Kayak Tour Guide

Job Responsibility:

Do you love Ottawa, outdoors, water activities? Do you enjoy meeting new people from across the world, socializing and telling stories? We are looking to add dynamic, fun, and amazing kayak tour guides who can lead our sunset kayak tour, private and group kayak tours.

Our guides live in and love Ottawa, enjoy the outdoors, are knowledgeable about the water, and comfortable leading and entertaining groups. As one of our Kayak Tour Guides you are often the first point of real contact for guests. You'll lead our tours from busy waterways to right below the Rideau Falls during picturesque sunsets or other times of the day! You can connect to people of all ages and backgrounds, telling stories in a fun and engaging way. Showcase your photography skills by capturing breathtaking moments of our amazing guests during golden hour right below the waterfalls. You will be directly responsible for the safety and enjoyment of your guests, so knowledge of safe kayaking practices and experience is a must.

Some of the responsibilities:

• Welcoming and providing outstanding hospitable experiences for guests & customers
• Coordinate kayak tour preparation and administration (greeting customers, safety instructions, signing waivers, and ensuring all guests are accounted)
• Fit customers to kayaks and explain the best kayaking techniques
• Explain rules of the river and safety features aboard each kayak
• Listen attentively and customize the tour if needed
• Lead the tours in a safe and engaging manner

Requirements and qualifications:

• An ability to lead, organize, and engage all groups of ages (families, adults, & youths) with diverse backgrounds and different paddling skills
• Effective, professional, and super friendly communication with guests
• Be personable, caring, patient and flexible
• Organized with excellent time management and ability to follow itineraries and schedules
• Have knowledge about Ottawa's history and current affairs (training will be provided)
• Speak English (speaking other languages particularly French would be a great asset)
• Experience kayaking in flat-water conditions, and photography skills (training will be provided if needed)
• Be available to work on weekends and long weekend evenings; scheduling based on demand and your availability
• Valid CPR/First Aid Certification

Availability and Schedule:

Our busiest times are weekends and holidays including long weekends. You may be required to work a varying work schedule in order to meet the needs of the business. This could include working on weekends, especially long weekends.

How to apply:

Email your resume with a paragraph or 2 explaining why you think you would be a good fit for the position at indeed

Pay: based on experience

Employment Period: June to Mid September

About Bicycle Tours and Rentals

Escape Tours & Rentals offers fully serviced kayak tours and rentals as well as SUP and bike rentals to the public at its location close to the NCC Riverhouse. It's a sister company to Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals on Sparks St. that has been operating for over a decade and serving thousands of amazing guests every year. We are proud to be Ottawa's #1 tour & rental company and always offer unique and memorable experiences and services to our valued visitors and locals. We take pride in our excellent customer service, safety standards, and equipment quality.

Why work at Escape Tours & Rentals?

We are a small company and love what we do. We're passionate about providing exceptional service and getting people super excited to go kayaking or paddleboarding! We work hard and have fun while doing it. We are open to ideas, suggestions and trying new things. Social media is always present between influencers and our socials. There are many opportunities for learning and growth with us plus you get to work under the sun on the water all summer long.

Job Types: Part-time, Casual, Seasonal, FreelanceContract length: 4 months

Pay: $20.00-$23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 - 25 per week

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-05-15Expected start date: 2025-06-05