Laura has spent her adult life travelling around the globe following her true passion: adventure. She studied Outdoor Adventure Education in 2012 and quickly discovered her calling: sharing her connection to the natural world with people everywhere.
Her guiding journey began in the rugged Canadian Rockies, where she captained boats and led interpretive hikes in some of the country’s most dramatic backcountry.
Since then, Laura has anchored herself in a place that stole her heart, Telegraph Cove. She joined Tide Rip in 2018, and has been returning every year since. A true believer in conservation through coexistence, Laura has a strong desire to protect the animals she has come to know so well. Laura also holds her Small Vessel Operator Proficiency License, is trained in Marine First Aid, and is a member of the Canadian Bear Viewing Association.
While the bears are hibernation, Laura heads to the coldest, most remote place on the planet, where she works as a Zodiac Driver and Polar Expedition Guide.
With her extensive experience, knowledge, and boundless passion for the magical place she calls home, Laura is sure to make your trip unforgettable.
Born and raised in Northern England, Ishbel is a true explorer whose passion for nature has taken her across the world, working in marine, forest, and subterranean environments.
Ishbel studied Physical Geography and Environmental Science, later specializing in Paleoclimatology at the University of Melbourne. Her academic and field experience provide a strong foundation for science-based guiding. Although she no longer works in research, Ishbel loves educating guests and sees guiding as conservation through engagement. She has led backcountry tours in the Yukon, spent time around polar bears in Churchill, and escapes to warmer climates to scuba dive as a certified dive master.
Ishbel joined Tide Rip in 2022 and has not looked back. She is a skilled captain, holding a Small Vessel Operator Proficiency Certificate, training in Marine and Advanced Wilderness First Aid, and is a member of the Canadian Bear Viewing Association.
Her time spent on the water has given her excellent bear
identification skills and a keen eye for spotting wildlife in all
conditions. Ishbel excels in her role; her deep knowledge and
enthusiasm shines through on every tour!
Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Nick is a skilled boat captain who has spent his life on the water. He grew up. exploring remote islands, learning early how to read tides, weather, and the rhythm of the coast. Before joining Tide Rip in 2025, Nick worked on tugboats and in coastal logging, gaining the practical skills and mechanical know-how that earned him the title of our “Mr. Fix It”. He holds a Small Vessel Operator Certificate and is certified in Level 3 Occupational First Aid. Nick is always happy to share stories from years on the coast. With a deep love for the outdoors and the coastline he calls home, Nick brings confidence, experience, and genuine passion to every trip.
Born in South Africa and raised in the African bush, Matthias developed a lifelong love for wildlife from an early age. Encouraged by his grandfather, he became a keen birder with a deep appreciation for the natural world. At 13, Matthias moved with his family to Ontario, Canada, where he spent his summers canoe guiding and exploring the province’s remote wilderness. He later studied Fish and Wildlife at Fleming College, expanding his ecological
knowledge and contributing to Ontario’s Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program, where he helped rehabilitate spawning streams and release new stock into the wild. Matthias joined Tide Rip Tours in 2023. As a naturalist, he brings enthusiasm, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for bears…and, of course, the occasional dad joke (though he’s not actually a dad). He’s currently working toward becoming a skipper, and continues to share his love of wild places with
every guest he meets.
Passionate about nature and wildlife, both at sea and on land, Vanessa has turned that passion into her profession. She joined Tide Rip as a naturalist in 2024, after several years working with Telegraph Cove Resort. Originally from France and living in Canada since 2019, she now proudly calls Vancouver Island home. Her lifelong love of wildlife fuels her work; with in-depth knowledge of local species and habitats, she helps guests connect more deeply with the coastal environment. In addition to her field experience, Vanessa holds a Marine First Aid Certification, SVOP, and is a proud member of the
Canadian Bear Viewing Association, reflecting her commitment to safety, professionalism, and responsible wildlife tourism. A talented artist and designer, Vanessa also owns and operates a small sewing business, creating handmade accessories inspired by the coast she loves.
Born in Quebec and raised on Vancouver Island, Yuri has a deep understanding of the coast and a love for the outdoors. Since joining Tide Rip in 2024, he has been leading guests on engaging and unforgettable trips. When he’s off the clock, Yuri is rarely standing still. You might spot him zipping around in his little red Zodiac, fishing one of his favourite secret spots, tearing down mountain bike trails, or cruising the island on his motorcycle. He’s also a dedicated road tripper, often loading up his Toyota pickup and heading out to camp and explore the backroads. Yuri is always ready to chase the next adventure. In the off season, Yuri channels that same drive into his studies, working towards a Business Degree at The University of Victoria. Energetic, skilled, and endlessly enthusiastic, Yuri is sure to bring a vibrant, adventurous spirit to every outing.
Tess’s passion for the environment began in childhood, and has steadily grown throughout her life. This early fascination inspired her to pursue environmental studies, where she completed courses that deepened her understanding of ecosystems and conservation. For many years, Tess has worked in adventure tourism across Canada and New Zealand. During this time, she served as crew on parasailing vessels and tour boats. These experiences strengthened her appreciation for coastal environments and allowed her to connect with people from around the world. In the summer of 2025, Tess joined Tide Rip Grizzly Tours and has genuinely enjoyed every moment. This role enables her to share her enthusiasm for wilderness, wildlife, and local communities with visitors. She feels fortunate to help others experience the same sense of wonder and respect for nature that has guided her throughout her life.