MB Guiding, led by Mike Blake, is an Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) certified hiking guide service based in Victoria, British Columbia. They specialize in small group, guided backpacking trips on Vancouver Island. In addition, MB Guiding offers Wilderness Navigation workshops designed to teach participants essential skills for navigating in the backcountry.
Review of MB Guiding
MB Guiding offers guided support for multi-day backpacking treks on the following trails: North Coast Trail, Nootka Island Trail, West Coast Trail, Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, and several 3-day treks in Strathcona Provincial Park. We talk about these trails on our Walking Holiday on Vancouver Island guide, but MB Guiding provides excellent details and trip reports for each of their routes.
Details provided with their tours include:
- Comprehensive descriptions of each trail, including difficulty levels, landscapes, and highlights
- Day-by-day itineraries to help participants understand what to expect
- Packing lists and gear requirements tailored to each trail
- Fitness prerequisites and preparation tips
- Logistical concerns such as meeting points and transportation
IMPORTANT NOTE: Participants are responsible for bringing their own supplies, including food and camping equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, and cooking gear. If you want a more all-inclusive company that can provide gear, look at Coastal Bliss Adventures.
Things to Like about MB Guiding
- Local guide-owned tour company with 20+ years experience
- All tours are led by an ACMG-certified hiking guide
- Provides detailed pre-trip guidance, including itineraries, packing lists, and fitness recommendations
- Heavy emphasis on training and coaching before and during the tour
- Group size is maximum of 5-7 participants (depending on trail)
- Permits and transit during treks is included in price (water taxi, transfers, etc.)
- Budget-friendly option for hikers who already have their own equipment
- Consistent 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor, Google and an A+ rating by Better Business Bureau
Route Types
- Trekking
Destinations include
- Vancouver Island (BC, Canada)
Great Choice for
- Hikers who want to gain confidence in exploring wilderness areas safely and independently
- Anyone seeking guided backpacking trips on Vancouver Island who just needs guide support, not gear
Established in ?
Last reviewed December 19, 2024
