Our guides, our community, and what's happening
What's happening.
A shift of focus: Lately we have been focusing our efforts on leading guided hiking and photography expeditions to Sable Island National Park Reserve by helicopter, plane and ship. We are a licensed Parks Canada tour company and our passion for the island grows stronger with each visit.
Sable Island: Since 2017 we have been operating guided expeditions to Sable Island National Park Reserve. In order to develop tour offerings that are safe and responsible, we have been working with Parks Canada and the Sable Island Institute. The Institute, an organization engaged in scientific, artistic and cultural programs of research and education, both on and off the island, is headed up by long time resident and naturalist Zoe Lucas. By working closely with Parks Canada and the Institute, we are able to offer tours that are both educational and exciting, but also respectful of the wildlife and ecosystems that are unique and sensitive.
Sustainability: Our trips to Sable are low-impact and our group sizes are small, but in our opinion that's really not enough. To operate guided adventures in such a unique and sensitive place, great care is taken and an active role is in place to support the research projects that take place on the island. This ensures our impact is a positive one. For more information on the Sable Island Institute please visit: Sableislandinstitute.org
Meet our team
We often brag and say "we have the best guides in the business". Well, we believe it's true. Our team of guides and instructors are some of the most experienced, compassionate and knowledgeable in the business. They are local and fun-loving, caring and adventurous. They're always on time, well prepared and give 100% - 100% of the time.
Safety is always #1. With Kattuk guides, you know you're in good hands. All of our guides have a minimum of WRFA (Wilderness and Remote First Aid) and three years of experience leading trips.
Here are some of our team :)
Fred Stillman - Company owner, expedition leader, hiking & sea kayaking guide, survival instructor and team building facilitator. Fred has been leading eco/adventure tours throughout Atlantic Canada since 1999. Fred has taught the Outdoor Guiding program and Outdoor Food Preparation courses at the Nova Scotia Community College. Fred has recently completed his 46th trip to Sable Island NPR and has been trained to assist with winter research with the Sable Island Institute.
Caroline - Office Manager, brings 20 years of experience in business support to our team. In addition to tour operations administrative positions, Caroline had also held roles as a surf guide in Mexico and scuba diving instructor in the Caribbean. Caroline is passionate about the outdoors whether underwater or above. In addition, she is also fluent in English and Polish.
Devon Gillighan - Expedition leader, has a tremendous passion for people, nature, and science. He has a varied skill set and brings a wide range of knowledge to the team. Devon has a BES degree from Saint Mary's University. He holds both AWRFA and Paddle Canada Level 2 certifications. Devon is a confident leader and has been involved with expeditions to Sable Island NPR by helicopter, plane, and ship.
Garry Donaldson - Expedition leader, Garry is a biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service managing a network of 26 Migratory Bird Sanctuaries and National Wildlife Areas across Atlantic Canada. He has a mild Sable Island addiction and has visited the island multiple times including by aircraft, helicopter and ship. His knowledge of Sable and kind-hearted personality add to the experience of our guests.
Adam Zita - Hiking and sea kayaking guide, brings a wealth of outdoor leadership and team building knowledge and experience to the team. He loves what he does and it shows. Adam has a solid understanding of group dynamics from children's groups to corporate adults. Adam has a wonderful personality and is happiest outdoors with people. He is also an active hiking and sea kayaking tour guide and a Paddle Canada Level 1 Instructor.
Joey Yazer - Hiking and kayaking guide, has an incredible amount of knowledge and skill. He's great at teaching survival, leading hiking and sea kayaking tours. He's also a fantastic photographer and many of his photos are featured on this website. Joey is also a paramedic, a paramedic instructor and a
Dr. of Veterinary medicine.
Our Community.
We're very connected to our local community. Each trip we bring to visit Sable Island NPR provides funding for the Sable Island Institute www.sableislandinstitute.org and we work closely with the organization to assist with fundraising and help with ongoing research projects. Each year we put together a fundraising raffle that includes a trip for 2 to Sable Island.
https://sableislandinstitute.org/winner-of-2019-trip-for-two/
We also take part in fundraising efforts to help people who might not have the opportunity to get outdoors and be active whenever we can. Two on-going Kattuk projects are Bikes For the Bay and assisting with equipment drives for the outdoor program at Laing House.
Working with us.
Thank you for taking an interest in working with us. It's no surprise that we receive a number of emails each year from great folks who want to work outdoors. As we grow and expand our offerings, we continue to look for additional guides.
So, what are we looking for? You should be skilled and experienced, have a minimum of WRFA first aid, own your own guiding equipment, be physically fit and have a pleasant, positive attitude. You MUST view safety as the most important aspect of adventuring. We have not had a single major injury of any kind since opening 15 years ago and we intend to keep it that way. You also must be willing to pass an RCMP security check to work with children.
If hired, you'll be expected to be reliable, on time, well-rested, properly prepared and to leave any negativity at home. It should be noted that we are an inclusive organization that welcomes anyone (guides and customers) regardless of their cultural background, religion, gender or lifestyle.
To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter/email to info@kattukexpeditions.com