Welcome to our program!
The Interpretive Guides Association offers a series of training courses and exams designed to provide and certify guides with skills and knowledge to effectively communicate our unique local natural and cultural heritage to visitors. We provide training focused on sharing the natural and cultural heritage of the areas we work in for:
- hiking guides
- museum interpreters
- bus tour guides
- information centre staff
- rafting guides
- horse packing guides
- scuba guides
- mountain guides
- and anyone interested in learning more about the the areas we teach.
We also offer group management training for Interpretive Hiking Guides.
Our courses range from 4hrs – 48 hrs in length to suit the needs of different individuals from mountain enthusiasts to professional guides.
Our public courses are generally scheduled in May, June, November and February each year and are available in English, French, and Japanese. If you have a group of 10 or more we may be able to schedule a private course to fit your schedule. Please explore these pages to learn more about our courses and certification options for Interpretive Guides and Interpretive Hiking Guides.
Tous nos cours de certification sont disponibles en français. Veuillez nous contacter si vous souhaitez en savoir plus.
WHAT IS INTERPRETIVE GUIDING?
These days, many travellers are seeking out adventure-based experiences that do more than just get them to that beautiful viewpoint or a spectacular sunset.
Interpretive guiding is a profession. We earn a living by showing our guests special places or resources, entertaining them, and, most importantly helping them discover these places or resources in a way they couldn’t on their own. Being able to do this well, takes skill, knowledge, and expertise.
Our interpretation courses and certifications will help you focus your knowledge and expertise in a way that will offer your guests the best experience possible. As professionals, it is important that we are well trained so we can provide authentic and inspiring experiences.
“Interpretation attempts to communicate in a thought-provoking way to an audience that’s completely free to ignore it.”
Sam Ham
We have two “streams” that most of our training courses and certifications fall into:
1) Interpretive Guide. Course offerings and certifications include:
- Apprentice Interpreter
- Interpretive Specialist
- Professional Interpreter
- Master Interpreter (Note: The Master Interpreter certification appointed to individuals who stand out as true masters of interpretive guiding. There is no course for the certification)
2) Interpretive Hiking Guide. Course offerings and/ certifications include:
- Apprentice Hiking Guide
- Interpretive Hiking Guide
- Professional Interpretive Hiking Guide
- Note: To be certified as a Hiking Guide you must complete a Group Management course
We also offer a general introductory course called the Basic Knowledge Course
All of our courses are offered in English, French, and Japanese; please look under course registrations to find the course that suits you best.
The Basic Knowledge Course provides a broad overview of the local natural history, cultural history, park management and a brief introduction to the role and purpose of interpretation. It is great as a staff training tool for van drivers, tourism staff and for activity guides like raft guides, ACMG mountain guides, and scuba guides.
The Apprentice Interpreter certificate is designed as a stepping stone to the Professional Interpreter Accreditation. This 2-day course covers natural history of the Rocky Mountain national parks, cultural history of Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks, management of Canada’s National Parks and an introduction to effective interpretation skills. Apprentice Interpreters who successfully complete the 2-day Group Management course are awarded the “Apprentice Hiking Guide” certification.
The Interpretive Specialist certificate offers a more in-depth look at the fundamentals of Heritage Interpretations. In this 2-day course, we begin with the theory of the 4 qualities of thematic interpretation – T.O.R.E. Once the foundation has been set, we workshop our way through an interpretive program. This hands-on course focuses on group interaction to help the creativity flow. By working on building your program ideas in a safe group setting you’ll begin to feel comfortable and confident with the materials and be inspired to carry this effective communication process into your daily guiding.
The Professional Interpreter accreditation formally recognizes the knowledge, experience and interpretive skill of guides working in the mountain parks. Interpreters at this level typically have a minimum of 1200 hrs of experience in the field and many have relevant University or College education. They have also passed the required oral and written exams. Professional Interpreters who successfully complete the Group Management course are upgraded to the “Professional Interpretive Hiking Guide” accreditation.
The Master Interpreter is the highest level of accreditation we offer. Only those with extensive knowledge of local natural and cultural history and whose actions in the field demonstrate masterful application of interpretation skills are considered for this level of accreditation.
The Group Management course is designed to complement the training provided in tour interpretation courses and prepare Interpretive Guides to safely lead interpretive day hikes on established park trails.
An Apprentice Interpreter, Interpretive Specialist or Professional Interpreter certification is a pre-requisite for this course.
The Interpretive Guides Association offers two versions of the Group Management Course. In the spring, we offer a 2-day, 3 Season course. This course will certify you as a 3 Season Hiking Guide (spring, summer and fall). In the late fall and winter, we offer a 3-day, 4 Season course. This course will certify you as a 4 Season Hiking Guide.
Currently Available Courses & EventsCalendar View
March 09, 2021
Dialogic Interpretation - Beyond the Basics - certificate program
Dialogic Interpretation - Beyond the Basics certificate - taught by DI expert Jacquie Gilson. Learn the fundamentals of DI so you can craft great questions, engage with your audiences and develop your own growth mindset within your life and career.
Course Details Register NowIn these two, 3.5-hour interactive online training sessions (7 hours total), we will delve into six modules:
- Reviewing what DI is and how you could be using it in your own guiding, education and/or interpretive work.
- Using Small Talk, Activity Talk and Deep Talk to engage with your clients/students
- Crafting and asking great questions
- Figuring out the best facilitation techniques to use
- Discussing how to overcome barriers
- Knowing the importance of having a Growth Mindset
After each module you will reflect on how the content is applicable to your specific work and as a group, we will discuss ways to use DI in the current Covid situation.
Dates: March 9/10, 2021
Times: 6:00 - 9:30 PM MST each day
Cost: Members = $155; Non-Members = $175
This session will be held on Zoom so you will need a computer, laptop or device with a functioning camera and microphone to fully participate in the sessions.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with the Zoom details and links to join. If you have not used Zoom before we highly recommend that you download the Zoom app and register for a free Zoom account. There are many great videos on Youtube to watch to help you get a good understanding of how Zoom works. Check out this one if you need a walkthrough and a few tips to make it work for you: Zoom Tutorial
Cancellation/Refund policy:
Refunds will not be issued for any reason (including illness and injury) if canceling less than 3 weeks before your course start date. For more information regarding the refund policy please click here.
April 05, 2021
4 Season Group Management Course - April 5-7, 2021
Bow Valley 4 Season GM Course - April 5-7, 2021. The classroom portions of this course will be delivered online via Zoom. The field days will be held in person in the Lake Louise, Field or 93 North regions.
Course Details Register Now4 Season Group Management Course
Dates: April 5-7, 2021
Cost: $459 plus GST
Times and Locations
- Days 1: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm - Online Zoom Instruction
- Day 2: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm – Full Day Hike.
- Day 3: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm- Full Day Hike.
- Field locations TBD based on weather and snow conditions. Will be within the Lake Louise and 93 North regions.
Zoom Requirements: Your wifi connection must be good enough to be able to keep your camera on throughout the first day of the course. Attendance and participation are mandatory so we need to know you are online throughout the session, which means you must have your camera turned on throughout the course.
Please contact us at courses@interpretiveguides.org for more information.
Course pre-requisites:
- Valid first aid certificate (Minimum 40-hour Standard First Aid)
- Hiking resume. Details for the hiking resume can be found in the GM pre-course package.
Hiking resumes and 1st aid certificates must be sent to courses@interpretiveguides.org prior to day one of the course.
After you register and pay for the course, an email will be sent to you with the PRE-COURSE DOCUMENT and HOMEWORK. If you do not receive this right away, please check your JUNK MAIL and/or get in touch with us at courses@interpretiveguides.org.
Cancellation/Refund policy:
Refunds will not be issued for any reason (including illness and injury) if cancelling less than 3 weeks before your course start date. For more information regarding the refund policy please click here.
April 06, 2021
Dialogic Interpretation - Making It Real Certificate
Dialogic Interpretation - Making it Real certificate is the final step in your DI training. This session will also be taught by DI expert Jacquie Gilson and will take you through your final learning journey of Dialogic Interpretive techniques.
Course Details Register NowAre you a graduate of DI: Beyond the Basics? If so, join your colleagues and Dr. Jacquie to take the next step and plan your own dialogic interpretation program or project. During the 4, 2-hour training sessions we will use the content from the modules and a DI planning template to help you develop your program or project. Overall group size will be small, enabling Jacquie to spend time advising you on your program or project. You will also get some valuable face time with other interpreters and benefit from crowdsourcing your ideas. At the end you will have a plan for a new dialogic interpretation program or project, ready to put to use at your site or online!
You will receive your certificate of completion after the course is complete.
Pre-requisite: DI Beyond the Basics certificate (if you have not taken this program with Jacquie you will not be able to attend this session).
Dates: April 6, 13, 20, 27, 2021
Times: 7:00 - 9:00 PM MST each day
Cost: $225 for members; $250 for non-members
Course Content:
Introduction to your projects
Introduction to planning template questions
Work through DI Planning Template Questions module by module:
The 5 W’s of DI
Small Talk, Activity Talk and Deep Talk
Crafting and asking great questions
Best facilitation techniques to use
Overcoming barriers and growth mindset
Wrap up, inspiration and next step
This session will be held on Zoom so you will need a computer, laptop or device with a functioning camera and microphone to fully participate in the sessions.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with the Zoom details and links to join. If you have not used Zoom before we highly recommend that you download the Zoom app and register for a free Zoom account. There are many great videos on Youtube to watch to help you get a good understanding of how Zoom works. Check out this one if you need a walkthrough and a few tips to make it work for you: Zoom Tutorial
Cancellation/Refund policy:
Refunds will not be issued for any reason (including illness and injury) if canceling less than 3 weeks before your course start date. For more information regarding the refund policy please click here.
April 19, 2021
Interpretive Specialist - April 19, 22, 26 & 29, 2021
April 19, 22, 26. 29, 2021 - online Via Zoom. This 15.5 hour course covers thematic interpretation creation and delivery that will help you take your interpretive programs and career to the next level.
Course Details Register NowCourse content includes theme development, Sam Ham's 4 qualities of interpretation and lots of hands-on practice so you can create engaging, meaningful, memorable experiences for your guests. After completing this course and passing the exam you will become certified with the Interpretive Guides Association as an Interpretive Specialist.
Date: April 19, 22, 26, 29, 2021
Price: Members = $320; Non-members = $399
Times:
- April 19: 2:00 pm - 6:30pm MST
- April 22: 2:00 pm - 6:00pm MST
- April 26: 2:00 pm - 6:00pm MST
- April 29: 2:00 pm - 6:30pm MST (note: the course ends at 5:00 pm and then you will complete your exam from 5:30 -6:30 pm)
Location: Online through Zoom.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
- This course is being taught on Zoom and you will need to download the Free Zoom app on your desktop or laptop before the course start date.
- You must have a very good internet connection as we must see you on video throughout the course. Participation is mandatory to become certified!
- You will get an email right after you register and pay with the course materials (including the course manual). If this email does not come through, please send an email to programs@interpretiveguides.org.
- That email will also include The Zoom link that allows you to join the meeting. Save this to your calendar so you have it handy for the start of the course and make sure you know how to join before the first session.
- This course includes an exam and you must receive 70% or more on the exam to become certified.
- A one-year IGA membership is included in the cost of this course for individuals registering as non-members as well as the How to Interpret IGA course manual. Once you have registered, you will have access to the members' section of our website. This section gives you access to your certification (s), membership card, course files, course manual, pro-deal information, receipts and more. Have a look here.
- If you are already an IGA member you can save money by registering at the member rate.
- You must pay membership fees yearly in order to keep your certification in good standing so mark one year from your registration date onto your calendar. Emails will be sent as reminders so make sure your email address is kept up to date.
Online Course Requirements:
1.You must have a Zoom account (accounts are free and easy to join. Our course is optimized for the desktop or laptop experience).
2. A working video camera (on your device or set up separately)
3. And a working microphone (on your computer or you can use earbuds/ headphones connected to your computer).
Watch this video to learn more about Zoom to make sure you are comfortable using it before you register.
Cancellation/Refund policy:
Refunds will not be issued for any reason (including illness and injury) if canceling less than 3 weeks before your course start date. For more information regarding the refund policy please click here.
April 24, 2021
Full Day Mountain Weather
Learn how the weather works in the mountains!
This program will go over fronts, clouds, weather charts, satellite photos, information available on the Internet, same day in the field forecasting and getting a longer term outlook. This is an all day course.
Course Details Register Now
Learn how the weather works in the mountains!
This program will go over fronts, clouds, weather charts, satellite photos, information available on the Internet, same day in the field forecasting and getting a longer term outlook. This is an all day course.
Taking this course is good for 8 hours of CPD. There will be an optional exercise where you create your own forecast and email it to the instructor. This will qualify for 2 additional hours of CPD so doing both will get you the full amount you need for the year.
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM MST
Cost
Members: $50 + GST
Non-members: $65 + GST
Platform: This session will be hosted through Zoom Meetings. You will need the Zoom app, a good internet connection, and a device that supports the app and your internet connection.
Cancellation/Refund policy:
Refunds will not be issued for any reason (including illness and injury) if canceling less than 3 weeks before your course start date. For more information regarding the refund policy please click here.
Thank you for the payment for your PI oral exam.
Now that you are registered for this exam make sure to complete the following as soon as possible:
1. If you haven't already done so, email in your PI application package along with all documents to validate your points for approval.
2. Complete your oral exam outline and email it to Wendy Niven.
3. Contact Wendy to set your oral exam video submission date.
Please note that video submissions dates are available in May, June, the first two weeks of July, November, December and January.
Wendy Niven's email = programs@interpretiveguides.org
Once payment is received you have 6 months to complete this exam. If you have not started the exam process within these 6 months your exam fee will be forfitted and you will need to pay the exam fee again if you choose to do it at a later date.
There are no refunds given on exam fees.
Purchase our pdf Group Management Handbook
$40 for members
$55 for non-members
Purchase Canadian Rockies Natural/Cultural History Handbook
Purchase Canadian Rockies Natural/Cultural History Handbook
Course Details Register NowPurchase a PDF of the Canadian Rockies Natural/Cultural History Handbook
$40 for members
$55 for non-members
Achetez une version PDF du manuel d'interprétation
$55 pour les membres
$75 for non-members
Purchase a PDF version of the Interpretation Handbook
$55 for members
$40 for non-members
Basic Knowledge Online Course - Banff, Yoho, Kootenay
Basic Knowledge Online Course - Banff, Yoho, Kootenay
Course Details Register NowCourse Cost: $94 plus GST Course
Details: This course covers the geology, ecology, parks management and history of Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks. It will help to give you a basic understanding of these 3 Canadian Rockies regions and is a great place to start building your knowledge of this area.
Course Requirements: This is an online course so you will need a computer or device with internet access. The course contains videos, images, content and test questions that must be viewed and answered as you proceed through the sections. You do not have to finish the course in one sitting. You can stop at any point and join back in at your convenience.
You have to complete all test questions and receive 85% or higher to pass the course and become certified at this basic knowledge level. You can take the course as many times as you need, to achieve the 85% requirement.
Cancellation/Refund policy: Refunds will not be issued for any reason (including illness and injury) after purchase. You will be given access to the course for two full months so you have lots of time to complete the material and test.
For more information regarding the refund policy please click here.
