Welcome to the Interpretive Guides Association

Providing interpretive guide training, certification, and professional development programs in Canada and beyond.

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If you are certified or plan to take a course, then this is the spot for you.

Courses and Certifications

SPRING 2026 COURSES AVAILABLE NOW!

The Interpretive Guides Association offers courses and exams in interpretation, knowledge acquisition, and guiding safety designed to provide guides with the skills and knowledge to be the best they can be in their profession.

Interpretive Guides Association

Helping you inspire others to value, understand, and care for the natural and cultural environments they explore.

Who: The Interpretive Guides Association (IGA) is a national certifying body and member-based non-profit organization serving professional guides, outdoor leaders, and interpreters across Canada and internationally.

What: We deliver industry-aligned certification, training, and professional development in interpretation and group management, grounded in national standards and field-based best practices.

Where: Headquartered in Canmore, Alberta, IGA supports guides operating in Canada’s national and provincial parks, protected areas, cultural sites, cities, natural and human-made settings and international expedition environments.

When: Year-round, through field-based, classroom and virtual programs, with primary training seasons in spring and late fall/winter to align with operational cycles.

Why: Guiding shapes how people experience and care for places, and that responsibility demands skill, safety, stewardship, and purpose.

Professional guides influence visitor safety, behaviour, and stewardship. Our role is to ensure they are trained to do so responsibly and effectively.

Upcoming Courses & Events

03 - 05 November
Banff / Canmore
Tuesday

Group Management Bridge – Canmore, November 3 & 5, 2026

The Group Management Bridge course takes place in a classroom on the afternoon of November 3, followed by a full day of hiking on November 5 (in the Canmore/Banff area). To register, ensure you have an active IGA membership and are certified with at least an apprentice 3-season hiking guide course. Please note that a Waiver is required to participate in this Course. Please read it carefully before registering.
Schedule:
  • Day 1 (Nov 3)  1:00 pm - 5:30 pm
  • Day 2 (Nov 5)  8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Cost: $325
11 - 12 November
Banff / Canmore
Wednesday

Apprentice Interpreter – Canmore – Nov 11-12, 2026

The Apprentice Interpreter course takes place Nov 11-12 in Canmore, AB. The course begins at 9:00 am and ends at 5:30 pm both days, with an online exam from 5:30-6:30 pm on the 2nd day. To register ($380 + GST), ensure you have an IGA membership purchased and that you're signed in to your account.
Schedule:
  • Day 1  9:00am - 5:30pm
  • Day 2  9:00am - 6:45pm
Cost: $380
13 - 15 November
Banff / Canmore
Friday

4-Season Group Management – November 13-15, 2026

The 4-Season Group Management course takes place November 13-15 (Day 1 in the classroom in Canmore, Days 2 & 3 in the field between Canmore and Lake Louise). To register, ensure you have an IGA membership purchased, that you're signed in to your account, and have completed or are registered for the Apprentice Interpreter course or higher. Please note a Waiver is required to participate in this Course. Please read it carefully before registering and sign during the course.
Cost: $570
16 - 18 November
Monday

Interpretive Specialist – November 16 & 18, 2026

Interpretive Specialist course held over Zoom, November 16 & 18, 2026. Can be taken as part of the PICP or on its own. Join from any location. 9:00 am to 6:30 pm Mountain Time both days; exam at the end of Day 2.
Cost: $380
21 - 22 November
Banff / Canmore
Saturday

Group Management Bridge – Canmore, November 21-22, 2026

The Group Management Bridge course takes place in a classroom on the afternoon of November 21, followed by a full day of hiking on November 22 (in the Canmore/Banff area). To register, ensure you have an active IGA membership and are certified with at least an apprentice 3-season hiking guide course. Please note that a Waiver is required to participate in this Course. Please read it carefully before registering.
Cost: $325
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Photo: Destination BC/Ryan Creary

Partner with Us

We work with national parks, provincial parks, and guiding companies across Canada and around the world to provide trusted certifications and world-class training. Find out how your organization can host courses and hone your team's skills.

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Guiding the way for interpretation certifications

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Proud Ally and Partner

The IGA is honoured to be part of the tradition of guiding that began with the Indigenous Peoples of this land. As uninvited settlers, we want to recognize the deep connection that these Nations have had with these lands and waters since time immemorial and continue to have today. As interpretive guides, we understand the importance of place, story, and connection. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder that our stories are always rooted in the land and in the people who have cared for it long before us. We hope that in our work and lives, we continue to carry this awareness forward.

Professional Dues Renewal

Your professional dues must be paid yearly to keep your certification in good standing and active. To pay your professional dues, follow the link below