As the operator of a large vehicle off pavement, GeoQwest Excursions Ltd. is fully aware of and sensitive to the potential impact our vehicle could have on the terrain we encounter.

We practice environmental conduct befitting of professional backroads operators, who are proud of and showcase the ecology and aesthetic of vehicle accessible landscapes.

As a result of 25 years of off-pavement driving experience and as witness to the actions of irresponsible off-road drivers, GeoQwest Excursions Ltd. conforms to the following "Driving Code of Conduct":

GeoQwest Excursions Ltd. vehicle operators:

• always proceed gently.
• use existing tracks and roadways.
• avoid situations that may cause wheel-spin or locking and select correct gearing by letting engine braking slow the vehicle.
• are extremely sensitive to soft ground, and avoid it if at all possible.
• wash the underside of the vehicle routinely to remove any material that may transport or distribute noxious weeds from one region to another.
• equip vehicles with a self-rescue winch. It is to be used before causing excessive rutting when stuck or in areas of poor traction. Ruts are refilled once the vehicle is extricated.


• use non-living objects as winch anchors. If trees are the only option, an appropriate trunk protector is employed.
• respect private property and the privacy of other people and seek permission to cross private land.
• respect the wilderness experience of other non-motorized track users and yield right of way.
• provide emergency aid or support if required to non-motorized track users.
• appreciate that a road marked on a map does not automatically confer right of way. If in doubt, we ask the appropriate authority.

• carry out reconnaissance on foot on uncertain terrain or if your route degrades to the point that it will likely end in a short distance.
• pay special attention when traversing slopes, water or ditches to avoid disrupting soil cover, water flow or agricultural infrastructure.
• equip vehicles with appropriate tires maintained at an appropriate pressure.
• give way to wildlife and livestock as they always takes priority over our progress.
• are sensitive to animals nervousness and routinely switch off the engine when they are encountered.
• never follow or pursue frightened animals.
• watch for and avoid animals basking on the road.
• avoid excessive engine noise and maintain stock vehicle emissions and silencing equipment.
• conserve fuel by complying with or driving under posted speed limits.
• always bring back what is taken in with the vehicle including "biodegradable" substances such as fruit peels.
• don't bury litter.
• clean up debris left by other route users whenever practical.
• record and report to authorities vehicles observed violating trespass, wildlife or ecological laws.

The GeoQwest Safari vehicle is a Ford Excursion, the largest SUV built in North America. The Excursion is a 3/4 ton Super Duty pickup reconfigured to carry 7 passengers in comfort. It is longer, taller and heavier than an H1 Hummer.

The GeoQwest Excursion is equipped with self rescue winches both at the front and rear. The tires are high pressure 10 ply rated specialty off pavement tires run on pavement at 80 psi for maximum fuel efficiency. The vehicle suspension as been modified with re-arcing of the springs and extra leafs added for greater suspension strength and travel. There is over 600 watts of auxilliary lighting for excellent night penetration. Communication equipment includes cellular telephone, citizens band, and programable VHF radio/radiotelephone for communication with logging truck traffic. Global Positioning System is carried at all times.

Recent emission testing of our tour vehicle resulted in the following results:

Fast idle @ 2500 RPM:
Carbon Monoxide (CO): 2004 - .007%, 2005 - .001 (Allowable = .8%)
Unburned Oxygen: 2004/05 - 0% (complete combustion)
Hydrocarbons: 2004 - 5 ppm, 2005 - 0 ppm (allowable 145 ppm)

At these levels of emissions, our vehicle is actually capable of cleaning the atmosphere by taking in the exhaust of other vehicles and dirty ambient urban air to produce the above values.

As with any gasoline engine, our Excursion produces greenhouse emissions CO2 in direct proportion to the amount of fuel burned. But most or our CO2 is expelled into the forest where it is consumed by plants as an essential component of photosynthesis.

We chose not to run diesel, despite it being cheaper in the long run as particulate unsightly black soot is inevitable with diesel. The loud noise of most diesels also does not enhance wildlife spotting.

The GeoQwest vehicle averages 12 mpg highway with a full load of 8 people plus gear and fuel (1800 pounds). Consider a sports car carrying 2 people and a suitcase averaging 25 mpg.

Off pavement mileage drops to 7 MPG. Keep in mind total mileage driven in a day at that level is usually less than 120 kms at less than 30 Kms/hour. These values are tracked by the onboard computer.

The "Go Fer"

GeoQwest also utilized a Subaru Legacy Outback for running errands and scouting trips. Obviously without the off pavement capability of the Excursions, the Subaru is used to scout some of the main forestry roads and research accomodations and attractions prior to planning trips. This support vehicle is used to conserve fuel in situations not requiring the full capacity of the Excursion.