The Natural Connection
The Natural Connection
5
Eco ToursHiking & Camping ToursPrivate ToursNature & Wildlife ToursDay Trips
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
With The Natural Connection, every tour is a unique experience. Leave the busy city streets behind and become immersed in the tranquil comfort of our local parks. All trips are custom planned for your group based on your fitness level, and what you would like to see in the local area. Summits, Rivers, Lakes, Coastal hikes, easy, moderate, or challenging, there is a trail for everyone! You will learn about the practice of Forest Bathing and be guided through a mindful meditation practice incorporating the five senses. Guests will come away feeling refreshed, renewed, more connected to themselves and the world around. Backpacks, water bottles and a healthy trail lunch included with every adventure. 20% discounts for groups of 2-4 with pick up and drop off in the Sooke area.
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The Natural Connection
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
13 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Natalia S
14 contributions
Jul 2020
Unfortunately I didn't get to hike with Ryan (The Natural Connection) because of COVID regulations but I wanted to leave a review anyway to say how helpful he's been in helping me plan my outings during my stay in Sooke! He's extremely knowledgeable and experienced and I would highly recommend reachning out to him during your stay in Sooke! He was able to suggest various options for me, explaining logistics, highlights of the trails, pros and cons and suggest best outings for my preference. I ended up having a great time doing a Sea to Sea trail, relaxing on Ella beach (gorgeous!) and doing a section of East Sooke Trail with a few friends. Hopefully I get a chance to visit again at some point in the future and booking a hike with Ryan!
Written August 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sil
8 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
The first time I travelled to Vancouver Island, I did not have much time to visit.
I felt very lucky to stumble on Ryan's Natural Connection website through tripadvisor because this time again, I had a very tight schedule but wanted to make the most of my 2 half a day. I was also taking public transport and had no means to travel around the island by myself.
Ryan picked me up at the bus station and drove me to East Sooke Regional Park for the first part of my trip. We stopped a bit on the Coburg peninsula when I spotted some artwork made out of drift wood. We did a little bit of stretching as I had spent my whole morning sitting then we started our hike. we did only a little bit of the huge park and enjoyed a snack while watching the sunset. He then dropped me off at a cosy lodging he had recommended. The next morning, he picked me up and we went to visit an area dedicated to salmon spawning and then off to Sooke Potholes provincial parks. Again, we were only able to do a part of the park then back by the galloping goose trail before I had to go. He dropped me off near the bus station in Victoria.
The hikes were punctuated by pieces of history, ecology, meditation and salivating tips on pickled algae, mushroom gathering and other interesting bits of life in Sooke.
Ryan explained that he does customised tours depending on time, level of activity, mobility...
I would love to come back sometimes in the end of summer/autumn with some of my friends but try and do a whole day or a several days tour this time. There is so much to see and I only covered a fraction of it.
I felt very lucky to stumble on Ryan's Natural Connection website through tripadvisor because this time again, I had a very tight schedule but wanted to make the most of my 2 half a day. I was also taking public transport and had no means to travel around the island by myself.
Ryan picked me up at the bus station and drove me to East Sooke Regional Park for the first part of my trip. We stopped a bit on the Coburg peninsula when I spotted some artwork made out of drift wood. We did a little bit of stretching as I had spent my whole morning sitting then we started our hike. we did only a little bit of the huge park and enjoyed a snack while watching the sunset. He then dropped me off at a cosy lodging he had recommended. The next morning, he picked me up and we went to visit an area dedicated to salmon spawning and then off to Sooke Potholes provincial parks. Again, we were only able to do a part of the park then back by the galloping goose trail before I had to go. He dropped me off near the bus station in Victoria.
The hikes were punctuated by pieces of history, ecology, meditation and salivating tips on pickled algae, mushroom gathering and other interesting bits of life in Sooke.
Ryan explained that he does customised tours depending on time, level of activity, mobility...
I would love to come back sometimes in the end of summer/autumn with some of my friends but try and do a whole day or a several days tour this time. There is so much to see and I only covered a fraction of it.
Written December 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jamielaliberte
Vancouver Island, Canada5 contributions
Jul 2018
I am a local to Victoria but I still take the opportunities to go out with The Natural Connection as I am still discovering new things each time. The guide will take you on hikes that suit your physical abilities. Ryan is so educated about everything from the oceans to the plants in the forests to which hikes you should do next and he is always looking to share his wealth of knowledge. I've got to say if you come to Vancouver Island and don't go out with The Natural Connection, you are missing out!! It is a must do.
He partners up with a lovely little local coffee shop to provide delicious fresh lunches on the trips, you need to eat this!!
He partners up with a lovely little local coffee shop to provide delicious fresh lunches on the trips, you need to eat this!!
Written February 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nvanderperk
1 contribution
Oct 2018 • Friends
Ryan was a fantastic guide. He was easy going, knowledgeable, and took the time to make our lunches from local ingredients (very delicious). Would recommend!
Written October 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph N
Chicago, IL40 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
Hiked with Ryan in East Sooke - great day, saw whales on our hike and he prepared an excellent lunch and was a very knowledgeable guide.
Written September 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Joseph! That was a great day on the trail. We were so lucky to see those Orcas pass so closely to the shore!
Thank for booking with me.
Written October 22, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heaz_TO
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
My day hiking with Ryan was one of the absolute highlights of my trip to Vancouver Island.
I was travelling solo and interested in doing some hiking in fairly remote areas, to see the giant old-growth trees, particularly Big Lonely Doug. Having a guide made it possible for me to venture out into the woods safely, and Ryan customized a perfect day of hiking for me, based on emailing back and forth leading up to the hike. Lunch was delicious, as were the foraged berries that he identified along the trail. He was extremely knowledgeable about the area, was very easy-going and a great hiking buddy.
Highly recommend for anyone looking to venture off the beaten path.
I was travelling solo and interested in doing some hiking in fairly remote areas, to see the giant old-growth trees, particularly Big Lonely Doug. Having a guide made it possible for me to venture out into the woods safely, and Ryan customized a perfect day of hiking for me, based on emailing back and forth leading up to the hike. Lunch was delicious, as were the foraged berries that he identified along the trail. He was extremely knowledgeable about the area, was very easy-going and a great hiking buddy.
Highly recommend for anyone looking to venture off the beaten path.
Written August 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your positive words, Heather! I really enjoyed the day as well!
It was nice to see the clear cut around Big lonley Doug starting to recover.
Happy trails!
Written September 18, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tula_Toronto
Victoria, Canada11 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
Ryan was a fantastic hike guide, taking us on a trail near the Sooke Potholes and stopping along the way to point out edible berries and show us how to find them. When we arrived at a large riverfront ocean spot, he engaged us with stories of his bear encounters and told us how to manager our own interactions with bears. It was extremely valuable information from an experienced and knowledgeable guide.
I’ll do another of Ryan’s hikes in the future, it was excellent!
I’ll do another of Ryan’s hikes in the future, it was excellent!
Written August 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much! Glad you went away with some useful knowledge for the future.
Happy trails!
Written September 18, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephanie M
Vancouver, Canada35 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
Ryan was a great host/guide with lots of local knowledge of the surrounding areas. He provided us with lunch which also included elements from local farms and businesses.
Written October 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review, Stephanie. The trail lunch is one of my favourite parts of the day as well!
Written October 13, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen D
2 contributions
Oct 2017
Ryan is very knowledgeable about the local area. I went on a hike with him shortly after an injury and he suggested a trail that worked perfectly for my abilities at the time. Highly recommend!
Written October 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your positive review, Karen!
Written October 13, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kyle T
Sooke, British Columbia, Canada4 contributions
Nov 2016 • Friends
Ryan knows the entire area exceptionally well and was able to guide me on an amazing hike through East Sooke Park. Can't recommend him highly enough!
Written October 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your positive review, Kyle! East Sooke Park is one of my favourite destinations!
Written October 13, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
is there a charge for the guided hikes? - where do they start? - all kinds of questions - I will be in Victoria June 16th for a week and am interested in doing some hiking - thanks!
Written April 17, 2018
Hi there! my basic rates are $75 for a half day and $100 for a full day. including transportation to and from your accommodation in the Victoria area. I have many beautiful local parks to choose from to explore for the day.
Please contact me through my website for more information.
-Ryan
Written April 30, 2018
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