Certification You’ll Need

Some specialties within the umbrella of “adventure guide” require special training or certification; for example, mountain guides must almost always be accredited. Other forms of certification may be voluntary. Below are some of the certifications you may require:

 

• Certification in wilderness first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)

• Additional health and safety training is typically an asset

• The appropriate level of swimming, skiing, mountain guide, rafting, or other outdoor certification (if applicable)

• Valid industry licenses, where applicable (for example, if working as a fishing guide, need a valid fishing license)

• May need a valid driver’s license

 

Success Tip: For more specific information regarding certification you’ll need for your chosen area of specialty, please contact any employers you wish to work for, as they may require certification that other employers (or areas of specialization as a whole,) do not require.

 

 

General Job Description

As an outdoor adventure guide, you would be responsible for organizing and conducting outdoor expeditions for adventurers, tourists, hotel guests or sports and outdoor enthusiasts. These expeditions may come in a variety of forms, including:

 

• Mountain expeditions

• Rafting trips

• Hunting trips

• Fishing trips

• Trail rides

• Heli-skiing

• Rafting/whitewater rafting

• Canoe tripping

• Kayaking

• Ecotourism

• A combination of any of the above

 

 

Typical Job Duties

The specific duties you would be responsible for will vary from employer to employer. In general however, you would be responsible for performing the following duties as an outdoor adventure guide:

 

• Guiding individuals or groups during outdoor adventure based activities

• Creating safe yet exciting customer experiences

• Assembling any necessary equipment and supplies

• Demonstrating necessary skills and techniques, providing individual instruction when necessary

• Providing fun and engaging information to trip participants about the region they are exploring

• Administering First Aid when necessary

• Organizing and/or preparing meals

• Continuously learning about your territory

 

 

Experience You'll Need

Nothing can replace experience on an outdoor adventure guide's resume. For example, if you're applying to a whitewater rafting leadership position, you had better have a decent list of personal trips to prove that you have the fundamental skills necessary to be a whitewater rafting guide. This rule of thumb applies to any other type of outdoor leadership role from canoeing to rock climbing.

 

Success Tip: Get out there and practice your outdoor skills!

 

 

Who Employs Them?

If you become an outdoor adventure guide, your possible employers may include adventure tourism companies, resorts, parks and lodges. Alternatively, you may be self-employed, and operate your own adventure guiding business.

 

Career Advancement Possibilities

As an outdoor adventure guide, you have the ability to move into different roles as you accumulate experience. For example, you may move into supervisory or management roles, or decide to open your own business.

 

With additional education, you may also potentially move in to different roles within your organization. For example, with some marketing courses under your belt, you may be able to work in marketing for the adventure company that already employs you. With a combination of experience and education, you will likely also be attractive to outside employers in the industry.