Free Spirit Tours has been operating since 1998. Led by Joel and Jennie, we as a company are proud to provide a true outdoors experience in one of Ontario's most beautiful areas, Southern Georgian Bay.
Our expert guides outfit you and teach you the skills you need to take on any of our activities with confidence. Whether your interest be on the water or on land we have something for you.
All our programs take place in the picturesque Georgian Bay area surrounding Collingwood, Ontario.
We offer hiking, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, caving and sea kayaking tours to all age groups. We also offer team building programs for corporate groups and clubs.
Everyone belongs in nature.
We believe in creating outdoor experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and respected. Free Spirit Tours has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, bullying, discrimination, or abusive behaviour. We ask everyone who joins us to treat our staff, guides, and fellow adventurers with kindness and respect.
Be kind. Be respectful. Have fun. Get outside. 🌿
Joel Dawson is an outdoor enthusiast who loves paddling almost as much as he loves skiing. He blends his love for the outdoors with his entrepreneurial spirit and prides himself on creating a unique and memorable customer experience. Joel embodies the spirit of adventure and the joy of exploring this beautiful area of Southern Georgian Bay.
Born in Toronto, moved to the area as a teenager. Always had passion for nature and outdoor pursuits. Drawn to the area for skiing originally but quickly discovered the other natural wonders. Have worked at Free Spirit Tours for a number of years after starting as a customer, now a canoe/kayak instructor. Love introducing people to the many local rivers, lakes and trails. Special interest in birds and animal tracks. Live in Collingwood, with my lovely wife Kim and our many dogs and cats.
Tim loves anything outdoors. He has spent the last seven years guiding caving, rock climbing, snowshoeing, hiking and paddling. He is the most passionate about spending time on the water and is certified as a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) instructor.
Rosa has been part of FST for over 15 years and has had a hand in about everything we do. From guiding kayaking and canoeing adventures to leading kids camp, caving, hiking and countless other experiences, rosa brings her knowledge, enthusiasm and sense of humour to every adventure. She is an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced guide who has a wonderful way of making people feel comfortable, confident and excited to try something new.
Tom grew up in Southern Ontario where he spent all his summers fishing, canoeing and camping. Once he moved to South Georgian Bay he immersed himself in other activities such as rock climbing, snowboarding and skiing. Tom is passionate about water….especially the Nottawasaga River. His knowledge of that river is abundant and each year he learns more. Any chance he gets – he’s on that river!
Brian has always had a passion for sustainability and nature. This has led him to travel the world and learn about permaculture, wild foods, herbalism, health and well being. He has used these skills to create a lifestyle in harmony with nature. When not homesteading he is usually skateboarding, rock-climbing or out in the backcountry.
Michelle’s favourite animal is a beaver – because she loves how busy they are! She is no different – you can find Michelle climbing, mountain biking, hiking or paddling and just about everything else in between. Even when she isn’t up to some adventure you’ll still find her in the forest looking for flowers and watching birds. Michelle takes great pride in facilitating outdoor experiences to people of all ages, knowing that providing a positive nature experience has indescribable value. You’ll find Michelle working as your friendly local forest school teacher or guiding.
Dave grew up in Thornhill, ON and has always loved spending time outdoors at camp and cottages. He moved to the Collingwood area in 2016 and spends his time teaching snowboarding in the winter, and in the past, working FST Kids Camp and guiding on the Beaver River in the summer. Now he’s more focused on the digital side of things 🙂 When he’s not working, Dave enjoys riding motorcycles, paddling, camping, playing guitar, and snowboarding.
Will is someone who loves the outdoors, taking wildlife photos and activities like kayaking, rock climbing, and snowboarding. He has been a mentor for many kids as a snowboard coach for 10+ years. Working out in BC as well as all over Ontario, with the flexibility to teach/ connect with national level athletes, and kids with special needs. He is also artist, so much of his free time is dedicated to editing photos, and working on digital art. Instagram: @sir_willerd
Mike has spent more than 25 years teaching downhill skiing and for the last several years also in a mentoring role with new instructors. In addition to onhill exploits, Mike is also an avid mountain biker, has paddled extensively, including back country trips and solo whitewater. While enjoying many outdoor pursuits, Mike also plays bass in a local rock band. If you don’t know how to hold a paddle, a bike or a bass, Mike can help.
A longtime outdoor enthusiast, who retired from the corporate world, Chris began pursuing his passions in life full time. He received his kayak instructor’s certification in 2019 and turned his long time volunteer position with the Canadian Ski Patrol into a professional winter occupation. Longtime husband and the father of 2 adult children, both of whom have better combat kayak rolls than he has, he’s currently working on developing that single dreadlock that whitewater kayakers tend to get from too much time spent wearing helmets and wetsuit hoods. He is often found on a river or lake at dawn or dusk, when the animals are most active, enjoying the interaction between the water and the shoreline.
Jesse is an avid outdoor enthusiast who lives for the adventure! Jesse has most recently worked as a Chef/Kitchen Manager and has extensive customer service experience. But his true passion has led him to Free Spirit. He is a proud father of three young children. Jesse and his family have a really strong bond with nature. You can usually find them paddling, hiking, fishing and exploring the backcountry all year long. If he looks familiar, you may have seen him portaging his canoe on the sidewalks of Wasaga Beach or paddling the Nottawasaga River!
Jason George is a dyslexic BIPOC wildlife photographer, presenter and writer that recently relocated to rural settings of Wasaga Beach to get closer to nature when he retired from teaching full time to chase his passion of wildlife. He loves to see wild animals in their natural habitat and state, so he travels around Canada (missing only Newfoundland and Nunavut) and the world (missing only Antarctica). Getting to see an animal in its habitat is special, being able to photograph it is awesome. Luckily, he has seen more than 70% of the animals you could see in the zoo, in the wild. He now explores ways to share his love and passion with those not able to have these experiences. Check out his work www.jasongeorgephotography.com we are sure you’ll find a photo or story there that will make you smile or join him on an adventure on his YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JasonGeorgePhotography
Raven is an accomplished public speaker, storyteller, outdoor educator, musician, and author. She skillfully combines her diverse talents and passion for the environment to create a one-of-a-kind experiential learning experience. Raven’s approach fosters peace and potential, enriching the knowledge and appreciation of the natural world. Her invitations to return, reflect, release, and reclaim connections to the land have resonated with countless individuals on their own journeys of self-discovery and empowerment. For more on Raven, please visit ravenspeaks.ca.
Quinn is from Thunder Bay, ON but is now living in Collingwood. Growing up on Lake Superior, she loved doing anything related to the outdoors. Quinn has always been fond of working with youth and has worked for many recreational programs and has coached many youth sports teams, including coaching within Special Olympics for the past 7 years. She also has a Honours Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology from Lakehead University and is now in Teachers College. When not working or in school, she enjoys travelling, skiing, cooking and hiking with her dog Aspen.
Kat is originally from Hamilton, but the draw of a more outdoor lifestyle pulled her to Collingwood. She is a mother of two wildlings who join her on many adventures in nature. Kat can be found hiking or paddling, but her true passion is rock climbing. She is the youth coach at Climbers Corner and also a Certified Forest Therapy Guide.
Eager to build a deeper relationship with nature, Josh left his office career to spend more time outdoors.
After years of backcountry camping, paddling, mountaineering, and climbing (all, mostly solo) Josh now prioritizes sharing these adventures with others – maybe you!
Dean was born and raised on Georgian Bay and has a keen interest in outdoors, nature and travel.
Kayaking, canoeing, hiking and biking are activities Dean is passionate about.
He also has been on Ski Patrol and Mountain Safety for 25 years in the off season and enjoys working with the public.
Shannon comes to you as a fellow Forest School pioneer and local supporter of this movement. Intrigued by transitioning education outdoors, she has devoted the past two decades to supporting this model.
Hi, my name is Julia Markic, and I am currently a student at Brock University pursuing a degree in Concurrent Education as I work toward my goal of becoming a teacher. I have lived in Wasaga Beach my whole life and have been an active member of both Wasaga and Collingwood. Through my experience as a student teacher in elementary classrooms, coaching youth sports, and serving on the Board of Directors for Collingwood United Soccer Club, I have developed a strong passion for working with children and youth in a variety of settings. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my dog Gracey, staying active and playing soccer, painting, and making memories with friends and family.
Since moving to the area in 2020, Carson has been getting more and more involved with the outdoors. Whether he’s coaching freestyle skiing on the escarpment, mountain biking through our forests, or out sailing on the bay, he’s always looking for an adventure. He loves playing music and spending time outside, and he’s thrilled to share that passion with others.
Aurora was born and raised in Wasaga Beach. Growing up by Georgian Bay and the Nottawasaga River gave her an appreciation and passion for nature and exploring the outdoors. She is currently attending Western University for a bachelor’s degree in Geology. Afterwards, she hopes to attend Teachers College to become an elementary school teacher. In her free time, you can find her enjoying the outdoors, rock climbing, and paddleboarding.
Jaime is currently working on her degree in Fine Arts and Concurrent Education at Nipissing University. During the summers she spends her time on the water and helping around her family’s cottage. She has spent most of her winters both skiing and instructing skiing in the Collingwood area.
Victoria is from Collingwood, ON, and is currently studying at OCAD University. She has always loved being active and spending time outdoors, especially skiing and horseback riding. Over the past five years, she has worked as a ski coach, where she built strong connections with youth and helped them grow their confidence on the hill. Alongside her passion for the outdoors, Victoria is also creative and enjoys expressing that through her studies. Outside of work and school, she enjoys drawing, painting, and playing guitar outdoors.
