Algonquin Park Wilderness Guides – Log Cabin and/or Canoe Trip Guides

Description:

Based in Algonquin Park, ONTARIO, CANADA

Seasonal contracts available (full-time, part-time, or occasional) and shared lakeside accommodation
Flexible timing: full-season or shorter contracts on a full-time, part-time or occasional basis available from approx spring to early Sept or mid-October OR late Aug-mid Oct options
Competitive per diem salary ($190-$250 per day as per ESA wilderness guides, depending on experience) plus customer tips.

Voyageur Quest is a wilderness tour company that specializes in Algonquin Park. Our facilities

• the Algonquin Log Cabin, the Algonquin Cottages, Islands, and Voyageur Quest Outfitting are all located at Algonquin Park's northwest corner at Access Pt #1. Our head office, reservations, and logistics are centred in our Toronto office.

  Join Voyageur Quest. Are you a skilled and passionate outdoor enthusiast with a love for being active, the wilderness and people? Voyageur Quest is looking for Algonquin Wilderness Guides

• both Log Cabin guides/naturalists and guide supports to work 3 and 5-day lodge-based interpretative programs at the Algonquin Log Cabin. Additionally, we are looking for exceptional Canoe Guides to lead trips for this next spring, summer and/or fall 2026 that inspire, educate, and connect guests with the great outdoors.

  In addition to having an exceptional canoe-tripping/outdoor/camping and/or hiking background, applicants should have strong leadership and interpretative skills and be comfortable speaking about Algonquin flora, fauna, night sky, and local culture in front of an adult commercial and family market. Our guides love to teach our guests about the wonders of Algonquin Park. They understand the importance of creating natural connections

• to nature, to people and to the rhythms of Algonquin Park. Warmth and hospitality skills are essential. If you are an experienced wilderness guide who enjoys sharing your knowledge, engaging with guests, and leading outdoor adventures, we want to hear from you!

  Why Work With Us?

  Live the Adventure: Spend your days being active: canoeing pristine lakes, exploring forested trails, and gazing at starlit skies.
  Stay Lakeside: Enjoy shared staff accommodation with waterfront views between trips.
  Build Your Skills: Benefit from hands-on training, shadowing opportunities, and ongoing development.
  Share the Joy: Lead trips that celebrate the wonders of Algonquin Park's flora, fauna, and rich history.
  Be Part of a Community: Join a team of enthusiastic outdoor leaders who love what they do!
  Your Role

  As a Guide, you'll:

Qualifications:

What You'll Need to Apply:

Certifications:

Minimum: WAFA (Wilderness Advanced First Aid 40 hrs), Bronze Cross or Whitewater/Swiftwater Rescue Technician (WRT/SRT), ability to demonstrate proficiency in all elements of canoe tripping: navigation, paddling (solo and style), portaging, safety and rescue.
Assets: Wilderness First Responder (80 hours), National Lifeguard, ORCKA CT3, or Paddle Canada equivalent. * Note: our training sessions may be offering ORCKA CT3 for those eligible and who possess the prerequisites, dependent on contract timing and programs.

Education: Preferred: Bachelor's/College Degree or in progress

Experience:

Strong canoe-tripping /camping/ outdoor background, preferably in a commercial setting.

Strong leadership experience in a wilderness environment.

Minimum two (2) years of experience in an outdoor leadership, camping and/or educational role.

Experience working with adult commercial, family markets, youth and/or teenagers.

Competencies and Skills:

Capable of being 'on' for long days while on trip.

Can carry objects i.e. canoes and gear, weighing up to 35kg.

Can canoe and/or hike, for 4-7 hours per day while maintaining positive group dynamics.

Have the energy to wake early in the day and stay up with guests, including cooking meals, delivering and supervising "at camp" activities.

Can complete a portage of 500m-2km.

Excellent interpersonal communication skills (with participants and coworkers).

Passionate about sharing and inspiring diverse groups of people in the great outdoors.

Reliable and proactive work habits.

Strong work ethic, resilience, and ability to adapt to change.

Well-developed organizational and problem-solving skills.

Ability to operate both independently and as part of a team.

Capacity to maintain self-motivation, direction and self-care.

Licences and Other:

Legally able to work in Canada

Clear vulnerable sector police check

Valid Ontario G-class driver's license or equivalent is an asset for days off

(Asset) Ability to drive a vehicle with a trailer attached.

(Asset) Outdoors card, fishing permit, pleasure craft operators card, food handler certification

All Canoe guides must have:

A personal paddle, PFD, and personal tent for tripping
Comprehensive wilderness first aid kit
Pets:

Though we love them, we are unable to allow pets as accommodation is shared and both customers and staff experience allergies

Flexible Contracts are available from:

May to the beginning of September or

May to mid-October or

August to Fall

On a Full-time, Part-time, or Occasional basis

Compensation and Benefits:

Accommodation: Lakeside shared staff cabin accommodation is available to stay at between trips or commutes throughout the season.

Discounts: Staff and family discounts on accommodations, trips and merchandise.

Training: Training sessions offered between mid-May and mid-June, shadow training, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Salary: $190-$250/day (as per ESA and commensurate with certifications and experience) + tips.

To Apply for this Job:

Apply by: Interested candidates should e-mail a résumé AND cover letter ASAP to Eva (

info@voyageurquest.com

). We thank you in advance for your interest and applications. Unfortunately, we are only able to personally respond to those that are selected for interviews.

Job Type: Seasonal

Contract length: 1-5 months

Benefits: