Why Oregon, Why Guides?
Why should Canadians choose Oregon as a travel destination as the Canada-U.S. border restrictions ease? Wide-open spaces extend through seven diverse regions, lush valleys produce some of the world’s best wine and ancient forests cascade down mountains to the sands of the Pacific Ocean. The state’s natural appeal is matched only by the friendly Oregonians you’ll meet along the way. Take one along for the ride! Oregon’s Why Guidesprogram encourages visitors to consider a licensed guide or outfitter to provide safe and responsible travel experiences. Taste Oregon’s bountiful food and drink while your guide (and designated driver!) takes you behind the scenes at local breweries, wineries and farms. Follow a naturalist-led hike to look beyond the landscapes of the 7 Wonders of Oregon or book a guided whitewater rafting trip to navigate one of Oregon’s Wild & Scenic Rivers
Inclusion in Oregon’s Outdoors
Many Oregon operators have built accessibility into their guided tour offerings. In Southern Oregon, Orange Torpedo Trips has a raft designed specifically for wheelchair users and runs trips for guests whose physical capabilities vary. Similarly, on the Oregon Coast Kayak Tillamook offers a Tidal Forest tour from an ADA-accessible launch point in downtown Tillamook. Oregon is also continuing its work to encourage diversity in the outdoors through Willamette Riverkeeper in Oregon’s famed Willamette Valley wine region. To break down barriers to getting outdoors for traditionally underserved communities, the organization provides BIPOC nature-lovers with access to expertise and equipment — canoes, paddles and personal flotation devices — as instructors teach skills and guide paddling trips down the Willamette River.
Oregon’s Indigenous Foods & Fishing Culture
More than 50 Native American tribes once fished Oregon’s wild rivers and coastline. Proud ancestors of those First Peoples now make up nine federally recognized tribes of Oregon. Many are still involved in retaining sustainable fishing and hunting rights, investing in traditional agriculture methods and the mindful manufacture of products from traditional ingredients, also called “first foods” in Native American communities – such as fish, game, roots and berries. Oregon’s Brigham sisters share their generations-old family tradition of fishing through the Brigham Fish Market; specializing in wild, native-caught fish from the Columbia River, almost all of it harvested by Terrie and Kim. And, in Central Oregon, Littleleaf Guide Service is part of Oregon’s Why Guides program and offers exclusive fishing trips to visitors on the Lower Deschutes River from the tribal lands on the Warm Springs Reservation.
Road Trips to Infinity and Beyond
As travel returns, Canadians are hitting the wide-open road and taking epic road trips to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy a literal change of scenery. Oregon boasts 29 designated Scenic Byways throughout all seven regions of the state. Popular All American Roads include the Pacific Coast, Crater Lake National Park and Hells Canyon. Now, there is also a new way to explore Oregon’s Mt. Hood-Columbia River Gorge region east of Portland. The recently debuted Infinity Loop takes self-guided road-trippers on a uniquely-shaped figure eight route in and out of lush green forests, through orchards and vineyards, along a portion of the historic Oregon Trail and, of course, up Mt. Hood – Oregon’s highest peak – and along the grand Columbia River.