Outdoor Sport and Recreation Guides

Nature of work

Outdoor sport and recreational guides organize and lead trips or expeditions for sports enthusiasts, adventurers, tourists and resort guests. They work for private companies and resorts or may be self-employed.

Job duties

Outdoor sports and recreation guides:

• Plan itinerary for trip or expedition and transport individuals or group to site.
• Put together and inspect necessary equipment and supplies like camping gear, hot air balloon, rafts, life jackets, fishing tackle and food.
• Lead individuals or groups and give advice on safety and emergency measures, techniques and the use of equipment.
• Give training for activities like canoeing, rafting and mountain climbing.
• Give advice on specific laws and regulations for activities like hunting, fishing and boating.
• Follow environmental guidelines and prevent violations.
• Give first aid in emergency situations.
• May prepare meals for group and set up camp.

Sample job titles

• balloon pilot
• canoeing guide
• dude wrangler
• fishing guide
• hiking guide
• horseback riding guide
• hunting and fishing guide
• outdoor guide
• outfitter
• rafting guide
• trapping guide
• zipline guide

Skills

• You should be poised, organized, tactful, and patient. Interpersonal skills and the ability to deal comfortably with strangers are important. You should be resourceful and able to handle the unexpected. Knowledge of the travel business or the specific areas of tourism in which you work will be required. Good communication skills are also necessary. Knowledge of both official languages and/or an additional language is an asset and may be required. Guides should also have an understanding of safety requirements, environmental guidelines, and provincial regulations for hunting, fishing, and boating. Physical fitness and stamina are required for many outdoor sport and recreational activities.

Job requirements

• Knowledge of a specific land or body of water, proven ability in the guided activity, and relevant licences and certifications are needed for employment in this group.
• Hot air balloon pilots need 10 hours of ground school, 16 hours of pilot-in-command experience and a Balloon Pilot Licence issued by Transport Canada. Additional hours of pilot-in-command experience may be required by some employers.
• Certification in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be required.

Other considerations

• Outdoor sport and recreational guides usually work on a seasonal basis. Most people in this group are either self-employed or work for a small to medium-sized business.

Regulations

Contacts