Takaya Tours expands, signing new management agreement
Takaya Tours, an Aboriginal eco-tourism venture owned by the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation, announced June 6th the launch of its new Takaya Tours Cates Park Paddling Centre in North Vancouver and the establishment of a management agreement with Deep Cove Kayak.
Takaya Tours provides authentic Aboriginal cultural tourism outdoor experiences from bases in North Vancouver and Port Moody. All of Takaya’s operations will continue to be owned by the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation and management will 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 public was invited to attend the grand opening, featuring free kayaking, canoeing and a barbecue.
“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 programs. 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.
Established in 1999, Takaya Tours provides experiences that mix outdoor adventure with authentic interpretation of Coast Salish culture. The company is best known for its guided, interpretive excursions in replica ocean-going canoes. Guests paddle in the protected waters of the Burrard Inlet and the Indian Arm while guides from the Coast Salish Nation sing songs, tell legends inherent to the Tsleil-Waututh people and point out former village sites. The Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia has repeatedly recognized Takaya's work, awarding the compan the Strength in Marketing Award in 2003, 2005 and 2007 and the Cultural Authenticity Award in 2002.
For more information visit www.takayatours.com.