What if you could design a tour of the Comox Valley as unique as you are? From behind-the-scenes-tours of local wineries, crab fishing, studio tours and local history, Spencer Hay can take you there.

The 19-year-old Comox Valley resident recently launched Genuine Tours Comox Valley, a one-of-a-kind tour company specializing in custom full- and half-day tours, designed around his customers鈥� interests and budgets.

鈥淚 want to share my experiences and adventures in the Valley with people from around the world. There is so much to do and see here, so Genuine Tours was designed to provide visitors with fun and memorable experiences,鈥�  Hay said.

He saw an opportunity to provide a needed service to visitors as the area increases in awareness and popularity. 鈥淭he Vancouver Island Visitor Centre 2014 year-end report indicated a 23 per cent increase in true visitors, people who live outside of the Comox Valley, using the centre, with the 2015 year-to-date trend showing a 20 per cent increase. The largest group of true visitors were from B.C., followed by Europeans and Albertans.鈥�

Tours are designed to give small groups an insider鈥檚 view of the Comox Valley, with the help of a local guide.

鈥淲hether you want a fast-paced tour or something more laid-back, we ensure you experience the Valley, the way you want to,鈥� said Hay, who graduated from the Isfeld Secondary French immersion program in 2014.

Although relatively young, Hay has been planning to run his own business for years. After graduating from high school, he took a small business and entrepreneur course at North Island College.

In 2015, he blended his interest in outdoor activities and local events with the opportunity to share the Comox Valley鈥檚 diverse landscapes, activities and sight-seeing options with visitors from around the world and Genuine Tours Comox Valley was born.

His goal is to provide people with hands-on experiences: meet artists in their studios; talk with a farmer and find out where your food really comes from; take an invigorating hike; relax on a private beach with a picnic lunch, and more.

The company also fills a need for busy locals with visiting friends or family.

For more information, visit www.genuinetourscv.com or call 250-702-7512.

Discover what Genuine Tours can do for you.