Wilderness Guide Foundations is a comprehensive, in-person course that will introduce you to the professional world of guide outfitting in British Columbia. Designed in collaboration with experienced guide outfitters, you will develop job-ready skills that employers can trust in the field. Explore the history and traditions of guiding in BC, the laws and regulations that govern the industry and competencies required of guides. Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll have the foundational knowledge and skills required to work confidently and safely in the back country under professional guide outfitters.

Course Facts

July 5-24, 2027

30 Theory Hours

140 Field Experience Hours

Gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in BC’s guide outfitting industry

Have questions?

Reach our Continuing Education team at 1-866-463-6652, extension 7587, or by email at ce@nlc.bc.ca.

Or fill out the form provided and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Prerequisites

Required Before July 5 Field TrainingCourse Date OpportunitiesTotal Course Hours
Food Safety for Food Handlers (online-self guided) or FoodSafe Level 1 in personOnline: Sept 1-2026-June 30-2027
In-Person: November 7, 2026, or April 17, 2027, or June 5, 2027		7 hours
S-100 Fire SuppressionSeptember 26, 27 & 28, 2026, or April 1, 2 & 3, 202724 hours
Basic Chainsaw SafetyOctober 22, 2026, or March 13, 20277 hours
20-Hour Remote First AidOctober 23-25, 2026, or May 14-16, 2027 20 hours
ATV/UTV Operator TrainingOctober 24, 2026, or April 24, 20275 hours
Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE)November 21& 22, 2026 or March 27 & 28, 202712 hours
Possession Acquisition Licensing (PAL) – Recommended but not requiredOctober 10, 2026, or February 13, 20278 hours

Course Topics

“This would be the first North American certified program”

– Tara Hyland-Russell, Vice President of Academic and Research