“There’s something special about physically being in the traditional territories where the stories we hear about took place. As youth we’re making connections to our Ha-ha-houlthee and to other community members as we create our own stories together."
Do you wonder if a job sharing your passion for your traditional lands and waters is for you?
If most of these statements apply then you could enjoy a job in tourism and recreation.
- I think it’s important to share what I know about nature and my culture.
- I like to help others learn how to respect and care for the environment.
- I like being outdoors and on the land or water.
- Showing others the best things about my Nation’s territory appeals to me.
- I enjoy working with people, and I have an interest in my local area.
Uu-a-thluk
taking care of
What’s It All About?
Tourism and recreation workers may work as Indigenous guides, travel counsellors, sales and service workers, front desk agents, boat operators, or conference and event planners. Some guides lead visitors to popular sites and remote areas, sharing their knowledge on topics such as medicinal plants, culturally modified trees or petroglyphs. Others organize trips for tourists and resort guests, and may also plan and book transportation, prepare food using locally sourced or wild foraged ingredients, tell stories, and teach lessons.
This segment of the tourism industry is called Indigenous tourism and also ecotourism.
Many tourism workers work for tour operators, resorts, attractions, and other businesses, where the environment is always changing. Others are self-employed, and have a variety of skills to help them be successful.
What Do You Need?
Deck hands working in tourism may require Marine Emergency Duties (MED) training, Serving It Right, and First Aid certification. On-the-job training is provided and fishing vessel deckhands require a commercial fishing licence.
Skippers require master’s marine training appropriate for the size of the boat they operate (usually a minimum of 60 tonnes).
Deck officers require completion of secondary school, completion of deck officer cadet program from an approved nautical institute, one to three years experience as a member of a deck crew, a deck officer certificate issued by Transport Canada.
Front desk agents usually have a high school diploma and experience working with people.
Most guides have a high school diploma and/or local knowledge plus experience leading tours, navigating boats, and/or speaking to groups. Some jobs require a diploma or bachelor’s degree in an area such as tourism or hospitality management, environmental tourism, leisure studies, or recreation. Other jobs require guides to earn certificates through organizations like the Sea Kayak Guides Association of B.C. and International Wilderness First Aid.
Sports fishing guides have a high school diploma plus experience navigating boats and interpreting the laws governing sport fishing.
Heritage communicators/Interpreters usually have a minimum of two years post secondary training in the natural or social sciences. They have a good knowledge of the natural or human history of Canada and the ability to communicate this information. Most work within Parks Canada National Parks, Marine Conservation Parks, and National Historical Sites.
What Can you Earn?
Please note that these positions are typically seasonal.
Deckhands earn $40,585 and $63,026 calculated annually (Between $19.46 and $30.22 per hour)
Deck officers earn $79,253 calculated annually (between $23 and $50 per hour)
Front desk agents earn $31,284 calculated annually (between $14,60 and $22 per hour).
Indigenous, ecotourism and other guides earn $41,712 per year (between $16 and $31.25 per hour)
Sample Employers
- Whale watching companies
- Sports fishing companies
- Hotels and Resorts
- First Nation campgrounds and marinas
- Parks Canada
- Quu-as West Coast Trail Society
- Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks
Sample Jobs
- Deck Hands
- Skippers
- Zodiac Drivers
- Front Desk Agents
- Eco-tourism Guide
- Sports Fishing Guides
- Guides who are experts in fresh- or saltwater fishing, ice fishing or fly fishing
- Cultural Educators
- Other Outdoor Guides
- Heritage
- Communicators/Interpreters
Check this out: Kyuquot/Checklesaht acquired an ecotourism biz!
Deckhand in British Columbia. (2022, April 8). Government of Canada Job Bank. Retrieved May 7, 2022, from
Deck officers, water transport. (2021, March 25). WorkBC Job Bank. Retrieved May 7, 2022, from
https://www.workbc.ca/Jobs-Careers/Explore-Careers/Browse-Career-Profile/2273#view-full-profile
Hotel front desk clerks. (2021, March 25). WorkBC Job Bank. Retrieved May 7, 2022, from https://www.workbc.ca/Jobs-Careers/Explore-Careers/Browse-Career-Profile/6525
Outdoor Sport and Recreational Guides. (2021, April 15). WorkBC Job Bank. Retrieved May 7, 2022, from https://www.workbc.ca/Jobs-Careers/Explore-Careers/Browse-Career-Profile/6532#earnings-and-outlook
