When Jenefer Smalley talks about the biodiversity of the Campbell River region, her knowledge and enthusiasm are palpable. She’s a natural storyteller, sharing the historical significance of whale populations returning to the Discovery Islands in one breath and the excitement of witnessing the spring herring run in the other. “Everyday there’s this electric vibration…this pulse of life,” she says.
“When you’re out on the water there’s an adrenaline rush…when you go into the forest, it’s more a feeling of serenity and peace.”
After years of working as adventure guides and volunteering with conservation organizations in B.C., Jenefer and her partner Rueben started Wild Waterways Adventures. The duo are experienced wildlife guides and educators, offering immersive hiking and kayaking tours, as well as boat excursions to see bears and whales in their natural habitats. Their mission is to share the transformative power of nature with their guests.
Jenefer cites her Métis background for shaping her love of learning through encounters with nature. When it came time to start her own ecotourism company, incorporating sustainability in her business model was a no-brainer.
Committed to Sustainability Through Action and Hands-On Education
Wild Waterways Adventures is a carbon-neutral company, and they also collect conservation fees to help maintain ecological integrity within the Discovery Islands. Jenefer says it’s meaningful that their carbon offset program supports both local and international projects because the whole world is connected. Their offset contributions go towards Quadra Island Forestland Conservation, The Great Bear Rainforest Carbon Project, and The Cookstove Project in Uganda.
Wild Waterways Adventures’ first conservation project aims to educate about the local grey wolf population in hopes that they can protect wolf packs in their unique island habitat for future generations to come. The project involves creating informational signs about grey wolves, so people can be aware and respectful of their habitat. Jenefer wants visitors and outdoor enthusiasts to be better prepared and minimize human-wildlife conflict through education and awareness.
A portion of conservation fees also go to North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA) to support marine wildlife conservation efforts in the region and collect up-to-date information on whale movement to inform researchers.
Jenefer often reminds people that “the biggest carbon sink of all is the ocean.” When they’re guiding on the water, Jenefer and Reuben educate guests about how household products can put toxins into the water supply which goes to the ocean, poisons fish, and accumulates in larger marine mammals like orcas. They are mindful of every detail of the trip and make deliberate choices to minimize their environmental impact. One example of this is ensuring they provide locally sourced food for on-board lunches where possible, which leads to interesting discussions with guests about the environmental impact of industrial agriculture. People are often more curious and receptive when they’re on the water, eager to learn more about sustainability and take these responsibilities with them into their day-to-day lives.
“They come out on the boat and their whole energy changes. They get this extreme excitement and gratitude, a lot of gratitude…when they come witness the beauty here,” says Jenefer.
