MEAGHAN BUISSON
GUIDING
"People follow you because they believe in you. They stay with you because you believe in them."
- Peter Tucker, Association of Canadian Mountain Guides
MEAGHAN BUISSON
A professional ACMG hiking guide and SKGABC-certified Sea Kayaking instructor, Meaghan works in the North American Rockies, British Columbia’s Coastal Mountains and off the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Specializing in wilderness courses for youth, self-identifying women and 2SLGTBQ+ clientele, she provides safe and authentic adventures in challenging mountain and coastal environments.
Previously trained as a biologist and veterinarian, Meaghan combines her professional certifications in hiking, paddling and winter disciplines with extensive interpretive and field skills. She is passionate about facilitating customized experiences for individuals venturing in the backcountry for the first (or 100th) time.
GUIDED TRIPS & COURSES
Summer & Fall 2022
* All trips operate with field protocols and guidelines aligned with current provincial COVID-19 regulations *
Introductory
Outdoor Skills
Victoria, Nanaimo and & Comox Valley, British Columbia
Single and 2-day courses to learn fundamental skills for outdoor recreating. Content includes: Shelter building, Basic Navigation, First-Aid, Leave-No-Trace, Emergency Survival, Gear, Nutrition, Hygiene, Wildlife and more.
Dates: By Request
Cost: As low as $175 (4:1 ratio)
Intro to Navigation
Victoria & Comox Valley, British Columbia
One day course focusing on the fundamental skills and tools required to successfully plan trips and safely navigate in the backcountry.
Dates: By Request
Cost: As low as $149 (4:1 ratio)
Guided Day Trips
Multiple locations, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
From alpine traverses to coastal adventures, day trips explore some of the best Vancouver Island has to offer. Destinations include: Rogers Ridge and Mount Adrian, Alexandra Peak, Crest Mountain, Mount Arrowsmith, and Peak 5040.
Dates: By request
Cost: As low as $195 (4:1 ratio)
* Offered through Island Alpine Guides (request Meaghan upon booking)
Trip Planning & Consulting
Vancouver Island, British Columbia & Online
Technical expertise for individuals and groups. Topics include gear selection, nutrition and meal planning, packing systems, route planning, navigation systems, emergency response planning, risk management and more.
Dates: By Request
Cost: $50/hour
$125 half day
$250 full day
Online and in-person options available.
Backcountry Skills Course
Strathcona Provincial Park, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Suitable for beginner to intermediate level hikers, this 3-day, 2-night hike explores an iconic Vancouver Island summit while advancing confidence and competency in backcountry skills.
Dates: By Request
Cost: As low as $425 (4:1 ratio)
* Offered through Island Alpine Guides (request Meaghan upon booking).
Introduction to Sea Kayaking Skills & Custom Lessons
Comox Valley, British Columbia
With dual SKGABC and Paddle Canada certifications, Meaghan teaches intro to kayaking, edging & bracing, rescues and custom sea kayaking courses.
Dates: By Request
Cost: $65-$155
* Offered through Comox Valley Kayaks (request Meaghan upon booking).
Outdoor Education for school and community groups
Multiple locations, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Customized curricula-based school and community-group programming and group facilitation. Foster self-discovery, interactive social skills and a more holistic understanding of the natural world through experiential, outdoor and environmental education. Hour-long lessons to full day excursions. Classroom-based options available.
Dates: By Request
Cost: Customized to group
Adventure Dog Training
Multiple locations, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Customized experiential training sessions to help pet lovers gain (and train) the skills required to adventure safely and successfully with their dog. Progressive, fun, positive-reinforcement based training.
Dates: By Request
Cost: $50/hour
$125 half day
$250 full day
Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) Hiking Guide Certification Process:
Full certification requires successful completion of two exams spanning 15 days, an additional 3-day winter travel accreditation, plus 1-3 years apprenticeship. The process is rigorous and requires considerable time, motivation and discipline. Exam candidates are marked in the categories of field skills, client care, risk management, decision-making, navigation, movement skills, terrain assessment, interpretative skills, situational awareness and professionalism. Being an ACMG guide also requires the ability to communicate and connect with diverse clientele under varied and ever-changing conditions, use good judgement to minimize risk, deal effectively with emergencies and make accurate decisions with imperfect information in high-pressure environments. The ACMG is the leader in training and regulating mountain professionals in Canada, and is recognized internationally for maintaining the highest standard of practice.
TESTIMONIALS
"Such an epic women's backcountry skills course [...]. Thanks to Meaghan Buisson for being an amazing guide, going above and beyond [...]. I met some amazing people and learned so much. More trips like this please!
Sharyn Alexander / Island Alpine Guides Client
"Three days in the backcountry with six amazing women including the most fabulous, informative and skilled Island Alpine Guide, Meaghan! The most amazing experience! We crushed it!
Tracy Di Tomasso / Island Alpine Guides Client
“She shows up 100%. If Meaghan’s given a job, you know it’ll get done well and with a good attitude. Her commitment to her fellow instructors, students and work was unwavering.”
Laurie Skreslet / Professional Alpinist / First Canadian to summit Mt. Everest
"Meaghan showed a lot of compassion and set a really strong example of what kind of a woman I can be. She is fearlessly herself and full of inspiration and positive energy."
L.D. / Outward Bound Student
“I would hire her in a heartbeat and I have high standards.”
Ken Wylie / IFMGA & ACMG Mountain Guide
CREDENTIALS
