Explorer's Tread
Explorer's Tread
5
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Local guiding company on the Bruce Peninsula, safely guiding people to amazing destinations through hiking, biking, backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, snowshoeing, or camping.
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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
56 reviews
Excellent
54
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Teija H
3 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
My boyfriend and I went last week after some time in Tobermory, and it was definitely a highlight of our trip! Zane gave us some great tips, was very encouraging and provided us with lots of history on the area which my boyfriend loved! We would have loved to do a full day trip, I would highly recommend taking the day to spend there! Kayaking to lions head is breath taking and such a great way to take in the sights.
Zane was really great with following up before the trip and took photos of us during the trip which was a nice added bonus!
Zane was really great with following up before the trip and took photos of us during the trip which was a nice added bonus!
Written July 2, 2016
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.
Alicia I
7 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
We did a full day adventure with Explorers Tread with a group of friends. Our day started with a half day hike to Lions Head lookout where we saw gorgeous views and learned about many of the native plant species along the way. We then spent the afternoon kayaking. Our guides Zane and Muffy were very knowledgable about the area and provided great tips on kayaking techniques to make the paddling easier. Overall a great experience, lots of fun. I highly recommend you check it out if your in the area.
Written June 15, 2016
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.
John L
56 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
My partner and I decided to take a trip to Tobermory during the Easter long weekend.
We decided that we wanted to do a kayaking guided tour and after a recommendation from where we're staying we contacted Zane at Explorers Tread.
Naturally being extraordinarily cold this time of the year, where conditions can be quiet dangerous from time to time Zane was ambivalent at first in taking our tour, purely based on safety conscious reasons. After he analysed what would be the safest option for us he suggested the 'Beneath the Lions head' tour.
Zane and his wife kept in close contact through the telephone and Facebook page, updating us on conditions. Zane postponed the tour by one day due to the high winds and possibly dangerous weather conditions, this was not at all a problem for us.
On the Saturday we arrived at the harbour to which Zane gleefully greeted us and briefed us thoroughly into what we were partaking that day. Safety is genuinely his companies number one priority and so it should be.
We set of on our voyage, admiring the beautiful scenery to which was a relaxing but yet invigorating pace. We had plenty of opportunities to take photos and to talk with Zane whilst in our solo kayaks on the water. Zane also took photos of us and our tour two which two days later we received perfectly developed photos through Facebook, they were terrific. We took a short break to learn about the natural history and geological make up of the surrounding area (geology being Zane's background) where we enjoyed hot beverages and light snacks.
Zane relayed such a passion for what he does, this was really refreshing and which drew us towards him and using his company again. I would highly recommend this company as the duration and quality of their tour was amazing. It was very fun, informative and safe; just what you need with kayaking.
We decided that we wanted to do a kayaking guided tour and after a recommendation from where we're staying we contacted Zane at Explorers Tread.
Naturally being extraordinarily cold this time of the year, where conditions can be quiet dangerous from time to time Zane was ambivalent at first in taking our tour, purely based on safety conscious reasons. After he analysed what would be the safest option for us he suggested the 'Beneath the Lions head' tour.
Zane and his wife kept in close contact through the telephone and Facebook page, updating us on conditions. Zane postponed the tour by one day due to the high winds and possibly dangerous weather conditions, this was not at all a problem for us.
On the Saturday we arrived at the harbour to which Zane gleefully greeted us and briefed us thoroughly into what we were partaking that day. Safety is genuinely his companies number one priority and so it should be.
We set of on our voyage, admiring the beautiful scenery to which was a relaxing but yet invigorating pace. We had plenty of opportunities to take photos and to talk with Zane whilst in our solo kayaks on the water. Zane also took photos of us and our tour two which two days later we received perfectly developed photos through Facebook, they were terrific. We took a short break to learn about the natural history and geological make up of the surrounding area (geology being Zane's background) where we enjoyed hot beverages and light snacks.
Zane relayed such a passion for what he does, this was really refreshing and which drew us towards him and using his company again. I would highly recommend this company as the duration and quality of their tour was amazing. It was very fun, informative and safe; just what you need with kayaking.
Written March 29, 2016
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.
CropT0P
Toronto4 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
Was lucky enough to tour Lion's Head by the shore on a kayak with Zane as our guide, who was so incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating. As we went up to Bruce Peninsula for Easter long weekend, weather had worsened and we experienced freezing rain and cold weather the day before our expected tour. Zane was very knowledgeable of the conditions affecting the waters and kayak experience and actually was in consistent contact to be flexible with the dates depending on conditions. Beginning the tour he was very thorough with safety precautions and we felt very assured while in the water. The tour itself was absolutely gorgeous and especially cool since there was still a bit of ice in the waters and snow on the sides of the cliff. Would absolutely recommend anyone travelling to the area to go out with Explorer's Tread!!!
Written March 27, 2016
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.
Jessica H
Charlotte, NC11 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
We did a half-day kayak trip with Zane and had a wonderful time. He took us out around the islands north of Tobermory. We even stopped and got out on one of the islands for a snack break. We also went over 2 shipwrecks before heading back to Tobermory. We had a fantastic trip and were definitely glad to have a guide. I highly recommend booking a trip with Explorer's Tread! No matter which trip you choose, you will have a great time and see some amazing sights!
Written June 22, 2014
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.
Fluffy
Montreal, Canada205 contributions
Jul 2019
Zane was a great guide and cares about safety first. He knew the waters well and was a great guide. We had a wonderful morning kayaking in Lion's Head. We took the Beneath the Lion's Head tour. Zane also provided us with snacks in the middle of the excursion to give us that extra energy boost to kayak back. Would definitely do this again! The waters were gorgeous!
Written August 5, 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.
baroom
Mississauga, Canada3,171 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
I read about Explorer’s Tread from both Tripadvisor and Visitlionshead.ca. I decided to browse their website, even their Instagram and Facebook pages, and after reading about the guided kayaking tours and seeing such stunning pictures I was won over. When I saw an available date/time for the half-day paddle (Beneath the Lion, $70/person) on one of the days we will be in the area, I did not hesitate to send an email inquiry.
I received a favourable reply within the day and was advised to book online but to select Pay on Arrival since the activity may or may not push through depending on the fickle weather. My family’s reservation was for Aug 9, Wed, at 9:30AM. Several days and an email exchange later, we got the FAQs: where and when to meet, what to wear, what to bring, what to expect.
We woke up to the sound of rain on Aug 9 and lucky for us the weather cleared up before breakfast time. We met Zane, Explorer’s Tread co-owner, at Lion’s Head beach parking lot at exactly 9:30AM. We were joined by an older couple who completed our small kayaking group. After signing forms, packing towels and extra clothes inside dry bags, putting on PFDs, a last-minute washroom break, getting safety and emergency instructions, Zane made sure we were comfortably seated in our kayaks, gave us basic paddling tips and pushed our kayaks one by one gently onto the water. From the beach, we paddled along the shoreline towards the cliffs. All that paddling sure gave us an upper body workout but it was worth it. The blue-green waters of Georgian Bay are crystal clear we could see the rocks below us. The scenery was spectacular. Kayaking is really a must-do activity in Lion’s Head.
This was our first kayaking trip and it took us a while to paddle properly. Zane noticed we were moving at a snail’s pace so he showed us how to take big scoops with the paddle (like big scoops of ice cream). We also encountered a lot of waves once we got past the marina and lighthouse which I partly blame for our slow speed. When we finally caught up with the others, Zane told us that usually by this time his group would already be where we were supposed to go. So he gave us 2 options: continue on to our destination some distance further (exit our kayaks, stretch, etc) but must do a brisk paddle back OR turn around now and paddle at the same speed back to Lion's Head beach. We all agreed to just turn around.
On the way back I started feeling a little nauseous (bummer) so I told Zane about my problem and he said one thing that helps is to stare at the horizon, for example, at the top of the lighthouse. I tried but I still kept looking at my paddle and eventually Zane asked if I would like for him to tow my kayak to shore and I agreed. With him paddling with probably very little help from me, I felt much better in no time and soon the beach was within reach.
Justin, another Explorer’s Tread guide, was at Lion’s Head beach by then and he helped pull each one of our kayaks out of the water so we could exit. After taking the dry bags from the kayaks, we headed back to the trailer where we returned the PFDs and paid with credit cards using a Square reader. Zane also emailed us the pictures he took using his phone. I told him before we set out that I wanted pictures and he accommodated my request.
We definitely recommend Explorer’s Tread. Thanks Zane, for teaching us how to paddle, we appreciate the pictures you took and sorry you had to tow me back. My family had a fun and memorable time.
I received a favourable reply within the day and was advised to book online but to select Pay on Arrival since the activity may or may not push through depending on the fickle weather. My family’s reservation was for Aug 9, Wed, at 9:30AM. Several days and an email exchange later, we got the FAQs: where and when to meet, what to wear, what to bring, what to expect.
We woke up to the sound of rain on Aug 9 and lucky for us the weather cleared up before breakfast time. We met Zane, Explorer’s Tread co-owner, at Lion’s Head beach parking lot at exactly 9:30AM. We were joined by an older couple who completed our small kayaking group. After signing forms, packing towels and extra clothes inside dry bags, putting on PFDs, a last-minute washroom break, getting safety and emergency instructions, Zane made sure we were comfortably seated in our kayaks, gave us basic paddling tips and pushed our kayaks one by one gently onto the water. From the beach, we paddled along the shoreline towards the cliffs. All that paddling sure gave us an upper body workout but it was worth it. The blue-green waters of Georgian Bay are crystal clear we could see the rocks below us. The scenery was spectacular. Kayaking is really a must-do activity in Lion’s Head.
This was our first kayaking trip and it took us a while to paddle properly. Zane noticed we were moving at a snail’s pace so he showed us how to take big scoops with the paddle (like big scoops of ice cream). We also encountered a lot of waves once we got past the marina and lighthouse which I partly blame for our slow speed. When we finally caught up with the others, Zane told us that usually by this time his group would already be where we were supposed to go. So he gave us 2 options: continue on to our destination some distance further (exit our kayaks, stretch, etc) but must do a brisk paddle back OR turn around now and paddle at the same speed back to Lion's Head beach. We all agreed to just turn around.
On the way back I started feeling a little nauseous (bummer) so I told Zane about my problem and he said one thing that helps is to stare at the horizon, for example, at the top of the lighthouse. I tried but I still kept looking at my paddle and eventually Zane asked if I would like for him to tow my kayak to shore and I agreed. With him paddling with probably very little help from me, I felt much better in no time and soon the beach was within reach.
Justin, another Explorer’s Tread guide, was at Lion’s Head beach by then and he helped pull each one of our kayaks out of the water so we could exit. After taking the dry bags from the kayaks, we headed back to the trailer where we returned the PFDs and paid with credit cards using a Square reader. Zane also emailed us the pictures he took using his phone. I told him before we set out that I wanted pictures and he accommodated my request.
We definitely recommend Explorer’s Tread. Thanks Zane, for teaching us how to paddle, we appreciate the pictures you took and sorry you had to tow me back. My family had a fun and memorable time.
Written August 22, 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.
Cdn-traveler2014
Toronto, Canada3 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
What a SUPER trip. It was tailored exactly to our abilities and endurance. We saw some of Canada's best sights from water level and enjoyed a gourmet lunch. Couldn't be better! Thanks.
Written August 4, 2016
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.
Nona S
Perrysburg, Ohio2 contributions
May 2016 • Family
This was a top-notch experience. I have been on many kayak and guide excursions, and this company has it together. I would highly recommend it. It was a great afternoon. Our guide showed us what to do and some wonderful spots. He talked about the history as we paddled under the cliffs. Easy to book online. A fun family or group of friends activity. All abilities level.
Written August 3, 2016
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.
Brock L
2 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
We participated in a 3.5 hour kayaking trip at Lion's Head in July 2016. Zane was extremely accommodating, considerate and professional with our excursion. He identified ahead of time our skill level to map a route for the group to travel. I appreciated him taking the time to properly explain all of the safety gear, kayak function and paddling techniques. You could tell right away that Zane takes immense pride in the area being his home when he spoke to our group about the preservation of the landscape and the local culture. He was also extremely knowledgeable about the flora/fauna, formation of the landscape and history of the area. This has been the best experience I have encountered when it comes to an outdoor excursion.
Written August 3, 2016
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.
Hi! We are interested in planning some activities but the website is not working.
Are you currently operating and offering tours? (We'll be in the area August 14-17)
Written August 12, 2020
Hello. Thank you for contacting us. Unfortunately due to COVID we have closed for the 2020 season. Our website is under construction, and will be up shortly. We hope you have safe adventures on the Bruce! Sorry for any inconveniences.
Cheers
Explorer’s Tread
Written August 13, 2020
Bonjour, j'aimerais savoir a quel endroit pouvons nous réserver un guide pour le kayak? a noter que nous ne parlons pas anglais mais pour aller a des endroit securitaire nous aimerions mieu nous faire guider ( en groupe ) merci
Written July 11, 2019
Merci de nous contacter. Malheureusement, nous ne parlons pas français, cependant, visitez notre site Web pour plus d'informations. Pour réserver des visites guidées peut être fait sur le site aussi.
Written July 12, 2019
We run trips all over the peninsula but most are based out of Lion's Head. You can try the Lions Head Beach Motel, Taylor Made B&B or the Lion Heart Guest House. Cheers.
Written March 15, 2019
I would like to inquire however unable to locate a email address or phone number. We are coming to the area july long weekend.
Written June 26, 2018
Google our name and you should find our website. Trip Advisor will not let us post it
Written March 15, 2019
There is a small cost . You can pack a lunch and take the family . Park your car , free . If you have an elderly , maybe not the best trails . There is a look out that is easier to walk so that will be a little better but the other trail can be a little harder as it is some wet rocks and can be slippery . It's so beautiful to do with the family . Enjoy !
Written August 17, 2017
Hello Manjot,
Thank you for contacting us.
To book a tour you need to contact us by phone or email.
We pride ourselves in providing personal trips and customize each one for our clients needs. A reservation is required. We do not have a specific location as plan our trips around our clients.
For more information, please contact us.
Thank you
Written August 18, 2015
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