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Qualify for entry-level leadership and guiding positions with sea kayaking and river rafting companies, coastal and mountain resorts, sailboat-based tours, whale and wildlife tour operators, outdoor centres, youth wilderness programs and camps, adventure therapy programs, interpretative centres and other rewarding settings.
You will be well-prepared with relevant outdoor leadership skills that transfer across a variety of career paths and professions such as conservation officer, park ranger, teacher, community recreation programmer, field researcher or assistant (biology, geology, etc.), professional ski patroller and other industries and services.
Outdoor guiding requires strong leadership, interpersonal, and interpretative skills as well as a high level of expertise and knowledge in specific skill areas. During the program, you’ll develop and practice valuable career skills while training in sea kayaking, canoeing, sailing, river rafting, mountain travel, wildlife viewing, wilderness first aid and other outdoor education specialties. All courses are highly experiential, giving you the opportunity to progressively build your knowledge and confidence.
Applied theory courses will provide you with a more comprehensive view of the adventure guiding industry, including a focus on sustainability, law and ethics and cross-cultural skills. This includes learning through Indigenous tourism interactions as part of guiding on the coast. Course hours are divided between the classroom and the field. Classmates frequently take turns co-leading while instructors provide support, direction and feedback.
Formal and informal evaluation, which is ongoing throughout this program, takes place in the classroom and in the wilderness. In addition to achieving industry-recognized certifications, you will receive college grades and credit based on practical skills evaluations, contributions to group learning, presentations, assignments, quizzes and exams.
The Adventure Guiding certificate provides transfer credit toward many adventure, outdoor recreation, outdoor leadership and tourism diplomas, including as the first year of NIC’s Tourism & Hospitality Management Diploma-Adventure Guiding Option, or toward other post-secondary institutions in BC.
Supply List
Outdoor gear is an important part of the Adventure Guiding program. NIC provides most of the group equipment but you are required to have certain articles of clothing and equipment to participate in field activities. Please review the supply list document for complete information.
How to Be Successful
Success in this program and the industry requires much more than simply liking the outdoors or paddling a kayak!
- We recommend consulting with a Program Coordinator before selecting your field specialty courses.
- As a successful adventure guide, you learn from everything you encounter. You are hungry to learn from an intense mix of classroom and field experiences.
- You must care for yourself and others, developing skills in helping individuals to learn to be comfortable in unfamiliar and sometimes challenging situations.
- Guiding needs a “service” attitude where you shape, meet, and exceed client expectations. With creativity and knowledge, successful guides cheerfully adapt to constantly changing dynamics, such as weather, sea conditions, personalities and equipment limitations. Owning or managing a company requires these same principles to be applied in your full-cycle relationship with clients or guests. From the moment they learn about your company until after their trip or experience, all your communications count!
- Pay attention to details, deadlines, and the quality of your interactions. Come ready to learn, practice, have fun and refine these same skills with your classmates and instructors.
- We encourage you to read “Risk Management for Outdoor Programs: A Guide for Students” prior to the start of classes. This document is used as a reference for the Guiding Skills course, and is good preparation for your studies.
FAQs
Through the COVID-19 pandemic, how is this program happening?
Fortunately, while being vigilant around safety protocols and health considerations we are able to very successfully offer a “blended” or “hybrid” delivery with a mix of in-person and online learning. This includes time outside developing skills through kayaking, canoeing, rafting, rock climbing, and hiking in the mountains, forests, etc.
We’ve collaborated with colleagues from across the province, adventure sectors, and within NIC to establish approved protocols that maximize our ability and opportunity to be outside and in the field in small groups.
Online learning otherwise has a mix of advantages and challenges: one advantage is more flexibility in our schedule for in-person field training; one challenge is the cumulative screen time, which we fully understand isn’t too ‘adventurous’ nor optimal for some learners, but which still allows us to efficiently and effectively progress through important theory and learning outcomes normally accomplished in a classroom setting.
When and where does the program take place?
The Adventure Guiding program runs from September to May and is well-timed for finding immediate work during the primary summer adventure tourism season in BC. Classroom learning and field trip preparations are based out of our Comox Valley campus in Courtenay. Field training takes place in the Comox Valley area with convenient access to the ocean, lakes, rivers and mountains. We also go further afield to other iconic places on Vancouver Island and Canada’s west coast, often including Barkley Sound, Clayoquot Sound, Johnstone Strait, the Gulf Islands, the Discovery Islands and Strathcona Provincial Park.
Why all of the entry requirements?
Math skills are necessary for accurate and safe navigation (e.g., calculating tides and currents, compass bearings and speed/distance/time estimates), which is part of training and evaluation in several field courses. English skills are helpful in all courses (and life), especially for comprehension when reading or researching a topic for assignments, class discussions, presentations, or when preparing for industry-established exams. These academic prerequisites help to support student success, including in some of the courses with students from Tourism, Business, and other program areas, especially if joining our two-year Adventure Guiding diploma option.
What certification will I receive, in addition to NIC’s Adventure Guiding Certificate, if I attend and pass all of the components?
We strive to offer the most well-rounded training and certifications for entering the adventure sector, and there is significant value in every course regardless of whether it includes an industry certification. The actual certifications offered vary slightly from year-to-year depending on current standards, industry expectations, regulations, available instructors and student background, readiness and motivation. This also depends on what each student selects as their field skill course electives. In addition to your NIC Adventure Guiding credential, opportunity for certifications can include:
- Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC Assistant Overnight Guide
- Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Skills Level 1 & 2
- Recreational Canoeing Association of BC (RCABC) Lakewater Level 3 and Day Guide or Tripping Level 3; or similar through Paddle Canada Canoeing
- Sail Canada Coastal Cruising Standard
- Wilderness First Aid and CPR Level ‘C’ (40 hours)
- Occupational First Aid Level 1
- Mental Health Wilderness First Aid
- SuperHost Foundations of Service Quality
- FoodSafe Level 1
- British Columbia River Outfitters Association - Guide
- Raven RSM - Swiftwater Rescue Technician
- Avalanche Canada - Avalanche Skills Training 1
- Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC (CBVABC) - Level One Guide
- MERS Marine Mammal Naturalist Course
- VHF Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC-M)
How much field time is there, compared to time spent in the classroom?
During the Adventure Guiding Certificate (or first year of the Adventure Guiding Diploma option) students typically spend close to half their time in a classroom or with online learning, and the other half with practical outdoor training and experiences. The exact ratio varies depending on individual field skill course choices, weather, group needs, interests and available opportunities. We know that good guiding skills, knowledge and judgment come from an important dance between theory, practice, and reflection.
How does this program differ from others?
NIC’s location, holistic approach and Indigenous-related learning help to set our Adventure Guide training apart from programs elsewhere. Our courses emphasize industry connections, risk management, communication, interpretation and resource stewardship alongside opportunities to develop foundational skills for navigation, trip planning and emergency response. We facilitate training experiences that prepare students to navigate group dynamics, changing weather, equipment limitations, cultural and ecological considerations, and numerous other challenges encountered when guiding. Tuition for core field courses (TGA 100, 101, 103, 106, and 111) includes the cost of field trips with transportation, food, accommodation and group equipment.
The program fees seem high - why is that, and what is included in these fees?
This program offers comprehensive career preparation with more skills, certifications, connections, insights, experiences and value than could be pieced together individually - this is much more efficient and affordable than accumulating the certifications and course training on your own outside of the college program. This is not like a traditional post-secondary program that can sometimes have classes with 50 to 100 or more students.
As required by the adventure tourism industry guide association standards for field courses, you will usually be one of only three to five students per instructor. Even in regular classroom settings, NIC’s ratios typically range from only 10 to 30 students per instructor. For field training, the instructor to student ratios of 1:3 or 1:5 are much more expensive than those of 1:100.
Most of our Adventure Guiding graduates go straight into summer work, often with minimal living expenses while guiding. This full-time program is student loan eligible and you may be able to access funding assistance through government-sponsored employment training programs. Your tuition and lab fees cover many miscellaneous and budgeted expenses, including:
- multi-day accommodation, van transportation, food expenses, and intensive programming at field trip locations outside of the Comox Valley as part of the core courses;
- all instructional costs and group safety equipment;
- low instructor to student ratios for safety and quality instruction, often 1:3-5 during outdoor adventure activities and field skill courses;
- use of sea kayaks, canoes, sailboats and rafts (plus paddles, PFDs, etc.) on scheduled water-focused outings, and use of technical climbing equipment during rock and mountain-focused training;
- access to two-person tents and tarps if you don’t have your own, and group kitchen equipment (stoves, fuel, pots, utensils, shelter, etc.) on field trips;
- certification and examination fees to many external agencies (sailing or paddlesport associations, Canadian Power Squadron, Red Cross, etc.);
- admission fees for scheduled course activities (e.g., at pools, museums and cultural centres, cultural events/tours, interpretive centres, etc.).
Is sea kayaking the focus of this program?
You will be exposed to a variety of important outdoor technical skills and leadership training in canoeing, sailing, mountain travel, river rafting and other aspects of wilderness and marine travel. However, sea kayak guide training is provided as a core aspect of the program because extended expeditions by small self-propelled craft are one of the best tools for teaching fundamental leadership, judgment, risk management, navigation, and customer service skills. As a guide, you’ll be processing and juggling weather, tides, group strength and sea state to make decisions that maximize safety, comfort, fun, and learning. We use our sea kayak outings to practice these skills in a realistic and memorable way. The skills you develop leading your peers on kayak outings are invaluable for honing your overall abilities as a guide in any outdoor adventure setting.
How much will I have to spend on equipment?
Equipment costs vary depending on what you already own, your budget, resourcefulness, and individual choices while preparing to be a professional guide or outdoor leader. Previous students have spent $500 to $3,000 depending on what they previously owned and what they intend to do after graduating. All technical gear is supplied for use during the program (kayaks, canoes, rafts, sailboats, paddles, climbing equipment, group tarps, group kitchen equipment, VHF radios, flares, avalanche beacons, first aid supplies, etc.), but you are responsible for providing your own personal gear such as a sleeping bag, foul weather gear, outdoor clothing, wetsuit or drysuit, neoprene booties and dry bags. Good equipment is essential for the outdoor and expedition components as we often travel in cold, wet, coastal, winter conditions. Apart from your personal clothing items, some of your personal gear can be rented through industry contacts (e.g., wetsuit or drysuit, paddling jacket). Once registered, students can also access some favourable industry “pro-deals” from different equipment manufacturers, for example, purchasing a drysuit. Consult the pre-program information Student Equipment & Clothing List for more details.
What are the job prospects when I graduate?
We have a very high rate of graduate employment within and outside of the college region on Vancouver Island. AG Certificate students will make industry connections and gain on-the-job experience during a two-week (80-hour) work practicum that greatly enhances job prospects, helping you prepare for entry and mid-level positions on Vancouver Island and around the world. Diploma-level students similarly gain valuable industry exposure and employment through their cooperative education work term. Wages are typically commensurate with experience an vary by sector and certification levels.
A starting wage for a sea kayak guide, for example, could be between $125 to $175/day plus gratuities (and meals if guiding multi-day tours) with opportunities for advancement each season. Our graduates have found excellent work placements and subsequent employment with adventure tourism industry leaders such as:
Tofino Sea Kayaking Company
Majestic Sea Kayaking
West Coast Expeditions
Coast Mountain Expeditions
Spirit of the West Adventures
Comox Valley Kayaks
Knight Inlet Lodge
T’ashii Paddle School
Spirit Bear Lodge
Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures
Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Centre
Camp Homewood
Strathcona Park Lodge
Horne Lake Caves
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Aren’t the guiding jobs seasonal?
Most of the coastal guiding in BC (sea kayaking, youth camps, wildlife viewing tours, rafting, adventure parks) are Summer seasonal with some shoulder season (Spring and Fall) opportunities. Many guides balance this with “off-season” employment at Winter resorts (e.g., ski patrolling or instructing), or balance their lives with other pursuits like consulting, outdoor retail, teaching, health care, writing, photography, fine arts, carpentry and other trades, etc.
Many of our graduates and instructors have also pursued international experience teaching and guiding in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Belize, Tonga, Vietnam, Croatia and Alaska…or ventured to either the Arctic or Antarctic regions. They can provide valuable perspectives and help steer you toward potential industry contacts. For those that want to adventure further from home, there are excellent, realistic job opportunities in New Zealand, Latin America, the Caribbean and elsewhere for well-trained and motivated guides seeking year-round work. For international employment it’s certainly an asset to have comfort communicating in more than just English.
Do I have to attend all of the program components to obtain my Adventure Guiding credential from NIC?
Yes, regular attendance and full participation is mandatory for developing and demonstrating specific competencies, learning outcomes and completing certifications. Many of the course and program objectives are accomplished through cumulative and progressive group/cohort experiences - building from each time we’re together and reflecting on these experiences. Most industry certifications are delivered in an intensive format that requires full attendance. Students must successfully pass all program components to graduate. Each component of the training is relevant for guiding, including many industry certifications for qualifying to move forward as a guide.
Can I work while studying?
Many of our students juggle part-time work while taking the program, but be aware that some of the field skill opportunities, and occasionally online learning, may extend into evenings or weekends. The weekly and monthly schedule is irregular and also depends on individual field skill course choices. Some weeks are much more intensive than others. As such, it helps to have a very supportive and flexible employer.
I’m interested, but how do I know if I’m suited for success in this program?
You need to have a positive team-oriented attitude and a strong desire to teach and guide in the outdoors. Come prepared to stretch your personal comfort zones, physically, mentally, and emotionally. You must be willing to participate fully and enthusiastically in all aspects of each course. The fundamental leadership and communication skills required as an adventure guide are acquired through study, reflection and participation in group processes. Commitment to this process, and openness to ongoing feedback, is essential for your success in this program. Also, comfort on the water is imperative, as is basic physical fitness for repetitive endurance activities such as climbing, swimming, hiking and paddling, which also involves lifting kayaks, canoes or other gear.
Can I get advance credit for experience or certification I already have?
If you provide proof of having an up-to-date certificate otherwise offered in the program, you can apply to receive credit toward the program certificate and receive permission to sit out that specific component, but you will miss group learning and development with your classmates which is often equally, if not more, valuable. The Program Coordinator and Department Chair will determine prior learning or transfer credit on a case-by-case basis according to specific course outcomes and certification requirements.
Should I apply for the certificate or diploma program if I’m unsure whether I want to study for 1 or 2 years?
If considering the diploma, it is a little smoother to apply for the diploma program and then exit after the first year with the certificate. That said, it is certainly possible to start with the certificate, then transfer into the diploma option, which would then have the THM 197 Cooperative Ed Internship during the summer after the second year of the diploma instead of during the summer between first and second year.
When is the deadline to apply?
There is no deadline to apply, but admission is “first applied, first qualified, first invited” and enrolment is limited to only 20 students. We strongly encourage you to apply early!
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