West Coast Trail – Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
The West Coast Trail is a world-famous backpacking expedition along Vancouver Island’s coastline. Follow the footsteps of shipwrecked sailors and explore the Graveyard of the Pacific!
Read More West Coast Trail – Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Nootka Trail – Nootka Island
The Nootka Trail is a remote coastal backpacking trip on Nootka Island. The adventure includes a water taxi or seaplane flight, along with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities!
I have not taking a trip with MB guiding, but I have been meaning to leave a review as the resources provided on their website (for free), and virtual trip planning sessions on facebook (again, free) are excellent. The downloadable GPS track he provided for the Nootka trail was incredibly useful, and made our navigation of the trail easy. Mike and his team are doing a lot for the coastal hiking community and I would not hesitate to take a trip with them in the future!
Mike is a fun and knowledgeable instructor and guide! I really enjoyed taking his wilderness navigation workshop 1 and 2. I look forward to applying my knowledge in the field and highly recommend any outdoor enthusiast to take these courses through MB Guiding.
I hiked the North Coast Trail this June with Mike Blake from MBguiding, and it was phenomenal. Mike was incredibly informed and prepared—he provided detailed pre-trip info and a super helpful gear list.
He shared awesome stories along the way that made each stretch of the trail more fun and meaningful, and his upbeat vibe kept everyone energized—even when the trail got tough.
He captured amazing photos and videos, and provided very detailed post trip reports. His focus on safety was top-notch.
If you’re considering the NCT, I can’t recommend MBguiding enough. Mike made it an unforgettable adventure!
He shared awesome stories along the way that made each stretch of the trail more fun and meaningful, and his upbeat vibe kept everyone energized—even when the trail got tough.
He captured amazing photos and videos, and provided very detailed post trip reports. His focus on safety was top-notch.
If you’re considering the NCT, I can’t recommend MBguiding enough. Mike made it an unforgettable adventure!
Another great trip with Mike Blake @MBGuiding. Mike is so prepared and organized, he knows his local culture and history of the area, He knows all the secret ins and outs, He knows when you can or shouldn't go. Always learning from Mike. If you are thinking of joining Mike on a trip, just do it, you won't be disappointed. He helps you organize and plan for success, yet lets you be your self.
We spent 5 superb days on the North Coast Trail and in Cape Scott Provincial Park with our guide, Mike Blake. This was my third hike with Mike, and every time I have learned something new, to enhance my skills and the enjoyment of the experience. Apart from being a fun person to hike with, Mike is a superbly professional guide, with decades of experience. He knows the trails, and the hazards along the route. He also knows the best places to stop, rest, and enjoy the view, as well as the very best spots to camp. This year we enjoyed a special treat, as a magnificent wolf walked along the beach towards us, while we stood in silent awe.
As an experienced guide, Mike makes trip planning and preparation part of the experience, starting months before the trip. He can also make changes to the itinerary at very short notice when weather or trail conditions dictate. Last year, our departure to Nootka Island was delayed for 24 hr by a storm. While we sat and drank coffee, watching the waves outside, Mike made all the changes to the itinerary and found us all places to stay for an extra night before our rescheduled departure. I have confidence in Mike’s ability to deal with any untoward events such as injuries or broken equipment on the trail.
If you want to hike on Vancouver Island but you’re not sure you have the experience or skills to organize a trip, I can whole-heatedly recommend Mike Blake of MB Guiding!
As an experienced guide, Mike makes trip planning and preparation part of the experience, starting months before the trip. He can also make changes to the itinerary at very short notice when weather or trail conditions dictate. Last year, our departure to Nootka Island was delayed for 24 hr by a storm. While we sat and drank coffee, watching the waves outside, Mike made all the changes to the itinerary and found us all places to stay for an extra night before our rescheduled departure. I have confidence in Mike’s ability to deal with any untoward events such as injuries or broken equipment on the trail.
If you want to hike on Vancouver Island but you’re not sure you have the experience or skills to organize a trip, I can whole-heatedly recommend Mike Blake of MB Guiding!
I took Mike's two-day Wilderness Navigation course in Victoria. It was so much fun! Mike is a really kind, positive and patient teacher who is truly passionate about all things guiding. His attitude is really infectious, you are guaranteed to have fun and feel even more passionate about hiking after - whether you are already experienced or a newbie. Highly recommend!
Mike is awesome! Took his Wilderness Navigation course over a weekend (two days) in Victoria. It was tons of fun and I learned so much, we covered analog and digital tools. He's a very positive person with a real passion for guiding and for teaching newbies. He was incredibly patient and good-natured, so do not hesitate to take his courses. Also, he is kind enough to let you continue to reach out for advice when you are planning a hiking trip in the future.
West Coast Trail, September 2024. This was an amazing trip but so much harder than we expected! Mike’s expertise was greatly appreciated, we could not have done this without him. He was very organized and knowledgeable, and kept us on schedule. I would definitely recommend Mike Blake and MB Guiding! Woo hoo!
Spent the most amazing week on the North Coast Trail with Mike from MB Guiding. I could not say more about this trip, we learned tons plus had so much fun!
Mikes knowledge of the area was huge not to mention all the plants and animals we got to see and learn about. From learning how to identify different animal tracks, to bird calls and different flowers.
Each evening we would participate in fire starting, tarp hanging, and food cacheing lessons as well as talking about the goals for the next day and what the weather, tides and distances were going to be on the map.
On top of all that Mike was always so encouraging, patient and organized which only made the trip more epic.
We had done one of Mike’s wilderness navigation courses before and knew how great that was and he just proved it even more. I would 1000% recommended MB Guiding every time.
Mikes knowledge of the area was huge not to mention all the plants and animals we got to see and learn about. From learning how to identify different animal tracks, to bird calls and different flowers.
Each evening we would participate in fire starting, tarp hanging, and food cacheing lessons as well as talking about the goals for the next day and what the weather, tides and distances were going to be on the map.
On top of all that Mike was always so encouraging, patient and organized which only made the trip more epic.
We had done one of Mike’s wilderness navigation courses before and knew how great that was and he just proved it even more. I would 1000% recommended MB Guiding every time.
About a year ago, I went to the WCT Facebook page to get advice on whether our group of 6 should hire a guide or not. Many people suggested Mike Blake at MB Guiding and so we hired him, and we are so thankful we did! Mike was the best decision we could have made, he helped us complete the trail safely, on time, and with no injuries just over a week ago. He was so patient with our slow pace and kept us positive when we were fizzling out at the end of each day. I highly suggest doing this trail with a guide, he had so many tips and tricks in the planning process and history tidbits along the trail we wouldn’t otherwise have known. We couldn’t have done it without you Mike! Wooooo hooooo!
We hired Mike to hike the famous West Coast Trail.
MB guiding exceeded expectations.
He understood our skill level and catered/planned the trip around us.
I was very impressed with Mike.
He made the trip so much better and safer for us.
It was a memorable one for sure!
MB guiding exceeded expectations.
He understood our skill level and catered/planned the trip around us.
I was very impressed with Mike.
He made the trip so much better and safer for us.
It was a memorable one for sure!
Would definitely recommend especially if you are traveling from another province. Mike took care of all the details for our North Coast Trail adventure and was very knowledgeable and experienced. I learned a lot of new things about camp set-up, gear, banana slugs, bears, tides and so much more. I appreciated his enthusiasm and energy throughout the trip.
