Toll Free 1-877-644-9992
There was an error. Please try again.
This page is already listed in your guide. Please choose a different page to add.
Driver Guide, Guide, Recreation Guide, Sightseeing Tour Guide
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in speaking to sightseers to answer questions; may sell souvenirs
Interest in copying information to describe points of interest, supply information and provide historical and cultural facts related to the site
Interest in making transportation and other arrangements
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
In general, tour guides:
Tour guides often find out as much as possible about the groups they will be guiding beforehand, in order to select points of interest and provide commentary appropriate for the age and interests of the group.
Driver guides operate tour vehicles as well as performing the duties listed above.
Step-on guides frequently work with out-of-town coach drivers who may be unfamiliar with local sightseeing routes. Step-on guides must be familiar with local routes and traffic disruptions, such as road construction. They should be able to provide clear, timely directions as well as narrate the tour. They also must be familiar with the size of the coach and choose appropriate routes to avoid undue negotiating by the driver. Step-on guides interpret features of the local area, which may include geology and natural/human/cultural history.
Meet-and-greet guides welcome arriving tourists, assist with collecting luggage and clearing customs, and take individuals or groups to hotels or tour assembly locations.
Establishment or on-site tour guides escort visiting groups through facilities such as museums, art galleries, night clubs, industrial plants, historical sites or public buildings. In addition to the duties listed above, they may:
For information about other related guides, see the Related Occupational Profiles section.
Tour guides may be on their feet for much of the working day, pointing out spots of interest and answering questions. They may work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. They may have to work through meal times. They may work on a volunteer, part-time, seasonal or contract basis.
Tour guides need:
They should enjoy meeting and talking to people and sharing information.
Knowledge of the history of the area or establishment and knowledge of subjects related to the tour (for example, art, crafts, horticulture, and ethnic cultures) are definite assets. An ability to speak more than one language also is an asset. Some employers require first aid and CPR training.
Tour guides receive training on the job. After an initial training period, some employers require tour guides to pass an examination to ensure they can meet company standards.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Guides who operate vehicles must have appropriate licences and may be tested again as part of the job interview process.
Tourism HR Canada offers voluntary emerit Tour Guide certification. Recognized across Canada, it leads to the Tourism Certified Professional (TCP) designation. Certification training is accessible from the emerit website.
Tour guides may be volunteers, or employed by tour operators or organizations that own or operate facilities. They may be employed full time, only for summer months or part time on a year-round basis. Tour guides who are employed full time must be mature. Summer guiding positions often are filled by university students.
Experienced tour guides may advance to supervisory positions. However, advancement opportunities generally are limited and require the ability to train new guides.
Tour guides are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6531: Tour and travel guides. In Alberta, 83% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Tips from satisfied tour members may add considerably to tour guide’s incomes, but tour guides for national parks or other government sites do not typically receive tips.
Tour guides are part of the larger 2016 National Occupational Classification 6531: Tour and travel guides.
According to the 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Tour and travel guides occupational group earned on average from $16.58 to $21.40 an hour. The overall average was $18.52 an hour. For more information, see the Tour and travel guides wage profile.
Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) website: www.ahla.ca
Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) website: www.acmg.ca
emerit website: emerit.ca
Interpretive Guides Association (IGA) website: interpretiveguides.org
Outdoor Council of Canada (OCC) website: www.outdoorcouncil.ca
Tourism HR Canada website: tourismhr.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.