Jan Neuspiel first dropped his bags on Vancouver Island in 1989. At the time, he was guiding in Nepal, but he quickly fell in love with the unique beauty of the island mountains. The wild spaces and untapped terrain have always drawn a special cross-section of adventurers, creating a distinct mountain culture and a strong sense of community.
Our sister business, Island Alpine Guides, was born in 2007 out of Jan's desire to share his love of these truly wild spaces with others. In the two decades since, thousands of students have come through our courses, and our guides have established ski descents, climbing routes, and hiking lines across the island, from Mt Cain to Strathcona Park and well beyond. Along the way we grew into Vancouver Island's premier mountain school and guide service, with our trips and courses expanding beyond alpine pursuits to include coastline hikes and everything in between.
Hike Vancouver Island was launched in 2022 to meet the growing demand for hiking and backcountry education on the island, which had come to need a home of its own. We offer the same great team of guiding professionals you've come to know and love, with a focus on all the amazing hiking and backpacking adventures Vancouver Island has to offer.
In December 2025, ownership of the business passed to a new generation, carrying forward the same community-rooted approach that has guided us since the beginning: local knowledge, delivered at the highest international standard. Although we've grown to reach clientele well beyond our island haven, we remain a small operation at heart, devoted to the distinct community and unique spaces we call home. Our team of experienced, playful professionals is still driven by the same passion Jan brought here in 1989: sharing the mountains with others.
Our mission is to foster individual potential, strengthen a sense of community, and develop an appreciation for wild spaces through shared mountain experiences and education, and we cannot wait to facilitate your next adventure.
