Employment

Thank you for all your interest in working at Backroads this summer! We have received many applications and have completed hiring for 2024!

See you at the lake!

Backroads Whistler is in the entertainment business. Guests come to us for an experience and a show. It is your job to provide them with an experience that is entertaining, exciting, and above all else, safe. Your idea and input are key to our guest’s experience.

Backroads Whistler has been offering canoe, kayak, hiking, and mountain biking tours and rentals in the Whistler Valley since 1985. We are Whistler’s longest-running adventure company.

In 2006 we streamlined our operations to be Whistler’s only human powered specialty boat operator. We offer a variety of tour packages, both guided and unguided. We strive to help our guests make their vacation a real holiday and a fun and rewarding summer for our staff. Please check out our website to review our services!

We strive for versatile staff who can be put into any position as needed, giving variety in your day-to-day functions. We are a busy operation with lots going on. You won’t get bored here.

Operations commence late April/early May, with peak operations running from mid-June until Labor Day, then limited operations until mid-October. Most first-year staff start the summer seasonal position in late May and finish late Aug early Sept.

Yes, we assist in finding staff housing though most staff arrange their own places. Whistler summer rentals and availability are reasonable. We will provide more info on Whistler housing and other things you will want to know as we continue our employment discussion.

Delivering safety briefings, teaching boat paddling skills, safely guiding our guests throughout the Whistler Blackcomb waterways. You will be informing guests about Whistler, its flora, fauna, and wildlife and letting them know what else is happening in town. All guiding positions are offered on a part time basis as most guests go unguided down the river. You can get full time hours by working in other departments of Backroads. This means a day or two working the beach, driving, or concession, and a day or two guiding.

Delivering safety briefings, teaching paddling strokes, renting boats, operating the assisted vessel, performing rescues on the lake and river, staging boats, and gear. This is a physically demanding position. We carry/move lots of boats.

It’s not a cubicle office job, but it’s not under the sun all day either. Concession staff is our primary contact with guests and frontline customer service. You will be taking reservations, presenting waivers, renting boats, cash handling, invoicing, scheduling guides, selling novelties, ice cream, liaising with suppliers, and helping provide guests with information about Whistler, the ski resort, and the surrounding areas. You will work from our waterfront location at Lakeside Park on Alta Lake. You could be guiding or working the waterfront in addition to your concession duties (though not nearly as much as Waterfront Crew).

These are our most versatile positions. In the spring, you’ll be getting our gear organized and ensuring it’s operational for summer, fixing gear, guiding guests, and running the waterfront. As spring turns to summer, you’ll coordinate with field staff ensuring guests and gear are where they are supposed to be. Some days you may be guiding, some working the waterfront, some driving our shuttle, and somedays fixing equipment. This is not a typical driving job it’s 15 minutes of driving, 15 minutes of loading and unloading boats, another 15 minutes of driving, then repeat. This is a physically demanding position where you will be working with other team members to ensure a smooth operation. You will need a BC Class 4 driver’s license (we will help you attain this license).

Are offered if you do not come to us already certified. These courses are fully subsidized by Backroads Whistler if you stay the full summer season.

• Canadian work visa for the duration of our summer season
• Standard First Aid, minimum 16-hour course with CPR. Outdoor Emergency Care is an asset
• Canoeing – BCCRA (B.C. Canoeing Recreation Association) level II flat water paddler or equivalent certification from a governing body
• Kayaking –Class 1 moving water kayaking certification (16 hours) or equivalent certification from a governing body
• Attendance at a Day Guides course or equivalent certification from a governing body
• Knowledge of Whistler’s history, wildlife, Flora, and Fauna.

Backroads Whistler will pay for all your certification courses if you stay for our summer season or your predetermined end date discussed at hiring.

We provide a fun working atmosphere with a great team. Regular team events and staff functions take place through the summer. Where adventures like zip-lining, bungee jumping, and team dinners/ parties, enhance your summer experience and team bond. Opportunities to involve yourself in the various things to do in Whistler available as well; golf, mountain biking, hiking etc.

Enthusiastic team members who have a zest for life and like to get people motivated.

Employees are often Holiday Working Visa holders with other winter seasonal jobs, university students on a summer break, tourism hospitality career seekers looking for some experience, or high school students looking for part time work. People who want something different than a 9-5 job. This might be the best job you’ll ever have.

Please reply to spencer@BackroadsWhistler.com with your interest in our operation such that we can send you more detailed information and set up an interview. Interviews are available via Skype/phone for out-of-town applicants and in-person interviews for those already in Whistler.

Use this quick application form to send us your resume/cv or send us an email to spencer@backroadswhistler.com