Jamie Whiteside

Since 2010, I’ve called Golden, BC home. I teach part-time in the College of the Rockies’ Adventure Tourism Business Operations (ATBO) and Mountain Adventure Skills Training (MAST) programs, focusing on canoeing, kayaking, backcountry skiing/avalanche safety, and hiking. In the past, I’ve also taught second-year academic courses in business and natural history interpretation. Lately, I’ve been concentrating on the RCABC Expedition Canoe Guide Program, where I help students build the skills and confidence needed to lead in challenging and dynamic environments.

I’m an outdoor enthusiast, guide, and instructor with a deep passion for mountains, rivers, and wilderness travel. My adventures have taken me through more than 30 countries—from cycling around New Zealand to leading trekking and paddling expeditions throughout South and Central America, and even heli-ski guiding in the Himalayas. Much of my guiding career has been spent on iconic Canadian rivers like the Nahanni, Natla-Keele, Burnside, Hood, Mountain, and Broken Skull through Blackfeather Wilderness Expeditions. I also teach instructor courses locally and enjoy mentoring up-and-coming guides.

My certifications include:

• Paddle Canada – Senior Moving Water Instructor & Instructor Trainer
• RCABC – Moving Water, Expedition Guide, and River Rescue Instructor
• ACMG – Ski and Hiking Guide

My instructional style has been shaped by years of working in diverse cultural settings, collaborating with other instructors, and completing my Master’s in Organizational Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University. I encourage experiential learning supported by coaching to help students grow and perform at their best. My blend of academic background and real-world guiding experience allows me to bring a balanced, thoughtful perspective to both the classroom and the field.

My teaching approach emphasizes safety, skill development, and personal growth. Whether you’re learning the fundamentals of moving water, preparing for your own expedition, or stepping into the professional world of outdoor guiding, I’m here to support your journey. The outdoors is a powerful place for learning and self-discovery, and I feel privileged to be a part of that process.