Rainbird Excursions was started in 2005 by Sandy McRuer. He has had a passion for birds, forests and the natural world as long as he can remember. From his boyhood when he went on canoe trips in Algonquin Park in Ontario with his father, to his career in forestry on Vancouver Island where he specialized in reforestation, he has always been devoted to the appreciation of the natural world. And Rainbird Excursions trips reflect that passion.

Sandy and his guides are mature, experienced individuals, usually with a career behind them and plenty of knowledge about the natural world of Vancouver Island, about local history, and have plenty of stories to entertain you. Sandy, himself, has lived in the area for twenty-five years since he left his home province of Ontario. He is well-connected in the community serving on the board of the Log Train Trail Society, and Alberni Valley Tourism. In addition, he started the local Christmas Bird Count and writes a column in the local paper every month.

Rainbird Excursions is based in Port Alberni on Vancouver Island. From this centrally located community, we conduct excursions to the Tofino, Ucluelet, and Bamfield on the west side of the island. We also offer trips to Forbidden Plateau in Strathcona Provincial Park, and up Mount Arrowsmith, and to the Gulf Islands on the East side of Vancouver Island. Or we can stay home and help you explore the Alberni Valley itself.

Safety

Rainbird Excursions, priority is to offer ecotours and birding excursions that are safe. These trips are fairly easy for anyone - families, adults, and those who have recently retired. 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 :

• Has adopted the Tourism Industry Association of Canada's Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Sustainable Tourism;
• Encourages respect for the natural environment and the aboriginal peoples to whom it largely still belongs;
• Will leave only foot prints where we have been;
• Will not knowingly damage or endanger any plants animals or fish on any ecotours.
• Will advocate resource management that will be sustainable in the long term for our local communities.

Commitment to the Community

• From the day it opened its doors Rainbird Excursions has been a member of the local Chamber of Commerce.
• Owner, Sandy McRuer has been on the board of Tourism Alberni Valley for 5 years.
• Sandy McRuer also serves on the Somass Estuary Management Committee, the committee that is formed from a variety of interest groups and government to ensure proper management of this valuable estuary at the head of the Alberni Inlet.
• Sandy McRuer organizes the National Audubon Christmas Bird Count in this community every year.