There is plenty new at the marvellous Malahat Skywalk including recently hired general manager Nathan Bird.
Bird, who came on board mid-January of this year, was born and raised in Victoria. He has a head for tourism and a history of 38 years in it.
Before embracing his new role on the Malahat, he spent just over seven years as the general manager for Eagle Wing Tours Whale Watching Company at Fisherman's Wharf in Victoria, and prior to that spent several years with the Empress Hotel in our downtown capital.
"I thought I'd be at Eagle Wing forever but was recruited for this job so this opportunity kind of came out of nowhere for me," said Bird. "One of the things that drew me into this job was the potential for future developments, we have 170 acres up here so we have more land in which to develop. I'm turning 46 next month and know that I could carve out the next 15 to 20 years of life doing something a little different up here for each of those years.
"I'm an entrepreneur by heart so that really speaks to me. We are committed to adding something new every year that will continue to add value for our guests and I'm super excited about that."
Nathan won't be the only 'Bird' at the Skywalk this summer as the attraction is once again partnering up with the Raptors in North Duncan. Guests can watch demonstrations for free under the tree walk on Thursdays and Saturdays. Those wanting to don a falconer's glove, and take a walk on the wild side can have a hawk land its flight on their raised fist for just $35.
"They were here last year as well but we are expanding upon that this summer and will be offering what is called a 'hawk walk'. It started on Canada Day and will have them with us right through to Labour Day," said Bird. "They're great partners, and really align well with both our values and our vision because they are all about adding an educational portion, plus you get to be out in nature with some local raptors you would see around here, so its great."
Families came out in droves for Malahat Skywalk mascot Luke the Sasquatch's third birthday celebration on July 15. Guests can be on the lookout for new spectacular driftwood art including one of Luke the Malahat sky walker himself.
Other new additions that are sure to fly this year are the array of tactile and touch games along the walkway, and and line-up for the19.5 metre high 20 foot slide. Guest will once again have the opportunity to downward dog with the birds on top of the tower on Wednesday and Sunday mornings through until Labour Day.
Adding to the sounds of nature will be a different local musical duo, or performer every Sunday afternoon.
"When we first opened on July 15, 2021, we couldn't put anything out because there was was that fear of getting COVID by simply touching things so we finally were able to put up some puzzles and games which has been great for people exploring the walkway and waiting in line for the slide," said Bird.
"What we are most excited about this year is our free shuttle out of Victoria that will run five times a day between the hours of 9 a.m and 5 p.m., until Sept. 9. We were working with Wilson Transportation which is a great local bus company.
"Originally they had the route going form Capital City Station first, and then to the Coho and Clipper ferries come in but we just reversed the route, and that way the bus just goes in the same direction the whole time. We are particularly excited about this because unfortunately there is no public transportation and people still come up on the ferries and they have no vehicle to get here, so we took a bit of a calculated risk and we are happy to offer it this year."
Bird bonded his team in a super fun way as they competed in Amazing Race Cowichan which was put on in partnership with the Duncan Chamber of Commerce and Malahat Skywalk on June 24. Bird says there were at least 17 teams and stops and the race based on the popular reality TV show was judged on a point system based more on how you answered the questions rather than how fast a team finished the race.
"What an awesome event," said Bird. "It was just so great to see the collaboration of all the businesses up here because they want to work together, and they want to highlight each other, so its an event we would like to duplicate every single year."
Bird prides himself on being in the people business and hits that home with his staff when it comes to guests and staff interactions and their overall experience.
"All of that is in our control, how we treat people, how we smile at them, and how we describe what they are seeing in the nature around us," said Bird. "It's really important that people just really feel good when they are leaving here. If you have a positive experience, you are going to tell people about it and the best form of marketing is always word of mouth."
For more information on the marvels of the Malahat Skywalk visit malahatskywalk.com
