Courses

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 park visitors. We provide training focused on sharing the natural and cultural heritage of the mountain national parks 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 Rockies. 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.

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.

Select a course to register for

FIELD TRIPS & EVENTS
March 30, 2019 Apprentice Interpreter - Voshaar Outdoor Voshaar Education and Outdoors, Eibergen, Netherlands Course Details Register Now Apprentice Interpreter - Voshaar Outdoor Date: March 30-31 2019 Times: Day 1 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Day 2 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Exam from 5:30 - 6:30 pm Location: Voshaar Education and Outdoors, Winterswijkseweg 17, 7152 BV Eibergen, Netherlands Cost: $355 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 manual. 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. Have a look here. Register Now
April 01, 2019 3-Season Group Management - Voshaar Outdoor Voshaar Outdoor and Education, Eibergen, Netherlands Course Details Register Now 3-Season Group Management - Voshaar Outdoor Dates: April 1 - 2, 2019 Cost: $269 plus GST Times: 9:00 - 5:00 daily Location: Voshaar Education and Outdoors, Winterswijkseweg 17, 7152 BV Eibergen, Netherlands Course pre-requisites: Valid first aid certificate (Minimum 16 Hour Standard First Aid with CPR) 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. Register Now
April 25, 2019 Apprentice Hiking Guide Certification in partnership with The Lady Alliance Do you want to work as a guide in the Canadian Rockies? The Lady Alliance and the Interpretive Guides Association (IGA) have partnered to offer you the opportunity to become a certified guide in the Canadian Rockies. For Woman only. Scholarship available. Course Details Register Now Apprentice Hiking Guide Certification in partnership with The Lady Alliance Date: April 25/28 2-day Apprentice Interpreter Course followed by 2-day Group Management Course Times: Day 1: Apprentice Interpeter- 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Day 2: Apprentice Interpeter - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. Exam from 6:00 - 7:00 pm Day 3: Group Management - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Day 4: Group Management - 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Location: Canmore, Alberta Cost: $624 plus GST (includes Apprentice Interpreter course, Group Managmenet course, 3 different course manuals, test fees, 1-year membership) The IGA is offering 1 full paid Scholarship for this program. Read below for details on how to apply. 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 manual. 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. Have a look here. Course prerequisites: 1. It is important that you come to the course with a minimum basic understanding of how to use a compass while on trail. 2. Minimum standard (16 hour) first aid certification (40 hour wilderness first aid recommended) 3. Minimum 5-days of hiking experience in the Rockies area (you will be required to send in a hiking resume to show this experience). 4. You must be female to take this course (members of the Lady Alliance or other woman who would like to join a rad group of woman working to be guides). Scholarship Details - Deadline to apply - April 15 (by 10 pm) How to apply: After you have registered and paid for the course, send us a letter explaining the following: 1. Why you want to guide? 2. Why is certification important to you and the guiding industry? 3. What do you hope to do with this certification? 4. As a certified IGA hiking guide, what will you do to represent the IGA and the interpretive guiding community? 5. Why do you think it is important to get woman into the outdoors? 6. Why should you be chosen for this scholarship? Send completed applications into Tracey Gage at executivedirector@interpretiveguides.org by the evening of April 15 to qualify. Scholarship annoncement will be made at the start of the first day of the course. Your payment will be awarded back to you that same day. Register Now
May 01, 2019 Apprentice Interpreter - May 1-2, 2019 Canmore, Alberta Course Details Register Now Apprentice Interpreter - May 1-2, 2019 Date: May 1-2, 2019 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: TBA Cost: $355 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 manual. 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. Have a look here 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. Register Now
May 01, 2019 Professional Interpreter, May 1-6, 2019 Canmore, Alberta Course Details Register Now Professional Interpreter, May 1-6, 2019 Dates: May 1-6, 2019 Location: All classroom sessions at IGA office - 820 Main St. Unit 203, Canmore. Field trips in Banff on day 2 and day 5. Course Cost: $699 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. This day will be spent in Banff. Meet at Cave and Basin. (8:30 am – 4:00 pm). A valid parks pass will be required. 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 - Different Areas of Banff (9:00 am - 5:00 pm). A valid parks pass will be required. Day 6: Interpretation Workshop (9:00 am – 1:30 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. Register Now
May 03, 2019 3-Season Group Management, May 3-4, 2019 Canmore, Alberta Course Details Register Now 3-Season Group Management, May 3-4, 2019 Dates: May 3-4, 2019 Cost: $269 plus GST Times: 8:30 - 5:30 daily Location: TBA , Canmore, Alberta 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. Register Now
May 08, 2019 Apprentice Interpreter - Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario This course will be held in Sault Ste. Marie. Course Details Register Now Apprentice Interpreter - Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Date: May 8/9, 2019 Times: Day 1 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Day 2 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Exam from 6:00 - 7:00 pm Location: TBA, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Cost: $355 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 manual. 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. Have a look here. Register Now
May 15, 2019 Apprentice Interpreter May 15-16, 2019 Jasper, Alberta Course Details Register Now Apprentice Interpreter May 15-16, 2019 Date: May 15-16, 2019 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: TBA, Jasper, Alberta Cost: $355 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 manual. 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. Have a look here 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. Register Now
May 17, 2019 3-Season Group Management, May 17-18, 2019 Jasper, Alberta Course Details Register Now 3-Season Group Management, May 17-18, 2019 Dates: May 17-18, 2019 Cost: $269 plus GST Times: 8:30 - 5:30 daily Location: TBA , Jasper, Alberta 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. Register Now
May 22, 2019 Apprentice Interpreter - May 22-23, 2019 Canmore, Alberta Course Details Register Now Apprentice Interpreter - May 22-23, 2019 Date: May 22-23, 2019 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: TBA, Canmore, Alberta Cost: $355 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 manual. 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. Have a look here. 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. Register Now
May 24, 2019 3-Season Group Management, May 24-25, 2019 Canmore, Alberta Course Details Register Now 3-Season Group Management, May 24-25, 2019 Dates: May 24-25, 2019 Cost: $269 plus GST Times: 8:30 - 5:30 daily Location: TBA , Canmore, Alberta Course pre-requisites: Valid first aid certificate (Minimum 16 Hour Standard First Aid with CPR) 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. Register Now
May 24, 2019 Japanese Apprentice Interpreter - May 24 & 28, 2019 Japanese Apprentice Interpreter, Canmore, Alberta Course Details Register Now Japanese Apprentice Interpreter - May 24 & 28, 2019 Date: May 24 & 28, 2019 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: Mary Belle Classroom, Banff HI Hostel, Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff, Alberta Cost: $355 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 manual. 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. Have a look here. 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. Register Now
May 25, 2019 East Kootenays Apprentice Interpreter Course East Kootenays Apprentice Interpreter Course Course Details Register Now East Kootenays Apprentice Interpreter Course Registration for this event is through the Columbia Outdoor School ONLY! Register Here Date: May 25/26, 2019 Times: Day 1 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Day 2 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Exam from 5:30 - 6:30 pm Location: Blue Lake Centre - Canal Flat's BC Cost: $550 or $450 for CBEEN members 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 manual. 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. Have a look here Register Now
May 29, 2019 Japanese 3 Season Group Management Course May 29-30, 2019 Japanese 3 Season Group Management Course, Canmore, Alberta Course Details Register Now Japanese 3 Season Group Management Course May 29-30, 2019 Dates: May 29-30, 2019 Cost: $269 plus GST Time: 8:30 - 5:30 daily Location: Mary Belle Classroom, Banff HI Hostel, Tunnel Mountain Road, Banff Alberta Course pre-requisites: 1. Valid first aid certificate (Minimum Standard First Aid) and 2. 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. Register Now
June 18, 2019 Apprentice Interpreter - June 18-19, 2019 Canmore, Alberta Course Details Register Now Apprentice Interpreter - June 18-19, 2019 Date: June 18-19, 2019 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: TBA, Canmore, Alberta Cost: $355 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 manual. 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. Have a look here. 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. Register Now
June 20, 2019 3-Season Group Management, June 20-21, 2019 Canmore, Alberta Course Details Register Now 3-Season Group Management, June 20-21, 2019 Dates: June 20-21, 2019 Cost: $269 plus GST Times: 8:30 - 5:30 daily Location: TBA , Canmore, Alberta 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. Register Now
June 28, 2019 French Apprentice Interpreter - June 27-18, 2019 Canmore, Alberta Course Details Register Now French Apprentice Interpreter - June 27-18, 2019 Date: June 27-28, 2019 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: TBA, Canmore, Alberta Cost: $355 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 manual. 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. Have a look here. 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. Register Now
June 29, 2019 3-Season Group Management, French, June 29-30, 2019 Canmore, Alberta Course Details Register Now 3-Season Group Management, French, June 29-30, 2019 Dates: June 29-30, 2019 Cost: $269 plus GST Times: 8:30 - 5:30 daily Location: TBA , Canmore, Alberta 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. Register Now
December 31, 2019 Parks Canada Volunteers Basic program Special admin fee for Parks Canada volunteers. Course Details Register Now
August 12, 2023 Purchase Digital Handbook Purchase a PDF version of the Interpretive Guides Handbook Course Details Register Now
January 01, 2030 Purchase Group Management Handbook Purchase Group Management Handbook Course Details Register Now
January 01, 2030 Purchase Canadian Rockies Natural/Cultural History Handbook Purchase Canadian Rockies Natural/Cultural History Handbook Course Details Register Now
January 01, 2039 Purchase Interpretation Handbook Purchase Interpretation Handbook Course Details Register Now
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! Course Details Register Now
Basic Online Course - Banff, Kootenay, Yoho 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! Course Details Register Now

March 30, 2019

Apprentice Interpreter - Voshaar Outdoor

April 01, 2019

3-Season Group Management - Voshaar Outdoor

April 25, 2019

Apprentice Hiking Guide Certification in partnership with The Lady Alliance

May 01, 2019

Apprentice Interpreter - May 1-2, 2019

May 01, 2019

Professional Interpreter, May 1-6, 2019

May 03, 2019

3-Season Group Management, May 3-4, 2019

May 08, 2019

Apprentice Interpreter - Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

May 15, 2019

Apprentice Interpreter May 15-16, 2019

May 17, 2019

3-Season Group Management, May 17-18, 2019

May 22, 2019

Apprentice Interpreter - May 22-23, 2019

May 24, 2019

3-Season Group Management, May 24-25, 2019

May 24, 2019

Japanese Apprentice Interpreter - May 24 & 28, 2019

May 25, 2019

East Kootenays Apprentice Interpreter Course

May 29, 2019

Japanese 3 Season Group Management Course May 29-30, 2019

June 18, 2019

Apprentice Interpreter - June 18-19, 2019

June 20, 2019

3-Season Group Management, June 20-21, 2019

June 28, 2019

French Apprentice Interpreter - June 27-18, 2019

June 29, 2019

3-Season Group Management, French, June 29-30, 2019

December 31, 2019

Parks Canada Volunteers Basic program

August 12, 2023

Purchase Digital Handbook

January 01, 2030

Purchase Group Management Handbook

January 01, 2030

Purchase Canadian Rockies Natural/Cultural History Handbook

January 01, 2039

Purchase Interpretation Handbook

Basic Online Course - Jasper

Basic Online Course - Banff, Kootenay, Yoho