Welcome to our training program!
The Interpretive Guides Association offers a series of training courses and exams designed to provide 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 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 – 40 hrs in length to suit the needs of different individuals from mountain enthusiasts to professional guides. Our public courses are 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.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Please read our Cancellation & Refund Policy if you are planning to sign up for this course.
If you cancel three weeks before the course starting date, you will receive a full refund minus a $30 administration fee. If you cancel two weeks before the course starting date, you will receive a 50 percent refund minus a $30 administration fee. If you cancel with less than 2 weeks notice no refund will be issued. The interpretive Guides Manual costs $45 for members. If you received a copy of the manual as part of your course fees the $45 fee will be subtracted from any refund amount.
If you are sick on one or more days of the course you must prove your sickness (i.e. a doctors note) and get in touch with the instructor immediately. We will place you in an alternate course if we have space available, otherwise you will need to re-register and pay.
If the Interpretive Guides has to cancel a course due to low numbers, you will have the choice of being given a full refund or transferring your registration for another course.
Currently Available Courses & EventsCalendar View
April 22, 2020
Apprentice Interpreter - Lake Superior
Online through Zoom - April 22, 24, 27, 29, May 1, 2020
Course Details Register NowDate: April 22, 24, 27, 29 and May 1, 2020
Times:
Day 1 - 5:30 - 9:30 pm EST
Day 2 - 5:30 - 8:30 pm EST
Day 3 - 5:30 - 8:30 pm EST
Day 4 - 5:30 - 8:30 pm EST
Day 5 - 5:30 - 9:30 pm EST (includes 1 hour test)
Location: This course will have a Lake Superior Focus and the course will be taught online through Zoom Meetings.
Registration: Please contact us for more details. People must register and Pay through the Lake Superior Conservancy.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
- This course is being taught on Zoom and we highly recommend you download the Free Zoom app on your desktop or laptop before the cousre start date.
- We will send out all course materials (inlcuding the course manual, at least one week in advance. The Zoom link that allows your to join the meeting will be included in the course agenda. Make sure you know how to join before the first session.
- You must receive 70% or more on the exam to become accredited.
- A one-year IGA membership is included in the cost of this course. 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, handbooks, pro-deal information, receipts and more. Have a look here.
May 04, 2020
Apprentice Interpreter, Banff, LLYK, and Kananaskis, May 4-5
Online via Zoom Meetings, May 4-5, 2020
Course Details Register NowTimes:
- Day 1 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Day 2 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Exam from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: This course will be done online via Zoom Meetings.
Cost: $360 plus GST
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
- Once you have registered for this course you will receive an email with the course agenda, the pre-reading document and the course handbooks. Pre-reading will help you pass the exam. If you do not receive this email, please check your junk mail folder or email us at courses@interpretiveguides.org.
- You must receive 70% or more on all 5 sections of the exam to become accredited.
- A one-year IGA membership is included in the cost of this course. 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, handbooks, pro-deal information, receipts and more.
To Obtain the Hiking Guide Certification
If you plan to work as a hiking guide you will also need to take our Group Management Course. With both courses, you will become certified by us as an apprentice hiking guide.
Dates: May 6-7, 2020
Cost: $275 plus GST
Times: 8:30 - 5:30 daily
Location: This course will likely be done online via Zoom Meetings. Please contact Colin Murton at courses@interpretiveguides.org for more information.
Course pre-requisites:
- Valid first aid certificate (Minimum 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 Wendy Niven at 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.
May 19, 2020
Apprentice Interpreter: Banff, LLYK, and Kananaskis, May 19-20, 2020
Online via Zoom Meetings, May 19-20, 2020
Course Details Register NowTimes:
- Day 1 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Day 2 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Exam from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: This course will be done online via Zoom Meetings
Cost: $360 plus GST
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
- Once you have registered for this course you will receive an email with the course agenda, the pre-reading document and the course handbooks. Pre-reading will help you pass the exam. If you do not receive this email, please check your junk mail folder or email us at courses@interpretiveguides.org.
- You must receive 70% or more on all 5 sections of the exam to become accredited.
- A one-year IGA membership is included in the cost of this course. 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, handbooks, pro-deal information, receipts and more.
To Obtain the Hiking Guide Certification
If you plan to work as a hiking guide you will also need to take our Group Management Course. With both courses, you will become certified by us as an apprentice hiking guide.
May 20, 2020
Apprentice Interpreter, Japanese, May 20th, 22nd, 2020
Online via Zoom Meetings, May 20th and 22nd, 2020
Course Details Register NowTimes:
- Day 1 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Day 2 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Exam from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location:
- This course will be done online via Zoom Meetings.
Cost: $360 plus GST
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
- Once you have registered for this course you will receive an email with the course agenda, the pre-reading document and the course handbooks. Pre-reading will help you pass the exam. If you do not receive this email, please check your junk mail folder or email us at courses@interpretiveguides.org.
- You must receive 70% or more on all 5 sections of the exam to become accredited.
- A one-year IGA membership is included in the cost of this course. 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, handbooks, pro-deal information, receipts and more.
To Obtain the Hiking Guide Certification
If you plan to work as a hiking guide you will also need to take our Group Management Course. With both courses, you will become certified by us as an apprentice hiking guide.
May 20, 2020
Professional Interpreter Course: Banff, LLYK, and Kananaskis, May 20-25, 2020
Online via Zoom Meetings, May 20-25, 2020
Course Details Register NowLocation:
- This course will be done online via Zoom Meetings
Course Cost: $649 plus GST
Course Schedule:
Day 1:
- Fundamentals of Interpretation Lecture (9:00 am – 5:30 pm)
Day 2:
- Park Management, Ecological & Cultural Integrity Classroom and Field Trip Sessions all done online.
Day 3:
- Morning: Interpretation workshop (9:00 am – 1:00 pm).
- Afternoon: History and Climate Change in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site (2:00 pm - 6:00 pm)
Day 4:
- Geology and Ecology of the Canadian Rockies Lecture (9:00 am - 6:00 pm)
Day 5: Geology and Ecology Field Trip - done online
Day 6: Interpretation Workshop (9:00 am – 1:00 pm)
This course is designed for those individuals who have experience working as guides in the Canadian Rockies. It goes much deeper into the material than the Apprentice Interpreter Course. You may find the IGA How to Interpret and Natural and Cultural History of the Canadian Rockies handbooks helpful in preparing for this course. You can purchase them here
Please note: This is only a course. In order to become accredited as a Professional Interpreter, you must pass the oral and written exams. In order to take both exams, you must qualify with enough hours of experience and expertise. You will be emailed a copy of the Professional Interpreter application package when you register and pay for this course. Please read through it to find out if you qualify to take the exams. Exams will take place in December, January, Feb, May, June and September each year. Exams each cost an additional $75 plus GST. Please email courses@interpretiveguides.org with your completed application package if you are interested in taking these two exams and make sure to book an exam date at that time.
Dates: May 21-22, 2020
Cost: $275 plus GST
Times: 8:30 - 5:30 daily
Location: This course will likely be done online via Zoom Meetings. Please contact Colin Murton at courses@interpretiveguides.org for more information.
Course pre-requisites:
- Valid first aid certificate (Minimum 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 Wendy Niven at 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.
May 23, 2020
Japanese Group Management Course, May 23-24, 2020
Likely online via Zoom Meetings, May 23-24, 2020
Course Details Register NowDates: May 23-24, 2020
Cost: $275 plus GST
Times: 8:30 - 5:30 daily
Location: This course will likely be done online via Zoom Meetings. Please contact Colin Murton at courses@interpretiveguides.org for more information.
Course pre-requisites:
- Valid first aid certificate (Minimum 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 Wendy Niven at 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.
Times:
- Day 1 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Day 2 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Exam from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: This course will be done online via Zoom Meetings
Cost: $360 plus GST
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
- Once you have registered for this course you will receive an email with the course agenda, the pre-reading document and the course handbooks. Pre-reading will help you pass the exam. If you do not receive this email, please check your junk mail folder or email us at courses@interpretiveguides.org.
- You must receive 70% or more on all 5 sections of the exam to become accredited.
- A one-year IGA membership is included in the cost of this course. 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, handbooks, pro-deal information, receipts and more.
To Obtain the Hiking Guide Certification
If you plan to work as a hiking guide you will also need to take our Group Management Course. With both courses, you will become certified by us as an apprentice hiking guide.
May 31, 2020
3-Season Group Management, May 31 - June 1, 2020
Likely Online Via Zoom Meetings, May 31- June 1, 2020
Course Details Register NowDates: May 30 - June 1, 2020
Cost: $275 plus GST
Times: 8:30 - 5:30 daily
Location: This course will likely be done online via Zoom Meetings. Please contact Colin Murton at courses@interpretiveguides.org for more information.
Course pre-requisites:
- Valid first aid certificate (Minimum 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 Wendy Niven at 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.
June 17, 2020
Apprentice Interpreter, Canmore, June 17-18
Likely online via Zoom Meetings, June 17-18, 2020
Course Details Register NowTimes:
- Day 1 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Day 2 - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Exam from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: This course will likely be done online via Zoom Meetings. Please contact Colin Murton at courses@interpretiveguides.org
Cost: $360 plus GST
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
- Once you have registered for this course you will receive an email with the course agenda, the pre-reading document and the course handbooks. Pre-reading will help you pass the exam. If you do not receive this email, please check your junk mail folder or email us at courses@interpretiveguides.org.
- You must receive 70% or more on all 5 sections of the exam to become accredited.
- A one-year IGA membership is included in the cost of this course. 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, handbooks, pro-deal information, receipts and more.
To Obtain the Hiking Guide Certification
If you plan to work as a hiking guide you will also need to take our Group Management Course. With both courses, you will become certified by us as an apprentice hiking guide.
June 19, 2020
3 Season Group Management, June 19-20, 2020
Likely be done online via Zoom Meetings, June 19-20, 2020
Course Details Register NowDates: June 19-20, 2020
Cost: $275 plus GST
Times: 8:30 - 5:30 daily
Location:
Course pre-requisites:
- Valid first aid certificate (Minimum 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 Colin Murton at 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.
Purchase pdf Group Management Handbook
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
Purchase a PDF version of the Interpretation Handbook
Basic Online Course - Jasper
The on-line Basic Knowledge Course covers the same content and is the same cost as the in-person course. The on-line version is best viewed with a high-speed internet connection, but it is possible to view with a dial-up connection. You may complete this course over a couple of days or sittings if you wish. You can also stop the course at any time to take a break, or get a snack!
You can take the exam as many times as you like at no extra cost.
Course Details Register Now
Basic Online Course - Banff
The on-line Basic Knowledge Course covers the same content and is the same cost as the in-person course. The on-line version is best viewed with a high-speed internet connection, but it is possible to view with a dial-up connection. You may complete this course over a couple of days or sittings if you wish. You can also stop the course at any time to take a break, or get a snack!
You can take the exam as many times as you like at no extra cost.
Course Details Register NowCourse Cost: $89 plus GST
