Testimonials

Frequent Travellers – Mel and Janine Wenger – 2014

The owners and staff are always friendly and helpful. They treat us like family. We have always had safety conscious drivers and informative hostesses. Mel doesn’t have to drive through big cities anymore and Janine doesn’t have to read the map. We sure see a lot more and have made good friends.

Submitted by: Mel and Janine Wenger, St. Albert, AB
Mel and Janine set their goal to take their 40th trip with Nagel Tours during our company’s 40th Anniversary, which they did in April 2017 on our Victoria Stay Awhile. They have continued to travel with us, and are looking forward to more trips with us in the coming years

Haida Gwaii (formerly Queen Charlotte Islands)- July 17 2018

Nagel has a NEW tour going to mystical Haida Gwaii
Those magical islands which across Hecate Strait lie
Tour originated from home of Stollery Hospital, Edmonton
Where stands a totem pole carved by Haida Ben Davidson

Travelled Yellowhead Highway westerly towards Mile Zero
Marilyn imparted her knowledge to us, all we needed to know
We saw wildlife, historic sites, communities and stands of trees
Followed lakes, crossed rivers, saw videos, caught some ZZZ’s

Made a stop at Mt. Robson Provincial Park, BC’s oldest park
Saw pine beetle destruction, beasties lay eggs under the bark
Overnighted in the rich cultural, vibrant city of Prince George, BC
Their celebrated, official mascot, is the welcoming figure, Mr. PG

Passed Fort Fraser, site of last spike (1914) on GTP Railway
Lunched in alpine-themed Smithers, under mountain Hudson Bay
At Hazelton, BC we visited the K’san Historic Village site
Guided tour of the longhouses, was interesting, gave us insight

Stayed overnight in Terrace, BC, city symbol is the Kermode bear
It is home to the University of Northern BC, established 1975, there
Visited the Nisga’a Lava Bed Park, a simply amazing stop
Toured Nisga’a villages, educational stops, way over the top

Spent night in Prince Rupert, BC, known as the “City of Rainbows”
Ferried across water, saw Skidegate, up close, unloading problem arose
Used Queen Charlotte village as the base for the next three days
The long-awaited visit has just begun, to learn the Haida ways

Visited Haida Heritage Centre, very educational, and Longhouse Gift Shop
Forestry Museum, Golden Spruce Trail, St. Mary’s Spring – thirsty stop
Naikoon Park, Misty Meadows beach, we picnicked, and combed the beach
Old Massett town, Tlell Stone Circle, a geographical marvel, built to teach

Saw Delkatla Wildlife Sanctuary, hangout for Sandhill Cranes and waterfowl
Balance Rock, Jungle Beach, Rainbow Wharf, Birdhouse Tree, eagles, NO owl
“Elephant cage” antenna, monkey tree, Tow Hill volcano and the Blowhole
Travelled through “mushroom forest”, saw old totems and memorial pole

Tasted a Haida feast, everything, except dessert, came from the sea or land
Were entertained by Haida dancing, song and music, enjoyed the band
Our time on Haida Gwaii has quickly come to an end, what a pity, Pity!
Ferried back across the water to spend two nights in Prince Rupert City

Visited Sunken Gardens, Museum of Northern BC, and Cow Bay for lunch
Pacific Cannery Historic site, saw Shoe Tree with hanging footwear, a bunch
Travelled the journey west, in reverse, closing the gap to our home town
Stopped at the Ancient Forest, near McBride, excellent stop hands down

Farewell dinner was in Hinton, last night out, time for handshakes and hugs
Laughter and talk, toasts to share, home tomorrow, lift your mugs

Hawaa (Haw’aa) Nagel

Composed by: Vickie Murphy from Airdrie, AB

Haida Gwaii (formerly Queen Charlotte Islands)- September 9 2019

I especially appreciated the fact that the majority of stops and visits that were made focussed on indigenous communities, history and culture.  I wasn’t expecting that to the extent it turned out to be and was really pleasantly surprised.  That made the bus tour that much more meaningful because, on our own, we would never have had the opportunity to find and fit in all those fascinating glimpses of the past and present of the West Coast.

In particular, I appreciated all the readings that our Tour Director, Marilyn Annis, had been clipping and saving over the years – that was a wonderful bonus.  If some fellow travellers were not as interested in the variety and quality the circulation of articles presented, no problem because those not so interested could just pass them on.

And of course, I should mention the videos that we watched – including the “Lost Spirits”.  That was great – and really enhanced our itinerary both in advance and after our stops.

I thought all the places we stayed were excellent, including the Sea Raven Motel in Queen Charlotte, as it was really well located, served breakfast and dinner and is clearly trying hard to fit into the community successfully.

Composed by:   Susanne Wise, Halibut Bay, NS

Haida Gwaii-August 2024

Haida Gwaii is beautiful and very enchanting. We enjoyed all the visits to native communities. Marilyn was fantastic! She is a wealth of information. She is also very thoughtful, funny and a great guide. John was an expert negotiating tight spaces and was always there to assist or help off bus.

Composed by:   Gay Peppin, Mississauga, ON

Haida Gwaii-August 2024

We enjoyed the forests on the island and learning the native way of life on island. Everyone on the tour were a lot of fun and had lots of laughs!

Composed by: Bill and Yvonne Beacom, Calgary, AB