15 Mar Mary

Where are you from?

I’m from Drummondville, Quebec.

How long have you been guiding? Where have you guided?
I started whitewater kayaking while working at a rafting company in New Zealand in 2006, after which I spent a month learning more at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium in Australia. In 2010, I started guiding in BC, working on the Thompson and Fraser Rivers. I worked 10 full seasons, and have been guiding part-time on weekends since 2020.

What do you love about guiding?
Guiding is the best office job you will every have! My desk is a raft full of enthusiastic people sharing their life adventure with me. My office, a river and mountains surrounding me are a constant reminder of Canadian beauty. I like to paddle next to bald eagle hunting, osprey bird fishing, big horn sheep or black bears coming for a drink. It’s not only beautiful, but exciting, the day passes to fast when you are having fun.

What’s your favourite rapid on the Kicking Horse River?

Portage and Shotgun!

What’s on your bucket list that you have left to cross off?
I’d like to raft the Tatshenshini River in the Yukon, the Futalefu River in Chile, and ride around Patagonia on a motorbike. I’d also like to participate in a super Spartan Race!