Share Your Love of Hiking—Become a GVTA Hike Leader. Do you love hiking and enjoy helping others discover the joy of the trail? Take the next step and train to become a hike leader with the Grand Valley Trails Association (GVTA). Offered in partnership with Hike Ontario, this practical one-day in-person program will help you build the confidence, skills, and experience to lead safe, enjoyable group hikes. Your instructors will be Charles Whitlock and Joanna Mazur.
When: Training will be on Saturday, November 28, 2026, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, a one-day in-person session with both indoor and outdoor components.
Where: Breithaupt Centre, Kitchener
What You’ll Learn:
- Risk management and group leadership
- Trail guides and navigation
- Outdoor techniques and environmental protection
- Hike planning
- Practical problem-solving during a group hike
You will get an electronic student manual about 2 weeks prior to the session. A key feature that distinguishes the course is its interactivity—the level of your active participation in the learning experience. There will be small- and large-group activities and teacher-directed instruction, including an outdoor component. While much of the emphasis is instructional, as a certification program, a portion of the agenda is assessment and skills evaluation.
GVTA Path to Becoming a Hike Leader:
- Complete the Hike-Ontario certified training course. Optionally, complete Level C first aid training, including CPR/AED (not mandatory but recommended)
- Within one year of the Hike Ontario training, complete three apprentice hikes with three different hike leaders or the same hike leader
- Plan and lead a Graduation Hike approved by the GVTA Hiking Director. An experienced hike leader will accompany you and provide an assessment.Cost of the course is 85$
For GVTA members, training cost will be reimbursed fully upon leading 3 hikes for the club members after final Graduation Hike. Level C first aid training, including CPR/AED is optional but highly recommended. GVTA will reimburse 50% of the first aid course to a certified hike leader after leading 3 hikes for the club.
Who Can Apply? Applicants must be current GVTA members and have participated in GVTA hikes. The priority is given to members of GVTA. The session will open to other Hike Ontario member clubs. Spaces are limited, so interested members should register early.
Ready to Lead? Register.
Any other question please contact hike director Joanna Mazur: hikes@gvta.on.ca
Refund policy for Cancellations and "No Show" course participants:
-
Timing and Refunds:
- Cancelled 15 days or more prior to course date = FULL Refund minus administrative fee
- Cancelled 14-5 days prior to course date = 50% Refund minus administrative fee
- Cancelled 4 days or less prior to start of course = NO Refund
- No other refunds will be provided unless due to extenuating circumstances.
