the sport equally appealing. “I get the whole range,” he says, recalling a number of clients who signed up for their first boating experience. “It’s quite incredible that after about thirty minutes of brief training, people get it.”

Grant’s instruction is important because poor technique wears out a paddler’s arms much faster, a shame when there’s so much to see in the area. “This is such a beautiful part of Canada,” he adds, listing Burleigh Falls, Stony Lake’s hundred-year-old St. Peter’s Church, and abundant wildlife sightings among his favourite attractions.