Outdoor Trip Guide

CAIS; Temagami; On-site; CAD 32,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Early signing bonus

Lodging included

Professional development support for 2

Job summary

Appleby College is seeking an Outdoor Trip Guide for the Temagami area. The role runs Jan 19, 2027 – Feb 27, 2027 (off Feb 11–15) as a full-time seasonal contract with compensation of $175–$300 CAD per day.

You will lead 14–16 year-old groups on canoe trips, teach outdoor skills, ensure safety, prepare meals, and manage equipment across day and backcountry excursions on Lake Temagami.

Qualifications

• WAFA/WFR certification required.
• Bronze Cross or NLS certification beneficial.
• Experience teaching and guiding groups in outdoor settings.
• Strong planning, safety, and group-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead canoe trips and backcountry excursions for students aged 14–16.
• Teach essential outdoor skills and safety practices.
• Prepare meals and manage backcountry cooking and cleanup.
• Maintain equipment and instructional supplies.
• Model responsible behaviour and risk management.

Skills

Outdoor guiding

Wilderness travel

WAFA/WFR cert

Teaching skills

Communication skills

Team leadership

Interpersonal skills

Education

WAFA or WFR certification

Bronze Cross or NLS

Outdoor education training

Tools

Map and compass

GPS navigation

Bronze Cross

NLS

Job description

Outdoor Trip Guide

Location: Rabbitnose Island, Temagami, Ontario

Type: Full-Time, Seasonal Contract,

Contract term: January 19, 2027 – February 27, 2027 (off from February 11-15)

Compensation: $175/day - $300/day, based on years of service

COME JOIN OUR TEAM:

Are you passionate about guiding transformative experiences? Become an Outdoor Trip Guide at Appleby’s stunning McLaughlin Northern Campus on Lake Temagami and be part of over 50 years of outdoor exploration and personal development. Lead students through the Canadian wilderness, where they build confidence, resilience, and teamwork. If this speaks to you, we would like to hear from you!

HOW YOU WILL THRIVE:

You’ll prepare students for their journey to Rabbitnose Island, the heart of our Outdoor Education Program. From there, you will lead them on an unforgettable adventure to Lake Temagami, where they will embrace the concept of "living" outdoors, experiencing activities such as snowshoeing, outdoor cooking, and wilderness navigation. Throughout the journey, your focus will be on guiding their personal growth and character development.

HOW YOU WILL SUCCEED:

• Excel in outdoor settings and set the standard through your leadership
• Co-lead a group of students ages 14 to 16 through canoe trips focused on outdoor experiences and learning
• Develop and deliver essential outdoor skills including canoeing and camping while emphasizing teamwork and trust
• Instruct and lead specialized activities with students
• Demonstrate appropriate behaviours in line with the Outdoor Education procedures and policies as well as Appleby’s Mutual Respect Policy
• Continuously build rapport with students, staff and volunteers
• Effectively utilize group and risk management skills, maturity, and role modeling to create a safe and supportive environment for student-centered learning
• Manage and problem solve issues with students
• Safely lead groups on both day and extended backcountry excursions
• Prepare meals, serve, properly store and thoroughly clean up after mealtime
• Maintain and store all equipment, instructional supplies etc.

WHAT YOU BRING:

• Experience as an outdoor guide, with comprehensive training in all aspects of out-tripping
• Previous experience in wilderness travel, including skills with map/compass and GPS navigation
• Current Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification (required)
• Current holder of Bronze Cross or NLS
• Proven excellence in teaching and instructional skills
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a proactive approach
• Exceptional communication, time management, and organizational skills
• Team-oriented mindset, with the ability to motivate and inspire others
• Kind, empathetic, energetic, and enthusiastic demeanor

HOW YOU WILL BENEFIT:

• Work at one of the most breathtaking Northern Campuses on Lake Temagami
• Lodging is included with dietary restriction accommodations
• Transportation may be available to coincide with student trips
• Early signing bonus
• Professional Development support for certification costs up to 25% (maximum of $250). Eligibility requires participation in two prior programs and a commitment to one future program.
• Competitive pay
• Work with your peers outdoors

WHO ARE WE:

Appleby College was founded in 1911 and is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading independent schools. With 800 students from over 50 countries enrolled in Grades 7–12, Appleby offers an education that excites and challenges every student. Our curriculum combines rigorous academics with dynamic arts, athletics, community service, and boarding life programming, allowing students to discover and embrace their passions both inside and outside the classroom.

Hallmarks of the Appleby experience include our emphasis on global learning and cultural understanding with participation in a global learning experience.

Appleby’s Mission is to educate and enable its students to become leaders of character, major contributors to, and valued representatives of their local, national and international communities.

READY TO START YOUR JOURNEY:

If you are ready to grow your career and make an impact, we want to hear from you!

As a condition of employment, a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is required.

We work to embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging principles and practices as an integral and foundational part of Appleby’s culture and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills making us better together.

DO YOU NEED ACCOMMODATION:

Appleby College is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require an accommodation.