About

The Interpretive Guides Association is a member-based, non-profit organization that provides interpretive guide training, certification, and professional development programs in Canada and beyond.

Vision

The IGA envisions a world where professionally led interpretive experiences inspire people to value, understand, and care for all natural and cultural environments they explore.

Mission

The Interpretive Guides Association (IGA) is a non-profit organization that provides training and certification for guides and communicators. We combine industry-recognised interpretive training with essential guiding safety skills. This equips professionals to communicate with impact, deliver meaningful and memorable experiences, and cultivate connections in the spirit of reconciliation.

The Interpretive Guides Association is guided by the following goals:

  1. To encourage excellence in interpretation, client care, and on-trail safety.
  2. To ensure professional standards are upheld related to the interpretation, client care, and guiding safety.
  3. To consult with, and advise, stakeholders on the development of standards, training programs, and certifications for guided activities.
  4. To deliver training and offer professional certification in interpretation and guiding safety that meets guiding industry standards.
  5. To develop a common commitment within the tourism and outdoor adventure community to enhance the training and certification requirements of those charged with the responsibility of sharing information with visitors as well as client care and safety.
  6. To exchange information of educational or scientific value about natural and human heritage, and any other matters of interest, with other interpretation and guide related skills-based organizations throughout the world having the same or similar objectives.
  7. To promote the general public's awareness of professionally certified interpreters and interpretive guides in Canada and other countries throughout the world.
  8. To promote the association’s programs and services to individuals, companies, and organizations throughout the World.

IGA Bylaws