Start your new career as an Expedition Guide
Guide Training Week
Upcoming Courses:
April 13-19, 2025 - Full! Waitlist Available
Oct 5-11, 2025 - Full! Waitlist Available
April 2026 - Dates TBA
Guide Training Week will set you up with the skills you need to join the polar tourism industry. During the 6.5 day course, you will build foundational skills that are essential for working in the polar regions and in expedition guiding around the world.
You will learn field skills like driving a Zodiac, risk assessment and landing site assessments, and more. We’ll also spend some time in the classroom to learn about thematic interpretation, living on board the ship, working in large, dynamic teams, the big picture of the industry, and how to manage groups and guest expectations.
With two Zodiacs, we are able to split the group to provide more one-on-one, personalized training, real-world scenarios and practice, and more time at the tiller.
The skills are taught using the industry standard PTGA Polar Qualifications as a baseline, though the training will go beyond in hopes of sending you home at the end of the course feeling competent in your understanding of what it means to be an expedition guide and with the skills to get you started in the industry.
Topics covered in the course include:
Radio & Communication
Navigation
Working with Small Boats
Driving Small Boats
Leading a Hike
Site Management
Wildlife Etiquette
Risk Management
Team Dynamics
Presentation & Interpretation
Life On Ships
LOGISTICS:
Since our base of operations is remote, we offer free pick up/drop off at the Comox (YQQ) and Port Hardy (YZT) airports to make getting here easier. If you do not require pick up, there is a $200 discount on the course fee. We ask that you arrive the day before the course starts so that we can take full advantage of the time we have with you.
Accommodations and cooking facilities are provided while on the course.
Detailed information will be sent upon completion of booking, but please reach out if you have any questions.
Much of your time during the course will be spent outside, so be ready to be out in the elements rain or shine!
Our “classroom” is set in one of Canada’s most abundant marine wildlife hotspots. The network of islands we go boating in is the ideal environment to practice a variety of essential boat skills in similar conditions to what you experience in the polar regions…minus the ice.
If you wish to obtain PTGA assessments following the course, learn more here.
CA$3600+tax*
*includes accommodations, pick up/drop off in Port Hardy or Comox/Campbell River, and Pleasure Craft Operators Certificate
Custom Courses
We offer courses tailored to the needs of operators and participants. We can also travel to deliver training courses on-board ships, or within coastal British Columbia to accommodate larger teams, etc.