About
If I asked you to write down ten things that make you “come alive,” what would you write?
Meet Laurel
If I asked you to write down ten things that make you “come alive,” what would you write?
After reading Career Renegade by Jonathan Fields, I did just that. I wrote my random thoughts on tiny pieces of scrap paper…biking, hiking, meaningful sustainable travel, great food, delicious wine, unique experiences, new and old friendships, taking the time to appreciate the small stuff, exploring new places, paying it forward…
As I read my list to my husband one evening, it was as if an active travel company jumped off the page. I could combine the whole list and share my enthusiasm and love of Vancouver Island with others at the same time. There is nothing like this available in our area…this would be unique! Maybe one day we could offer travel experiences elsewhere in the world!
Giving wings to our land & sea adventures
After much research and careful planning, we knew this was going to fly, so I took a leave from my teaching position to tackle this challenge full time. Now, going into our 13th year, I continue to find inspiration and motivation with every tour. We’ve met so many interesting people from all over the world who have shared their love of active travel, new experiences, and (re)discovering joy. Island Joy Rides continues to seek out the friendliest guides, the most delicious and freshest foods, the most beautiful scenic cycling routes, the tastiest and most innovative breweries, wineries, and distilleries, the comfiest beds, and the best views.
Sustainable Travel
Sustainability is of utmost importance to us.
We believe that the natural beauty of the areas we visit should be preserved for future generations to enjoy, and that responsible tourism is the key to achieving this goal.
We have implemented a number of measures to reduce our environmental impact, such as using bikes with low carbon footprints, promoting recycling and waste reduction, and partnering with local organizations to support conservation efforts.
We also strive to educate our clients about sustainable tourism practices, encouraging them to leave a positive impact on the places they visit. By prioritizing sustainability, we not only contribute to the preservation of our planet’s natural resources but also offer our clients a unique and meaningful travel experience.
– Laurel Cronk, Founder
Inclusive Community
Island Joy Rides is an inclusive community of adventure seekers–we aim to foster connections to the outdoors for all people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, provide safe spaces for exploration, and encourage dialogue regarding inclusion and access to the outdoors, particularly for our friends in LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️