About
Stewardship
At Slow Down Tours we minimize the impact our tours have on the environment. We offer you to become an observer of the natural world while learning about your surroundings. We are aware of extremely sensitive areas and ensure that we have the proper equipment and a pro-active approach towards protecting our land, water, plants, and animals.
Diversity
Because of the biological diversity of the Pacific coast - seashores to mountain tops, mild to cold climates - British Columbia is a spectacular place for any traveler who is curious about nature. An enormous variety of animals and plants can flourish in environments that are included in our tours. Coast mountain scenery and natural history are featured on our informative, guided tours.
Thoughtfulness
In life we sometimes move at the wrong speed. There is a tendency of hurrying through a vacation, and trying to cram too much into every day. At Slow Down Tours, we don't rush our adventures. Our hikes are carefully chosen, they are inspirational and fun. We strive to spend more time connecting to natural places instead of following a fast-paced itinerary, so that you return home feeling energized.
Meet your Guide Anna
Anna Klimek's journey began in Europe, where she pursued her studies in Educational Science in Düsseldorf, Germany. In 2002, driven by her passion for outdoor education, she made the leap to Canada. The vast landscapes of the Canadian Rockies became her playground, sparking a profound appreciation for what nature has to offer and how outdoor adventures mobilize processes of resilience.
For over a decade, Anna has led multi-day hiking adventures across Western Canada, Atlantic Canada, and the Southwestern USA. In addition to her guiding endeavors, Anna is equally committed to sharing her knowledge, having taught outdoor recreational skills in various settings, from Vancouver schools to classrooms in Hong Kong.
With a desire to offer more carefully crafted tours that prioritize meaningful experiences over a fast-paced itinerary, Anna founded her own tour business, Slow Down Tours. She offers her tours exclusively on weekends, allowing participants to experience the beauty of BC at a leisurely pace.
Anna lives and works on the unceded traditional lands of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Coast Salish Peoples, where she enjoys hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and snowboarding.
Education and Certifications:
- BA. Ed. (Pedagogy/Educational Science), Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf
- Wilderness Leadership Certificate Program, Capilano College, Squamish
- Associate Certificate in Emergency Management Program, JIBC, New Westminster
- Apprentice Interpreter Course, Interpretive Guides Association, Canmore
- Assistant Hiking Guide Course, Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, Jasper
- BC Parks Law and its Administration 1, BCIT, Vancouver
- A.S.T Level 1 (Avalanche Skills Training Level 1), Canadian Avalanche Association, Whistler
- Wilderness First Aid and CPR (40 hours), Slipstream Wilderness First Aid, Victoria
- B.C. class 2 driver's license