A loud cheer erupted as Jerry Daoust, Owner-Operator of Reel North Adventures, a local fishing outfitter, was presented with the Inclusive & Accessible Tourism Experience award at the B.C. Tourism Industry Awards on March 6th at the Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver.
This prestigious award recognizes Reel North Adventures’ groundbreaking commitment to accessibility, highlighted by the launch of British Columbia’s first wheelchair-accessible 20-foot flat-bottom fishing boat in the summer of 2024. The innovative vessel has been a game-changer in the fishing industry, ensuring that guests of all mobility levels can fully experience the thrill of fishing in Northern B.C.’s pristine waters.
“Months and months of planning went into the design process to select a base hull that they could further customize to not only accommodate the accessibility requirements but will also allow our guests to get up onto the casting deck safely and experience multiple methods of fishing from trolling, casting, fly fishing, jigging and more,” said Jerry Daoust.
By pioneering greater accessibility in outdoor recreation, Reel North Adventures has filled a long-standing gap in the fishing industry. Their commitment to removing physical barriers aligns with British Columbia’s goal of making tourism experiences welcoming and inclusive for all travelers.
“Jerry’s passion and holistic approach provides positive, inclusive experiences for everyone. Reel North Adventures leads by example and has set a high bar for other guided tour businesses to follow suit,” said Nancy Harris, SCI BC Regional Liaison – Access BC Lead. “His knowledge and expertise in fish finding makes for a great day. We know he will keep accessibility and inclusion at the forefront, and we look forward to where Jerry’s next adventures take him.”
Finalists in the Inclusive & Accessibility Tourism Experience category included Campbell River Whale Watching and Adventure Tours and the Vancouver Aquarium. The BC Tourism Industry Awards recognized and celebrated 10 areas of excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality sector.
“This award is a testament to the power of innovation and inclusivity in tourism,” said Colin Carson, CEO of Tourism Prince George. “Reel North Adventures has set a new standard in accessible outdoor experiences, eliminating environmental barriers and opening up incredible fishing opportunities for all visitors. We are incredibly proud to see their efforts recognized on a provincial stage.”
Tourism Prince George looks forward to seeing the continued impact of Reel North Adventures’ work and celebrating further advancements in accessible tourism.
Reel North Adventures is a leading fishing outfitter in Prince George, offering guided fishing experiences in the region’s world-class lakes and rivers. Their commitment to accessibility and innovation ensures that everyone, regardless of mobility, can enjoy the sport of fishing in northern British Columbia. Guests can find out more about them and book fishing adventures at reelnorthadventures.com.