Paddling in Canada with the First Nations

Takaya Tours provides authentic Aboriginal cultural tourism outdoor experiences from bases in North Vancouver and Port Moody. All of Takaya's operations are owned by the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation, with management to be provided by Deep Cove Kayak. The new Takaya Tours Cates Park Paddling Centre is constructed in traditional First Nations style and will offer kayak rentals, tours and lessons.

"The launch of our new paddling centre and our entry into this collaborative relationship with Deep Cove Kayak is part of Takaya's ongoing business growth," says Leonard George of Takaya Tours.

"We are able to offer more tours from an expanded base of operations, something our customers and tour operator clients will enjoy. And our First Nations staff will benefit from Deep Cove's industry-leading expertise in eco-tourism management and training."

"We're extremely excited about our new partnership with the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation and Takaya Tours," says Bob Putnam of Deep Cove Kayak. "The opening of the Cates Paddling Centre will be an excellent addition to Takaya's traditional canoe tours and their Belcarra Paddling Centre. Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak Centre's 25 years of experience will help further develop these great programmes. Together we hope to help educate people about Indian Arm's rich First Nations culture and at the same time help them develop a passion for kayaking and canoeing."

In total, the two companies will operate four Greater Vancouver locations: Takaya Tours Cates Park Paddling Centre in North Vancouver, Takaya Tours Belcarra Paddling Centre in Port Moody, Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak Centre in North Vancouver, and the just-opened Deep Cove Outdoors store in Deep Cove. The new Deep Cove Outdoors location operates as a retail store as well as a ticketing outlet for both Deep Cove Kayak and Takaya Tours.

For further information, visit Takayatours.com.