Candace Campo & Talaysay Tours

Talaysay Tours, owned and operated by Candace Campo, is a company that strives to bring joy, story, friendship, adventure and community through interpretive kayaking tours for individuals and groups. The name Talaysay is from Candace’s daughter’s name, her full name being Talaysay ?an.  She is named in honour and after her two eldest aunts Theresa May Jeffries and Anne Virgina Quinn (Talaysay ?an is translated Theresa Anne in the Sechelt dialect).

When asked why Candace decided to live the Sechelt, Talaysay Tour lifestyle, she simply said ‘It decided me.’  Candace grew up in Porpoise Bay, the Sechelt Inlet being her playground for over 37 years and says she will never tire of it.  Growing up on the Coast, Candace is very familiar with the tides, the mid-day winds and all of the Inlets fantastic nooks and crannies.  Even when she is not touring, you will be sure to find her kayaking or camping in Sechelt Inlet with family and close friends. 

What makes Talaysay Tours so special is how they share stories of the Sechelt Nation, their life history and the generations of time spent here in this region.  During the interpretive kayak tour Candace will tell personal accounts and traditions shared that have been passed down to her generation from her ancestors.  Talaysay guides are not just telling a story, but are sharing a part of themselves, their past and their hopes and dreams for the future.  Not only that, they know first-hand the best “hot spots” for camping, fishing and relaxing. 

When describing a day in the life of a Talaysay Tour Guide Candace says “it’s pretty simple, Talaysay Tour staff work at the beach!  There may be some laborious days transporting kayaks but our clients are most always happy to see us and I have yet to experience a bad day on the water.  We meet people from all over the country and world and get to learn about other cultures and countries“. Success for Talaysay Tours’ is knowing that travelers feel exhilarated and connected during and after their journey through Sechelt Nation waters.

Candace is very proud of being able to share her people’s past and their experiences and appreciates the many gifts she has received and will continue to commune with Nature via kayak, canoe, hiking boots and snow shoes! Her family and community are most important to her and being able to work close to home and talk of her family history with customers is just another great aspect of Talaysay Tours. When asked what Candace wants to be remembered for she said, “Generosity, kindness, reliability, integrity, and art!

One excursion that stands out in Candace’s mind is the 5 day kayak trips with youth; to Candace these are very special times.  “I think of the trip with Cathie Roy and her co-workers from the Coast Reporter and remember that Cathie was courageous enough to join a kayak tour with Talaysay Tours when she was afraid of water.  When I saw her paddling on her own, confident and beaming, it brought me a lot of joy.  It is special to share these moments with people.” 

Talaysay Tours provides guided interpretive kayak tours, basic kayak lessons, as well as canoe and kayak rentals in Sechelt Inlet and Egmont at Waugh Lake or Egmont ocean side. They emphasize both safety and FUN, whether touring or simply renting a kayak or canoe. Talaysay Tours also offers aboriginal/First Nations history nature walks, museum tours, community-totem pole walks, longhouse tours, events, carving demonstrations, and drumming and singing demonstrations.