“GOABC at 60: Building the Future on the Strength of Our Story”
Two Guide Schools That Helped Shape BC’s Outfitting Industry
Long before online courses and modern certification programs, GOABC and its partners were already working to build skills, safety, and professionalism in the guide outfitting community.
1) The Prince George Guide Upgrading School (1970–1972)
In 1970, a Guide Upgrading Training program launched in Prince George through Manpower Canada and the College of New Caledonia. Over two seasons, it offered structured training for working guides and aspiring guides—covering practical, field-ready skills like first aid, horse safety, wilderness survival, campcraft, equipment, and food preparation.
2) The GOABC Guide School (Smithers) (1983)
A decade later, GOABC stepped in again—this time launching a Guide School out of the GOABC Smithers office in 1983. It helped pass down hard-earned knowledge, elevate standards, and support the next wave of guides and outfitters. The program ran for a number of years, continuing GOABC’s tradition of investing in people and professionalism.
These programs are part of GOABC’s bigger story, proving that guide outfitting in BC has always been rooted in training, stewardship, and pride in the craft.
