Blue Dog Kayaking

Just done their level 1 course and the instructor (Rebecca) was excellent. The ratio of pupils to instructor was good and we had a mixture of new and more experienced kayakers and she was very good at giving each person individual attention based on their skill level. Would recommend to new kayakers or anyone just wanting to brush up on their skills.

Great instructor! A great combination of theory and practice. We were able to practice all of the kayak strokes as well as wet exit, assisted re-entry and solo re-entry. Highly recommend this group for both introductory and advanced kayak skills.

I have just finished my third course with Blue Dog. The instructors are knowledgeable, helpful and professional. I have gained a tremendous amount of confidence, skill and competence in my strokes, navigating and rescues and have gone to some amazing places while doing the courses. I have now taken levels 1,2 and 3 of Paddle Canada courses with Blue Dog and highly recommend them to anyone! Competence is so important on the water. The courses are educational, fun and the food is fantastic! I have loved every course! Thanks Blue Dog!!

Took the Level 1 course this past weekend with my husband. The instructor Ian was so knowledgable, friendly and professional. Was very impressed with the instruction given and how much fun we all had together as a small group (3 of us plus Ian). It was over 2 days and I learnt so much so I would absolutely recommend to anyone thinking about learning about Kayaking! Thank you Ian for such a fun weekend and for keeping things lighthearted, safe and enjoyable :)

A great time on the water in beautiful Mill Bay, BC! Our guide, Alana was vey knowledgeable and worked with our limited level of sea kayaking experience. The tour took us out around Whisky Point and back into a more secluded part of the bay. Saw herons, cormorants, seals, sea stars and other wildlife. Easy to book and everything we needed was provided.

Not at all impressed. He has a couple good staff but this guy is all about the money. He will promise to return your deposit if you need to cancel but don't count on it. If you press him you might get a credit but it will be non transferable and time limited. Course cancelled due to Covid? Tough luck. If you have to take a course with blue dog, only pay with a visa, and if there is a dispute, you might at least have visa on your side. I can't remember the last time I wrote a negative review, but I've heard enough other stories now that I'm going public. This guy is way too manipulative, included with awarding certification.There are plenty of other instructors around who are a lot friendlier and easier to deal with .To follow up on the bluedog response : Amber, there is only one bluedog, and there is no mistake. To be fair , I have heard good things about you, but my beef is with Dave, the owner. I stand by my comments. Still waiting for my refund but not likely I'm going to see it short of taking him to court.

I recently completed my Canada Paddle 1 with Blue Dog Kayaking and I'm so glad I chose this company. The whole experience had a good vibe - and a lot of it was thanks to the excellent, knowledgable, and ever-patient instructors -- Rhonda, Jo and Ian. I'm more competent and confident out on the water because of them.It was a fun-filled two days and I learned so much. Additionally, Mill Bay is a gorgeous setting, and paddling in the Saanich Inlet on a warm spring day is magical.I hope to take my level 2 in the future and I will definitely go with this company - and hope to have these same instructors.

Great Experience I was a complete beginner and by the end of my holiday I had received my level 2 kayaking. As well as learning a lot about kayaking, camping and the local area I had unbelievable amount of fun. Dave was an incredible instructor building my confidence up the water, encouraging to push myself and test my ability whilst always making me feel in a safe learning environment. I could not recommend enough and I look forward to visiting next year (maybe going for my next qualification and also trying out some of the other activities blue dog provide).

If you want to grow then this is the place to go!Been paddling for seven years. Finally decided to take PC level 2. Researched Canada wide for instructors. Traveled from Toronto, ON to Discovery Island, BC to take it with Dave as I heard through the grapevine he’d take me to the next level. Dave and his instructors’ knowledge and experience is exceptional. The camaraderie and positive experience was appreciated.Thank you for making me a better resource for myself and others on the water. You will see me again.

Took a course, an instructional session and a day tour with Blue Dog over the last year and can't say enough good things about them. Friendly, skilled and knowledgeable staff, the availability of top notch equipment for courses and very good prices. Well worth the drive from southern AB.