Meet Our Team

At Berry Island Wilderness Lodge, every unforgettable experience is made possible by the passionate people behind it. From our knowledgeable guides who bring British Columbia’s wilderness to life to the kitchen staff crafting nourishing meals after a day of adventure to the housekeeping team who make sure you return to a welcoming space, every member of our team takes genuine pride in making your stay truly special.

Lauren

I’m Lauren, and this is my fourth season on Berry Island. I first discovered wildlife guiding while travelling. Until then, I had no idea it was even a career! That planted a seed, and a few years later I made a career change and moved to Canada.

Since then, I’ve guided in the Falkland Islands with penguins and elephant seals, and spent time in the Yukon mushing sled dogs. Berry Island has my heart. I love the sounds of this coast, the calls of orcas, the howls of coastal wolves, and the blows of humpback whales. I really hope to share some of this magic with guests and help people leave with a better understanding of the wildlife here and why it’s worth taking care of.

Guide

From boat captain to lodge manager John has spent the last 20+ years on the BC coast working in the tourism industry. John is returning to the waters around BIWL where he started his guiding career as a sea kayak guide. Memorable moments include sharing time on the water and in estuaries with family and guests from around the world.

General Manager

John

Even though I grew up in northern Germany, home is wherever I am close to the water and can taste the freedom of nature. Between exploring new cultures, hiking mountains, connecting with people from all over the world, and sharing travel stories, I find myself happiest when providing warm, caring guest service. Hospitality and adventure are my two passions, and I am more than lucky to combine them both here at Berry Island! 

Hospitality Manager

Lisann

I was born and raised on Vancouver Island, and I'm obsessed with the BC coast (hence my Vancouver Island tattoo). However, excited I am to travel, I am equally excited to come home because I love our forests, the Pacific Ocean and the wildlife. I'm an enthusiastic birder; I like wildlife photography, and I love snorkelling and seeing cool sea creatures. I love flying, and I have my private pilot’s license and am working towards getting my commercial license.

Guide

Ashley

This is my 10th year with Berry Island. During my first year with the lodge, I quickly fell in love with the wildlife, the people and the place. A one-or two-year contract became 9 years of living on Berry Island for 6 or 7 months a year.


This year I am in a supporting role based on Vancouver island. I have swapped a boat helm for a keyboard and mouse.

Operations Manager

James

Sam grew up in a landlocked province, but spent his summers kayaking BC's coast. As a kid, he always thought he'd be a kayak guide, but life got in the way and one day he found himself teaching elementary school. After spending the winter on Berry Island as one of our caretakers, he decided not to leave and this season is one of our boat operators and kayak guides. He says he's just here on a sabbatical but we think we might see him again in the future!

Guide

Sam

Having grown up spending summers on a remote island off the west coast of Vancouver Island, Morgan developed a connection to the local wildlife, and life on the water from an early age. With extensive experience in vessel operation and wildlife interpretation, he enjoys sharing the natural history and incredible ecosystems of the region with guests. When he's not on the water, Morgan is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Guide

Morgan

Sophie

Guide in Training & Front of House

Sophie joined the team after completing the Adventure Tourism Guiding program at NIC, and she brings an infectious enthusiasm for exploring the coast's wild places. Whether she's whitewater rafting, kayaking, backpacking, or swimming, Sophie is happiest when she's outdoors chasing the next adventure.

As a trainee guide and a member of our front-of-house team, Sophie loves sharing her passion for the Great Bear Rainforest with every guest she meets.

I am one of the chefs, along with Chef Rob and Jeff. I have been in the industry for 7 years and have studied baking & pastry arts at VCC.

I love working with my people in the kitchen and experimenting & learning about the vast culinary and pastry world.

Kitchen Crew

Jinu

Hi! I'm Zsolt from the UK. I've been in Canada for just over 7 months and have absolutely loved it. Canada has so much to offer in terms of landscape and wildlife, which is why I was so excited to accept a position here in one of its most diverse regions.

I've always had a passion for being outdoors and hope to live that out here in the vibrant Pacific Northwest!

Front of House

Zsolt

I was born and raised in Quebec and I play rugby at home for my university. Im honoured to be able to spend my summer surrounded by all the beauty the BC coast can offer.

I’m an enthusiast for the sea lions, I think they’re such amazing animals but honestly all the creatures around here are a pleasure to see.

Lastly, I believe it’s a privilege to be able to be a part of people’s life long memories!

Front of House

Naomi

Originally from Quebec and now based in Kingston, Ontario, I'm spending my first summer on the West Coast. I'm especially excited by the incredible diversity of wildlife here and the chance to experience something so new to me. I also have a deep appreciation for botany and trees, so the rainforest is a dream come true.

Front of House

Salomé

Working in Banff, Greece, Toronto, Victoria, Strathcona Park and now Berry island. The path started on the front side of hospitality as a porter, then a waiter, then bartending, then a front-end manager, and eventually an owner. Along the way, I developed an interest in working in kitchens, where I have been fortunate to train under many passionate, talented, award-winning chefs.
Future goals focus on Nutrition and Wellness for myself and the guests I cook for. I love the outdoors and all it has to offer, and I know I’m in the right spot here with amazing coworkers and beautiful surroundings.

Kitchen Crew

Jeff

Born and raised in Vancouver, I believe great hospitality starts with connection: linking people, nature, and exceptional food. My team and I create a warm, inviting table where stories are shared and memories are made, making every meal a highlight of your adventure.

My cooking draws inspiration from cuisines around the world while celebrating the bounty of Vancouver Island and coastal BC. We collaborate closely with Vancouver Island suppliers to transform fresh local ingredients and seasonal farm produce into thoughtful, sustainable dishes suited to our unique environment. 

Head Chef

Rob

Driven by a deep love for the wild BC coast, Kirstin is dedicated to connecting people with nature. Nothing beats the magic of sharing a guest’s first glimpse of a bear or whale, and she loves turning those exciting moments into opportunities for meaningful education, safe coexistence, and conservation awareness. Kirstin's background blends education and professional wildlife awareness training with a genuine passion for protecting coastal ecosystems. When she is not guiding, you’ll usually find her exploring the outdoors by kayak, hiking the trails, or practicing wildlife photography with her family.

Guide

Kirstin

I work in the admin team for Berry Island. I’ve been in hospitality and kitchens for 20 years, and travelling the world is my passion!


You’ll find me staring into the ocean, getting excited on boats, and always searching out the nearest wildlife. I’m very excited to share with you one of the best-kept secrets of Canada’s vast landscapes: The Great Bear Rainforest. I hope you visit with us soon.

Accounts

Gesika

I'm from Vancouver and came to the lodge looking for an adventure and a break from the city. I work in housekeeping, and I've fallen for the forests and the hiking out here. My favourite wildlife has to be the otters and dolphins. Down the road, I'd love to get into guiding.

Housekeeper

Nicasia

I grew up in North Saanich, exploring Vancouver Island with my family, and I've spent much of my life on the water, rowing, kayaking, and sailing. I've been at the lodge since October 2025, when Sam and I took on the winter caretaker role. We live aboard our sailboat, Coquette I.

I studied biology at UVic and hope to move into research in ecology and conservation biology. My favourite bird is the barn swallow, and I love identifying plants, insects, and sea creatures. If you spot something you're curious about, show me, and I'll do my best to ID it.

Guide & Winter Caretaker

Piper

Born and raised in Comox, Sébastien is fortunate to call Vancouver Island home. Growing up surrounded by mountains, old-growth forests, and endless coastline sparked a lifelong passion for the outdoors. That passion has led him to explore and work throughout British Columbia, spending time in some of the province's most remote and spectacular places.

At the lodge, Sébastien can be found behind the wheel of a boat, helping out in the kitchen, playing cribbage, and, of course, lined up for the 5 O'Clock Swim Club. He loves sharing stories, connecting with people, and helping guests experience the magic of the Great Bear Rainforest.

Lead Guide

Sébastien

I have recently moved to Canada from Melbourne, Australia and am thrilled to be spending my first summer in the beautiful Great Bear Rainforest ! I am excited to learn about the elusive sea wolves, and hope that I am lucky enough to hear their eerie howls in the distance. You will see me keeping your rooms tidy and your bellies full at the lodge.

Front of House

Maddie

Michelle

Director of Business Operations

Michelle brings over 25 years of tourism experience to Berry Island, a journey that has carried her across the country, exploring everywhere from the shores of Newfoundland to the the northern lights of the Yukon. She holds a degree in Destination Resort Management from Capilano University and a Graduate Certificate in Tourism Management from Royal Roads University.

At Berry Island, Michelle works behind the scenes to help the lodge run smoothly and to ensure every guest's stay on the coast feels seamless.

Growing up in the Great Lakes region of Ontario, I spent a lot of my childhood poking around at the shoreline, hunting for frogs, minnows, crawfish and other little critters. My love for nature first began to develop during these explorations. This is my second season guiding at Berry Island Lodge. I’m incredibly grateful that I now get to poke around in the water and explore all the amazing creatures that live in and around it for a living! I have a bachelor’s degree in Socio-cultural Anthropology, so I particularly enjoy teaching and learning about the rich histories and cultures of this area. This lodge holds a very special place in my heart, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Guide

April

Charley

Shuttle Driver

I was born and raised on Vancouver island! Growing up surrounded by the flora and fauna the island has to offer, I developed a passion for the natural world around me and for showing others what this beautiful place has to offer.

You can find me behind the wheel in the shuttle van (Betty), often talking about fishing, hiking and other stories.