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TESTIMONIAL

Share your Duncanby experience with us
your testimonial to us.

 
Carey H 7/21/10
 
I would just like to pass on our thank you for the outstanding experience my group just had at Duncanby Lodge. This was a once in a lifetime trip for a few in my group that will have life long memories for them. For most of us that are able we will return as often as possible. I overheard several of our group already talking about planning their trip for next year. Right from the planning stages through our arrival and departure we were treated with the most professional friendly staff that we could have imagined. All of the guides were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I would like to pass on my personal thank you to Riley for his assistance with my group, Every person who had the pleasure to be on his boat had nothing but praise for his professional help and outgoing cheerful personality so thank you Riley. As I said all of the guides were fantastic but Riley was a real standout. I would also like to thank Teena for her terrific attitude and her heartfelt concern when I was experiencing my many bouts with motion sickness, I could tell you actually felt bad for me when most everyone else thought it was funny. We would also like to congratulate Krystal on her achievement with making the Dean's list, There is no surprise there when you have the work ethic and personality you displayed within our group and I would also like to apologize for some of the comments you had to endure from a couple of jackasses in our group. Keep smiling !! Right from the dockstaff to the kitchen our visit was first class. Last but not least I would like to thank Sid and Leigh for all you did for us and allowing us to have one of the most memorable holidays we could imagine. You have an absolutely fabulous Lodge.
   
 
Rich D 7/21/10
 
Just wanted again to say THANK YOU so much for everything!!!! Your place there is awesome and very professional!. Your staff are truly incredible and I have nothing but praise for you and your resort!!! Again, thank you Sid and I hope to see you again in the near future.
   
 
Dave B 7/21/10
 
Just wanted to send you a special thanks to you Carey for allowing me the opportunity to share the wonderful experience of Duncanby with you, the Driving Force team and the rest of your guests. I have had the opportunity of doing many things throughout my lifetime, but the trip to Duncanby has truly been one of the most memorable. Not sure how I will repay you, but I will think of something
   
 
Jerry R 7/21/10
 
What an incredible place!!!! I am trying to figure out how to market this across the Marmon Highway Technologies group and sell some trips for you.. We have to start bring customers there! It is too special of a place to keep to oneself. Just know I will be working my butt off to get you some business! I was so taken in by everything there that I never really had the chance to personally thank you for not only the special time but the order from last week. It was top of my mind until I flew up on Saturday and I experienced sensory overload. So from the bottom of my heart… THANK YOU!
   
 
Mike Parr, Sandy, Utah 7/09/10
 
Every conscientious business owner worth his salt would want to know what his customers think. I can say this. We are sad. We are the sad group that waits on the pier for the squadron of float planes to haul us away. We have to helplessly sit and watch as the newbies hop off the plane, and gasp at the beauty of the inlet. These guys are going to take over OUR cabins. We will go home to eat food, while THEY will be dining on cuisine. We have to answer phones, faxes, e-mails, while they get to ignore the real world and live in a special place. We have to look at concrete, traffic, buildings, while they get to watch eagles in the trees and overhead, whales all over, and that endless carpet of cedar and pine. But we are happy that we will be returning, and for the many friends we made. I guess you can only be sad if you know true happiness. From the kid who scrapes fish blood off the boats, to the chefs that could work in any 5-Star restaurant, there are countless moving parts to the Duncanby experience, and yet they are coordinated and seamless. Everybody looks like they love their jobs, each other, and their guests. There is not a weak link, there is not a thing to complain about. Yeah…we could hope for better water and weather, more and bigger fish, but we are fishermen, and we, more than anyone know that you get what you get. We were given every chance, great equipment, and we can not complain. You have put together a crew, a special place, an experience that delivers so much more than is advertised. You tout the “Duncanby Difference”, and it’s right there in front of everybody. I can’t say enough about this experience, and my pics and video and memories will continue to allow me to close my eyes and be there whenever I want. It regenerated my soul, and charged me up for the future. There is a pervasive feel about the place, something beyond fishing and just being there. I guess everyone interprets that differently, but all have to love it. Thunderous applause, comprehensive thanks, not only for all of the above, but for being able to call you my friend. I am only sorry we didn’t get to have Leigh enjoy it with us, but we’ll save that for next time. Please set me and Pistol Pete up with whatever we need for the golf tourney you help sponsor. We will chat before my family cruises from Vancouver to Anchorage and I hijack our vessel into the inlet in Mid August. Thanks a million Bud. Continued success to you…health and happiness. Mike Parr, Sandy, Utah
   
 
Shannon N 7/01/10
 
Sid - thanks so very much for the amazing time had by all. I am already getting inquiries and questions from folks that have heard about our trip. Look forward to networking with you to help fill your weeks. Outside of my FNA role, I am happy to volunteer my time with marketing and sales activities for Duncanby anytime. Let me know if you need any help. After having spent some time up there my mind is full of ideas and it would be fun to help fill the weeks for next year. What a fabulous product to market! Thanks again - your are a wonderful person with an outstanding team. I think you have hit the mark with your concept for Duncanby. You certainly have surrounded yourself with an excellent group of people.
   
 
Kathy (High maintenance) F and James (sea leg) R 5/19/10
 
we just wanted to say how much we enjoyed our fishing trip for the halibut tourney in 09. The lodge is first class all the way and the staff is great. I loved the trip so much Jim sent me back to enjoy the Tyee tourney after winning the halibut tournement. Jim has traveled all over Canada with lodges fishing and said Duncanby is the best he has ever had the pleasure of fishing at. We had the best time and we will be joining the lodge again this July to fish the Tyee tourney again. Thank you Sid, Leah and the whole gang for making Duncanby a fabulous place with great people and memories. See you guys Soon.
   
 
Dave B 1/11/10
 
we had an outstanding time would not do it justice. Thanks for the memories, and look forward to seeing you, and your wonderful team, next year.
   
 
Klaus 9/04/09
 
Thanks for helping to make this past week's trip possible. On an enjoyment level you couldn't of had 2 better fellows. Just sitting back now reflecting on fabulous memories. Please pass on a special thanks to Cory for sharing his company and magic places with us. Hope to experience new adventures next year. A fellow fisherman
   
 
David D 9/03/09
 
Just checking out the Duncanby Website to see how the season ended for everyone. Much to my surprise I see photos of your lovely new bride and the wedding! Congratulations and wow. So pleased to see Duncanby as the backdrop for such great things in your life. Robyn and I enjoyed our trip in early August. The fishing was truly awesome. You, Dave and the staff delivered again on the promise of freedom to explore, relaxation, very comfortable quarters and great food. In between our guided days (including the body check thrown on the Whaler) and our on our own days - Robyn and I took the time to make a few plans for the business. We have booked our dates for next year, where we will check our progress on our plans and to build our catch and release totals!! Congratulations to you and Leigh and thanks again for sharing. Tight Lines David Donaldson
   
 
James & Dolores Goughnour Payson, AZ 8/31/09
 
My wife and I just returned from our second trip to Duncanby and again this year our expectations were exceeded. Duncanby personnel are committed to customer satisfaction. There are a lot of great fisheries on the west coast, but Duncanby's employees make the trip a pleasure. Dave, Corey, Riley, Mack are the most knowledgeable and gracious fishing guides I have ever fished with. The waitresses, cooks, dock and cabin personnel was first class. Lastly, every great team needs a leader and Sid fulfills that role perfectly. He may be coordinating flights in and out of the lodge and carrying trash to the pit while on the phone! Thanks again Duncanby Team, we had a great time. James & Dolores Goughnour Payson, AZ
   
 
Brad 8/13/09
 
Wow that is an amazing fish. The hope of catching a fish like that is one of the reasons we came to Duncanby this year. I had always heard that if you want to catch a record Chinook you should go to River’s Inlet. We have been to several lodges up the coast and trying somewhere new is always a gamble. We picked your lodge based on the web site, the pictures of the lodge and the testimonials of obviously very happy guests. We were not disappointed. We did not catch a wall mount but each of us caught a Tyee as well as Halibut, Snapper and Sea Bass. Your lodge is the best I have been to on the coast. The possibility of catching a monster fish gets you up at 0500 and keeps you on the water until dark. After meeting you its obvious where the staff get their enthusiasm and desire to make each guest feel like they are personal friends visiting your lodge. I will definitely be back.
   
 
Dave B 8/04/09
 
Hi Sid, As promised I`ve attached a few of the pics taken at Duncanby past few days. To say we had an outstanding time would not do it justice. Thanks for the memories, and look forward to seeing you, and your wonderful team, next year.
   
 
Kerry B 8/03/09
 
Morning Sid I just wanted to thank the whole Duncanby crew for showing us great hospitality. You have a winning formula for sure. I thanked each of your team personally for showing our whole group what a wonderful gem you provide to people from all over. You have found the right balance for a relaxing getaway. As you are part of the White Rock community and I am involved in the Rotary Club in White Rock, I will strongly recommend that we add Duncanby to our summer activities. That really is what the Rotary Club represents in helping out in the community of which you belong to. Southridge is also like that. My boss is already keen on utilizing your lodge in some ways. I am in the mining sector and they all love fishing and we love finding gems that will assist in promoting our companies through great hospitality. Ken was a member of the Australian team that beat the US for the first time in the 1983 America Cup. Much appreciated,
   
 
Len 7/31/09
 
I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude and recognition to the professionalism of the Duncanby Team. Your establishment and staff truly made our trip one of the most memorable and enjoyable retreats that we have ever experienced. The service, food, lodging, fishing and scenery surpassed any and all of our expectations. I cannot recall the last time to come across such a consistent and terrific group of young, energetic personnel. Their genuine enthusiasm, conscientiousness and courtesy contributed immensely to the making of such an enjoyable trip and they are certainly entitled to the well-earned reputation of being the best of the best. In particular, I would also like to extend special thanks for the consideration and close attention paid to my father’s special diet requirements. His condition makes it very limited for dining options and subsequently vacation alternatives. We were initially somewhat apprehensive about going to such a remote location in consideration of the consequences that could arise if he were to consume anything that wasn’t compliant or tolerable to his nutritional regime. Your professional culinary team once again exceeded all anticipations and eliminated any uncertainties. The food was prepared with the utmost care and consideration surpassing several “5 Star” establishments we have experienced in the past. It was a pleasant change for him to confidently enjoy a fine meal outside of his own home. You and your team are beyond doubt in a class of your own. The “Duncanby Experience” is definitely unforgettable and the envy to any of those who try to compete against it. Once again I would like to thank you and the Duncanby Team for all you do and can’t wait to come back.
   
 
Mike P 7/28/09
 
First of all thank you so much for your hospitality during our visit. It was great to see you and Leigh so happy together. We had a fantastic time. As a matter of fact I think it was the best holiday I've ever experienced. You should be very proud of all of your staff, they are great. You should also be very proud of Mack. He is a fine, intelligent young man and a lot of fun to be around. If you have a list of people who can go at the last minute for a discounted price put me on it. You know you'd make it back at the bar. Best regards, Your pal Mike.
   
 
Terry H 7/27/09
 
Thanks again for your hospitality this last week. Your staff is truly exceptional.. All of them! Dave took us out this morning and two of us caught 7 salmon ( 6 coho, 1 large chum, and 1 17lb King) in three hours. We "lost" about 4 or 5 others, so we could have limited in even less time. He did a great job! We also enjoyed both Karen & Katherine, who worked their tails off with constant smiles every minute. I hope to get up there next season, and will talk to a few people before making the commitment. And by the way, thanks for the milkshake & glass...! Have a successful season. Best Regards, Terry Halverson CEO & President Metropolitan Market
   
 
Douglas Buchanan 7/27/09
 
Last week at Duncanby Lodge was absolutely wonderful. Viewing whales and dolphins while fishing was just a bonus. You’ve put together an great team, I want to especially thank Troy, Karen and Katherine for making our experience at Duncanby unforgettable. The accommodations, boats and food were all phenomenal, making Duncanby the easy choice for our next year’s vacation. Anyone looking to fish the Rivers Inlet area should look no further than Duncanby Lodge – Best Vacation Ever. Thanks, Douglas Buchanan
   
 
Dave Cornock 7/27/09
 
Hi Sid: Wendy and I had a fantastic time at Duncanby and we definitely have an appreciation what the Duncanby Difference is all about. You have an excellent team at the lodge and they all make every effort to ensure everyone is having a great trip. Wendy has already posted a bunch of great photos on her Facebook site and is getting lots of jealousy hits. Thanks again for everything.
   
 
The Old Man 7/22/09
 
Oh boy! What can we say! From seeing Humpback Whales jumping as we landed to them saying goodbye as we left this was a supernatural experience! I've fished from Costa Rica to Alaska in the Pacific Ocean and have never had a more wonderful experience than our trip to the " Happiest Place one Earth!" From the minute we landed to departure we never saw one person without a smile on their faces, clients and staff included , and that is a testament to management and the overall commitment to the "Duncanby Experience". Thank you Sid and Leigh to the open arms you extended to Adam and I. My son Ben on his third year guiding for you was the " Keay" to our success! From the the first half day where we caught 6 - 20+ chinooks on a 9 weight flyrod to the 41 lb halibut on flatwater at Cape ? To the most unreal second day where we landed 3 halibut back to back to back 94 ,80 and 75 lbs and 5 yellow eyed rockfish all 14 lbs before we even started salmon fishing that day which was again coho and chinook legendary. We had so much success the first two days we just fished near the lodge the last day and landed 30 coho, two chinook, retain 5 silver large coho to smoke and had a blast pulling the prawn traps, which were loaded!! You provided the venue for a father and son and son fishing trip of a lifetime! I recommend this experience to any father or family who wants a memory of a life time with those you love!!!!!!!!! WE'LL BE BACK!!!!!!!! Adam wants to let you know that he will send you the results from his international swim meet this week, and his results from the Canada Summer Games in Prince Edward Island. He is swimming for his country, the province, and the lodge!!! The Old Man.
   
 
Karin White 7/17/09
 
I did get my fish,and thank you for checking. I apologize for the delay, I kept wanting to find time to write more than a yes. I had an amazing time at your lodge. I have travelled a lot, and have never been treated better. What an amazing group of people you have on your team. Could you please let me know how I can get a package to the camp? I am already planning my return trip... I will be back. Thanks again, Karin White Sutton Group West Coast
   
 
Kevin & Erin 7/12/09
 
We wanted to say how very much we appreciated the hospitality you extended to us on our recent visit to your place. Your staffs were all extremely friendly and hospitable even if we were not your biggest customers! We were treated as though we were! (At another stop along the way we were not so welcome – almost like we had a disease!) At any rate we will help to promote your wonderful place at ever y chance we get, we belong to the Prince George Power Squadron and our trip will be a subject of interest to many other boaters – big and small!
   
 
Kris & Judy Stromdahl 7/10/09
 
Again, both Judy and I would like to thank you and everyone at the Lodge for an incredible trip. They are a great group who made us feel welcome and our stay very comfortable and easy. Also, I have to mention Mack once more, as he was truly a pleasure to spend time with, and a great guide as well! When Jude hooked her biggest fish, it made such a long run, she was not sure that she could fight it into the boat. But with Mack giving positive encouragement, he coached her and the fish all the way home. I think he was as excited as she was that it was in the boat. The Lodge has changed since I was up last and with the crew you have, it is truly a world class experience. Fabulous trip! Thank-you Kris & Judy Stromdahl
   
 
Allan Husted 9/23/08
 
Hey Sid, I just wanted to let you know the trip to Duncanby was not only incredible but also inspiring, from the unbelievable service to the great food every aspect of the trip exceeded my expectations. It is a true reflection of your passion and leadership to witness your amazing team in action. I feel honored to have been able to experience the Duncanby difference. Thank you and well done
   
 
Buck Buchanan 9/08/08
 
Sid, The trip to Duncanby was fantastic; you really run an absolutely first class operation. While I’m far from a “real” fisherman, I have been to several fishing and hunting lodges over the years and none even comes close to Duncanby. Not only did you and all your guides know where the best fish were, you all knew how to help us novices get them in the boat and that was greatly appreciated. Clearly the fishing was outstanding, but what really sets Duncanby apart is that the facilities are incredible and the hospitality second to none. It’s still amazing to me the level of service and quality of food and lodging you provide, especially being in such a remote location located right in the heart of the best fishing.

Unlike Duncanby, so many lodges offer only very basic, “rustic” accommodations (code word for crude) and very basic food served on a rigid schedule and then require long runs to the real action. I was really surprised how close the great fishing was, only a couple of minutes from the dock. It was so nice to be catching trophy salmon or halibut one minute and enjoying fine dining for lunch or dinner the next!

Obviously, I had a great time at Duncanby and would certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a first class fishing vacation. Please say “hi” to your amazing staff for me and tell them I hope to see them again soon…hopefully next year! Thanks again for everything, Buck
   
 
Rick Taylor 8/24/08
 
Hey Sid; Just wanted to drop you a quick e-mail to thank-you for the wonderful time we had at you’re fishing lodge. Both Justin and Kelsey have posted their pictures on facebook to all their friends telling them how beautiful the area and the lodge is. I also want to thank-you for the special attention given to Kelsey around the lodge and making her feel special. I wasn’t sure how it would work out taking her on a “guys” fishing trip but she loved it. Thanks again and we hope to be back next year.
   
 
Paul and Bryce Schram 8/22/08
 
Dear Sid

As you know, in late July of this year three of my friends, my eleven year old and I stayed at another lodge in Rivers Inlet for five days. When I initially booked that trip last fall, I thought it was good value and service. As it turned out, the weather was horrible during our stay, the accommodations and our treatment were not what we had hoped for, and in addition, the fishing was slow.

My son and I returned home from that trip forlorn and more then disappointed in having gone to that fishing lodge.

Back home I pulled out a brochure that I had gotten from the Duncanby booth at the 2008 Edmonton Sportsman show, and I decided to send you an email explaining how poorly our trip had turned out.

You immediately replied and invited my son and I to come back to Rivers Inlet and stay at Duncanby Lodge. I am not usually one to make this sort of unplanned trip or spend this amount of money on a whim, but my wife thought that your lodge offered great value for the dollar, and she wanted Bryce and I to go. So we decided to take you up on your offer and booked to come back.

What a great decision that was!

I have stayed at fishing lodges in the Northwest Territories, Ontario, Alberta and the interior and coast of British Columbia, and Duncanby Lodge has been the best overall fishing lodge that I have been to.

All of your employees are wonderful, and each is friendly, accommodating and extremely helpful.

Teena continually took the time to keep abreast of how each of our days had gone, and continually provided my son and I with exceptional service and consideration.

Another of your managers, Dave, knew about out how poor our previous trip had been, and offered to take Bryce and I out halibut fishing. I have tried to fish for halibut a number of times over the years, but had never managed to catch one. Dave took us fishing in his boat, and had us each limit out on halibut, and catch some other bottom fish, in just a couple of hours.

Of all the other places I have stayed at, unless it was a guided trip, I have never had the staff of any other lodge make the time to take us out and show us where or how to fish. All others just point you in a direction and leave you to your own. As such, I very much appreciate what Dave did for us, as catching those halibut meant a lot to Bryce.

Bryce and I loved the freedom that we had in using your boats and fishing equipment. At some other lodges I have been to, the owners and staff sometimes treat their customers as an inconvenience. They often restrict where we can go, or what equipment we can use. To the contrary, your dock staff, and specifically Riley, treated Bryce and I as equals, and allowed us to pretty well do whatever we wanted.

Having said that, they were always there to provide help if needed or requested, and advice on where and how to fish. They also took exceptional care of the fish that we brought to dock.

Your sleeping accommodations are first class, with all new cabins, furniture and fixtures. It was wonderful to have a warm shower, heated bedrooms rooms and wonderfully comfortable beds and duvets. Most other lodges do not have heated rooms, and as such they are always cold and damp. From my experience, Dancanby has the cleanest and best kept rooms that one could expect.

One of the most appealing aspects of the trip was the fact that we could come to your restaurant at any time of day or night. Most lodges have set times and menus for their guests. This can be very inconvenient, as some of us like to get out early or stay out fishing when the bite is on. It is not always convenient to have to boat back to a lodge to eat. At Duncanby, Bryce and I were able to have breakfast at five in the morning, at which time your cooks made us anything that we wanted. That allowed us to get down to the dock before daybreak, and prepare our boat and fishing gear for the day ahead. As such, we were able to be out on the ocean fishing for as much time as possible. We also appreciated the meals, drinks and snacks that your had available to take out in the boat with us. Finally, the meals that your chefs prepared for dinner was equal to if not better then the finest restaurants that I have ever been to.

In any case, Bryce and I want to thank you, Teena, Dave, Riley and all of your other wonderful staff for the best fishing trip that we have ever had.

All of the halibut, ling cod, snapper and salmon that we brought home was a bonus to the vacation you provided us.

Take care Sid.

Paul and Bryce Schram Beaumont, Alberta
   
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