Adventure Guiding Certificate
This program is suspended and is no longer accepting applications. Learn more here.
To learn about other opportunities at NIC, browse our program finder and subscribe to our Future Students email updates.
Applications closed. |
Stay connected
Get program updates and event news straight to your inbox.
Overview
As a student, you’ll experience a comprehensive view of the adventure guiding industry, focusing on sustainability, ethics and intercultural skills. This includes learning through Indigenous tourism interactions as part of guiding on the coast. Through adventure guiding and outdoor recreation you’ll support the health and well-being of people and places, while working in the heart of BC and Canada’s significant tourism sector.
In addition to your certificate, you can earn:
- Avalanche Canada - Avalanche Skills Training 1
- Basic First Aid (formerly OFA Level 1)
- British Columbia River Outfitters Association - Guide
- CanBoat (CPS) Maritime Radio Certificate - ROC (M)
- Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC (CBVA) - Level One Guide
- FoodSafe Level 1
- ISPA Competent Crew (Sailing)
- MERS Marine Mammal Naturalist Course
- Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Skills Level 1 and 2
- Raven RSM - Swiftwater Rescue Technician
- Recreational Canoeing Association of BC (RCABC) Lakewater Level 3 and Day Guide or Tripping Level 3; or similar through Paddle Canada Canoeing
- Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC Level 1 and Assistant Overnight Guide
- SuperHost Foundations of Service Quality
- Wilderness First Aid and CPR Level ‘C’ (40 hours)
Certifications can vary slightly year-by-year and are based on industry changes and your chosen field skill course electives.
Supplies
Core technical and safety gear is provided through program costs, however students are responsible for buying their own personal items, including:
- Outdoor clothing
- Sleeping bags
- Foul weather gear
- Dry bags
Typical supply costs for the program range from $500 to $3,000.
Careers
Our alumni work as outdoor sport and recreational guides and expedition guides, overseeing activities like whitewater rafting, canoeing, mountain climbing, ski touring, mountaineering and more as part of eco resorts, lodges, adventure tourism companies or as entrepreneurs. For a list of organizations that hire for roles in adventure guiding, please refer to our FAQs.
Costs
Check the table below for estimated costs for the full program.
Curious about funding?
Financial support is available. Learn more about financial aid and awards.