IT ALL STARTED with the most humble of beginnings. In the summer of ’92, with a burning desire to run the “world’s greatest” rafting trips, the fledgling “Esprit” (with just 2 rafts) managed to take almost 500 people down the Ottawa River… hardly a good day’s worth for larger companies.
Fortunately, our rafters really enjoyed our smaller trips. It meant that everyone got to go in a 14 ft. self-bailing raft (more exciting, more maneuverable, more fun than a 20 ft. raft, and you don’t have to bail!), that there was less waiting around at each rapid, that there was plenty of fresh “all you can eat” food at lunch, ice cold beer, juice and soft drinks at the end of the trip and most importantly that the guides were highly qualified, internationally certified, world-wide professionals. We were able to provide so much more for our groups that despite not being the biggest of outfitters, they thought of us as the best. However, the best was yet to come! We have kept our small trip size, but have expanded to offer the Petawawa, Magnetawan, Kipawa and Gatineau rivers as well as winter rafting on the tropical rivers of Mexico. Add a variety of canoe trips in Algonquin Park and The Pontiac, swiftwater rescue, advanced wilderness first aid, guide training, riverboarding and kayaking instruction and a decade later we have emerged as the Ottawa Valley’s adventure travel leaders.
Having represented Canada four years in a row at the World Rafting Championships, we have set our standards to the highest level. Our goal of running the “world’s greatest” rafting trips is now our commitment to you… everyday! If you have a longing for the river, an appreciation of the wilderness and a “spirit of adventure”... join us at Esprit!
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| To provide the highest quality outdoor adventures by striving for, achieving and maintaining a standard of excellence greater than the expected norm. To promote and share an awareness of different cultures and the environment, using the wilderness and rivers as a medium of discovery, thereby enriching the lives of our guests, our co-workers and ourselves. |
ADVANTAGES WITH ESPRIT
Dare to Compare! Not all rafting companies are created equal. Only Esprit can boast all of the following advantages: |
| THE 2-CHANNEL DAY! |
| Only at Esprit can you raft both channels of the Ottawa River in the same day. Twice as many rapids means you get twice the adrenaline, twice the fun… why limit yourself to just one channel when you can do them both?! |
| ESPRIT GUIDES |
| Esprit guides are all internationally certified in Swiftwater Rescue (Rescue 3 International) and Advanced Wilderness First Aid (Wilderness Medical Associates). Your safety is in the best of hands! |
| TEAM ESPRIT CANADA |
| As the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Professional Rafting Champions, Esprit guides have brought home four top ten finishes at the World Rafting Championships! |
| ESPRIT RAFTS |
| We exclusively use 14ft. self-bailing rafts rather than conventional 20ft. “bucket boats”. No need for bailing, more time for playing with ESPRIT! |
| THE ESPRIT PERSONABLE GROUP SIZE |
| Our guest/guide ratio of 7:1 rather than 12:1 is the most “ user friendly” in the industry. Personalized service is our specialty! |
| ESPRIT INTERNATIONAL |
| Now you can raft during the winter months by joining us on the tropical and exotic rivers of Mexico! Year round, world-wide adventures only with Esprit! |
| ESPRIT TRANSPORT |
| We offer a daily transportation service to and from Ottawa/Gatineau. Pick-ups available at all major hotels and transport terminals (bus, train and airport). “Door to Door” service - only with Esprit. |
| THE ESPRIT CHOICE |
| Rafting, riverboarding, canoeing, kayaking, river rescue, first aid, guide training and Mexico. More programs, more variety…more to indulge your spirit of adventure with Esprit. |
| OWNERS |
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ESPRIT is owned and operated by international adventure travel guides Jim and Erin Coffey. Since 1984, they have been leading expeditions, training guides and teaching kayaking, first aid, river rescue and ecological awareness throughout Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, India, Italy, Africa, Asia and Australia. |
| ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY |
| ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRITY: ESPRIT has assumed a leadership role in environmental responsibility. All promotional materials are printed on 100% recycled paper. After meals, we separate compostable waste to minimize non-organic garbage, and do not use disposable plates or Styrofoam cups. Our motto “take only photos and leave only footprints” encompasses all of our adventure programs. |
| CONTACT INFORMATION |
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Ways to contact us! |
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1-800-596-RAFT (7238)
e-mail: info@espritrafting.com
website: www.espritrafting.com
BUS: (819) 683-3241
FAX: (819) 683-3641
2 Locations:
#3 Ch. Esprit, Davidson, Quebec, Canada J0X 1R0
or
P.O. Box 463, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada K8A 6X7 |
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