Algonquin Park Canoe Trip Guides 2026

Positions: Algonquin Park Canoe Trip Guide
Employer: Voyageur Quest

Location: Based at Algonquin Park Access Pt #1, near South River, Ontario
Housing: Lakeside shared staff cabin accommodation (see below)

• Contracts: Seasonal, Full-time, Part-time, Occasional or Contractor (May to October)
• Wage: $180–$250/day + tips, based on experience and certifications
• Benefits: Lakeside accommodation, staff discounts, and professional development opportunities

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.

Are you a skilled and passionate canoe tripper with a love for being active, the wilderness and people? At Voyageur Quest, we specialize in creating unforgettable adventures in Algonquin Park. We’re looking for exceptional Canoe Guides to lead trips for this coming spring, summer and/or fall 2026 that inspire, educate, and connect our guests with the great outdoors.

In addition to having an exceptional canoe-tripping 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 Canoe Guide, you’ll:

• Prepare and Pack in/out: Gear up with food, equipment, and logistics for each trip.
• Lead Adventures: Deliver high-quality commercial guiding, educational content and hospitality: welcoming guests, skill instruction, safety standards, canoe tripping, camping, navigation, food preparation and presentation on trail, nature and wildlife interpretation, shelter building, stargazing, about Algonquin Park…
• Inspire Guests: Share your love and knowledge for canoe tripping and derive true meaning from your work.
• Stay Safe: Maintain high safety standards and ensure all risk management protocols are followed.
• Communicate: Ensure guest details, programming, timing, trip reporting are optimized. Capture group feedback and memories.

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:
  • Exceptionally strong canoe-tripping 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

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 to mid June, shadow training, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Salary: $180-$250/day (as per ESA and commensurate with certifications and experience) + tips.

Apply by:

Interested candidates should e-mail a résumé AND cover letter ASAP to Eva at: info@voyageurquest.com

Please mention you saw this at rcen.ca or goodwork.ca.

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.