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.
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
October 01, 2019
Geology Hike to Fossil Ridge • Jasper National Park
A unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some very cool Jasper fossils
Course Details Register NowOctober 1, 2019 • 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Join Geologist Rob Klettl and Jasper Hikes and Tours for this unique hike to one of Jasper's fossil hotspots. Discover what kinds of creatures once lived here and learn about the geology of this area of the Maligne Valley.
Be sure to dress for a full day outside in October weather and brings snacks and a lunch.
Transportation provided. Meet at the Old Firehall (Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/MuoyLryTh6jCRHUs9)
Space is limited to 10 participants!
If you have any questions, please contact courses@interpretiveguides.org
October 01, 2019
Theme Building and Program Development
Canmore, Alberta • Tips and Tricks to Craft Great Themes and Make Your Interpretive Programs Awesome!
Course Details Register NowThis workshop is for people who have taken an interpretation course, have had an introduction to thematic interpretation, or have had more experience with themes and program development but want more practice crafting strong, effective themes and building them into well-structured interpretive programs.
Location: IGA office - 820 Main St. unit 203.
Cost: $89.95 for members, $99.95 for non-members
Time: 10:00 - 5:00 PM
*** please bring one or two topics with theme ideas to work on and indoor footwear ***
November 04, 2019
Wilderness and Remote First Aid - 40 hour course
This course provides individuals with comprehensive wilderness and remote first aid and CPR techniques.
Course Details Register NowCost:
- IGA members: $400 plus GST
- Non-members: $425 plus GST
Dates: November 4-7, 2019
Times: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm daily
Location: Interpretive Guides Association Office, Suite 203, 820 Main St. Canmore, Alberta
This 40 hour Wilderness First Aid course provides individuals with comprehensive first aid and CPR techniques.
It is a more appropriate and recommended level of training for individuals working as hiking guides, allowing you to respond to emergencies in isolated or wilderness settings.
The course covers material in Standard First Aid & CPR, plus advanced strategies for providing extended care for more than 24 hours. Part of the course is taught in an outdoor setting and requires greater physical activity and endurance than typical first aid training. If you do not have time to take all 4 days you can also sign up for the first two days to receive the 20 hour Wilderness and Remote First Aid certificate.
Contact Wendy Niven at courses@interpretiveguides.org if you have questions.
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: TBD
Cost: $355 plus GST
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.
Our 4-Season Group Management Course will train you to understand the requirements to guide and manage a group in all conditions. By passing this course you will be certified to guide groups in all 4 seasons throughout this region.
Cost: $399 plus GST
Times: 8:30 - 5:30 daily
Location: TBA
Pre-requisites: 40 hour wilderness first aid and a hiking resume with winter walking or snowshoeing experience.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING COURSE DETAILS:
There is homework to complete before this course. This homework and the course manual will be sent as soon as you register and pay for the course. Please read through everything thoroughly and send a copy of your first aid certification and hiking resume to courses@interpretiveguides.org as soon as possible.
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: TBD
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.
Our 4-Season Group Management Course will train you to understand the requirements to guide and manage a group in all conditions. By passing this course you will be certified to guide groups in all 4 seasons throughout this region.
Cost: $399 plus GST
Times: 8:30 - 5:30 daily
Location: TBA
Pre-requisites: 40 hour wilderness first aid and a hiking resume with winter walking or snowshoeing experience.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING COURSE DETAILS:
There is homework to complete before this course. This homework and the course manual will be sent as soon as you register and pay for the course. Please read through everything thoroughly and send a copy of your first aid certification and hiking resume to courses@interpretiveguides.org as soon as possible.
Location:
- All classroom sessions will be held at the IGA office - 820 Main St. Unit 203, Canmore.
- Field trips in Banff on day 2 and day 5 (please note you will need a valid national parks pass for these field trips).
Course Cost: $599 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.
This course is available to individuals who already have a group management certification in good standing. It will allow you to guide in all 4 seasons.
The course is 1.5 days (1/2 day classroom + 1 day outside)
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING COURSE DETAILS:
There is homework to complete before this course. This homework will be sent as soon as you register and pay for the course. Please read through everything thoroughly and send a copy of your first aid certification and hiking resume to courses@interpretiveguides.org as soon as possible.
This course is available to individuals who already have a group management certification in good standing. It will allow you to guide in all 4 seasons.
The course is 1.5 days (1/2 day classroom + 1 day outside)
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING COURSE DETAILS:
There is homework to complete before this course. This homework will be sent as soon as you register and pay for the course. Please read through everything thoroughly and send a copy of your first aid certification and hiking resume to courses@interpretiveguides.org as soon as possible.
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: TBD
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.
Our 4-Season Group Management Course will train you to understand the requirements to guide and manage a group in all conditions. By passing this course you will be certified to guide groups in all 4 seasons throughout this region.
Cost: $399 plus GST
Times: 8:30 - 5:30 daily
Location: TBA
Pre-requisites: 40 hour wilderness first aid and a hiking resume with winter walking or snowshoeing experience.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING COURSE DETAILS:
There is homework to complete before this course. This homework and the course manual will be sent as soon as you register and pay for the course. Please read through everything thoroughly and send a copy of your first aid certification and hiking resume to courses@interpretiveguides.org as soon as possible.
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: $599 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 Harkin Hall - Parks Canada Administration Building. (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 of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site (2:00 pm - 6:00 pm)
Day 4:
- Geology and Geography of the Canadian Rockies Lecture (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
- Geology and Geography of the Canadian Rockies Field Tip - Banff National Park (1:00 pm - 5:00 pm). A valid parks pass will be required.
Day 5:
- Ecology of the Mountains Lecture (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
- Ecology of the Mountain Field Tip - Banff National Park (1:00 pm - 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 Handbook for Interpretive Guides helpful in preparing for this course. Please contact courses@interpretiveguides.org if you would like to purchase a copy
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.
Purchase pdf Group Management Handbook
January 01, 2030
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, 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!
You can take the exam as many times as you like at no extra cost.
Course Details Register NowCourse Cost: $89 plus GST
