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 Who is Rainbird?
Rainbird Excursions is based in the Alberni
Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia,
Canada.
The owner and operator, Sandy McRuer, has had
a passion for birds, forests and the natural world
as long as he can remember. He is a professional forester, and
has worked in the Port Alberni area
and many parts of coastal British Columbia
for over 20 years. He has led many forestry survey
crews and outdoors club trips. He is also fully accredited with
wilderness first aid credentials. He is very much a
part of his community. He offers you his
professionalism and knowledge of forest ecology,
plants, fish and especially, birds. You will be
entertained by his friendly entertaining manner and you will learn a few things too!
Sandy lives in the centre of town with his wife and dog,
Timber, a golden retriever. He is a member of the local Log
Train Trail Society, the Chamber of Commerce and organizes the
local Christmas Bird Count every year.
Safety
Rainbird Excursions, priority is to offer ecotours and birding
excursions that are safe. These trips are fairly easy for anyone -young families, adults, and those who have recently retired. The longest
hike is less than an hour and a half from the trailhead. Each trip starts with a safety talk. The van and guide carries first
aid and communication equipment to be certain we can always call out if necessary. You will be
secure in knowing any guide we use will have an industry-recognized wilderness first aid
certificate. Rainbird is fully insured, and fully licensed.
Commitment to the environment :
In order to sustain the environment of Vancouver Island,
Rainbird Excursion's commitment will always be to do things in as environmentally sustainable way as possible. We are always looking for ways to lessen our footprint in the world.
Specifically, Rainbird Excursions : |
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Has adopted the Tourism Industry Association of Canada's Code of Ethics and Guidelines for
Sustainable Tourism; |
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Encourages respect for the natural environment and the aboriginal peoples to whom it largely
still belongs; |
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Will leave only foot prints where we have been; |
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Will not knowingly damage or endanger any plants animals or fish on any
ecotours. |
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Will advocate resource management that will be sustainable in the long term for our local
communities. |
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What You Get! |
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Here is an opportunity for you to be taken off the beaten track to a wilderness gems only the
locals know. Leave your vehicle at the hotel or campsite and come on an excursion. Each trip
is an opportunity to discover the natural history of an incredible part of the world. You will
learn about the trees, flowers, birds, fish and animals. And the scenery is fabulous! |
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Transportation in a fully certified and licensed 15 passenger van with room for all your gear
for the day. |
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Rain Ponchos, walking sticks or trekking poles. |
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Individual gourmet lunches and drinks for the full day-trips. Drinks for the other trips. (Please
let us know about dietary requirements) |
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Fun. We want you to have a great time! |
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What you bring on Our Ecotours |
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Warmer clothing. Dress in layers. It can be pretty cool in the morning and at higher
elevations; |
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Hiking boots are recommended for all but the Lady Rose Trips. For all trips sturdy, rubber-soled
shoes should be worn. |
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Knapsack or bag to put the clothes in if it warms up; |
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On sunny days a hat sunscreen and sun glasses. |
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On hot days, a bathing suit and towel. |
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Biting insects are generally not a problem
on Vancouver Island, but repellent is a good idea. |
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Cameras and film; |
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Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements; |
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Willingness to sign a waiver. |
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