About Us

Stef MacDiarmid

I’ve been part of the Black Feather team since 2015, and since the birth of my sons Will and James, expanded into a manager role, and now am owner and director of Black Feather with my husband and long-time Black Feather guide Ken! It has been an exciting and rewarding transition and I look forward to continuing the legacy that Wendy spent so many years nurturing and bringing to life.

River travel has been a staple of my adult life, and with Black Feather I have guided the majority of our canoeing offerings and love spending time with groups on the water. I particularly love the rivers of the Peel watershed in the Yukon territory, and the magic of sea kayaking on Georgian Bay, with warm water and endless sunsets. My journey into canoe tripping started on the lakes of Algonquin Park as a teenager and soon grew to include whitewater, with time spent rafting and kayaking internationally in the USA, South and Central America and Nepal, gaining more skills and experiencing more rivers. I love being outside, teaching and playing outdoors, and am a Paddle Canada and Canoe Kayak Canada instructor trainer for kayak and canoe, and a whitewater rescue instructor. When I’m not working with Black Feather, I might be ski patrolling at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort or working as an avalanche professional near my home in Golden, B.C., or playing with my boys – reading stories, chasing them at the park or teaching them about the beauty of the outdoors. Wherever I am, I’m pulled back to the mountains, lakes and rivers in this magnificent country we call home. I look forward to sharing these with you!

Ken MacDiarmid

Working at Black Feather continues to be a dream come true for me, and even more so since moving from guide to owner and director, with my wife Stef. Since learning about the freedom of the wilderness as a young person at summer camp the outdoors has been my happy place. Guiding and instructing has allowed me to share that joy with a lot of people in many special places, and I am excited to continue that for many more years. There is not a Black Feather trip I have guided that I don’t want to repeat, and I look forward to sharing them with you! My favourite trip is any one I have not guided yet, and developing new destinations and programs is one of my dreams in the coming years. Hope to see you out on the land.

Wendy Grater

I’ve been guiding for Black Feather since 1984, when I joined the company as guide and partner.  Since then, I’ve paddled, hiked, kayaked, mountain biked and skied in the NWT, Yukon, Nunavut, B.C., Ontario, Quebec and Greenland. I was the owner and director of Black Feather until the end of 2022, and now am supporting Stef and Ken in their leadership. This has been, and is, a rewarding and multifaceted profession. I enjoyed the challenges and rewards of operating a wilderness adventure company, the amazing people that I met and continue to meet, both participants and guides, and the inspiring connection with the land!

A couple of my favourite trips are canoeing the Mountain River and sea kayaking in East Greenland because I love the combination of excellent paddling and fantastic day hiking opportunities. On trips, I really enjoy the chance to get to know all the participants, feel a sense of challenge and to share the fantastic wilderness environment.

In 2011, I was awarded the Northwest Territories Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award, for service and commitment to the tourism industry in Canada’s north.  In 2013, Black Feather was awarded both the Nunavut Tourism Business of the Year and Northwest Territories Tourism Operator of the Year.  I am honoured to be recognized and to introduce Canada’s wilderness to so many keen adventurers.

When not guiding or in the Black feather office, my interests are cross country and back country skiing, yoga and hiking with my dog. I look forward to meeting you and sharing an amazing outdoor adventure.

Molly Prendergast

Hi there, I’m Molly! I have been working with Black Feather as a guide, food packer and logistics & operations manager since 2010. I have guided kayak and canoe trips in Ontario, Quebec, all of Canada’s northern territories as well as Greenland.
Two of my favourite canoe trips are the Petawawa River in Algonquin Park and the Keele River in the Northwest Territories. I enjoy “The Pet” for its fun and consistent whitewater, and the Keele for its amazing braided streams and stunning mountainous scenery. Lately I have been proud to be able to guide extended sea kayaking expeditions in East Greenland.
In my free time, I enjoy doing yoga and spending as much time as I can exploring the areas around my home.

Lorelie Roderbourg

Charlie Baar

Hi, I’m Charlie and this will be my third summer working with Black Feather. I grew up in Ottawa and spent my summers canoeing with family or at summer camp in Temagami, Georgian Bay, the Ottawa Valley and farther afield, including a fifty day trip on the Horton and Anderson rivers. I love the simple rhythm of a canoe trip — waking up to the birds, spending a beautiful day paddling, enjoying good food and campfire chat in the evening and then waking up and repeating the next day — and how it brings everyone together in such a short amount of time. I am currently studying physics and enjoy playing hockey, running, reading, and planning my next adventure. I look forward to another summer guiding with Black Feather and paddling some amazing rivers!

Pat Barrow

I have been travelling most of my life and have always been drawn to wild places. I am a strong believer in the benefits of wilderness travel and in particular enjoy understanding human relationships with nature through different cultural lenses. I’ve guided internationally for around 20 years and always enjoy the draw of ‘The North.’ I studied Anthropology and have a background in Outdoor Education, Tourism and Teaching. Originally from Australia, these days I’m based near Golden, BC, and have chosen to raise our young family, a few chickens, goats and an Australian cattle dog on a bush property. I look forward to sharing a wilderness trip with every team I head out with and benefit from every one! See you in the wilds!

Mathieu Boulanger-Messier

Bonjour tout le monde! I am Mathieu Boulanger-Messier. I am from the region of Montreal but now settled here at L’Anse-Saint-Jean, Quebec, where the vast boreal forest and the majestic Fjord of Saguenay attract me here. I have been working for Fjord en Kayak for about 10 years and am now one of the owners and director of operations. Even if I’m more on land these days managing my company, I’m sometimes back on the water as a partner guide with Black Feather for our sea kayaking trip along the enormous capes, mysterious creatures, and the vast expense of the Saguenay Fjord. During my off season, I spend as much time as I can with my family and I enjoy backcountry skiing in our backyard, because here, Saguenay region is well known for its legendary winters!

Adrick Brock

I grew up paddling in Ontario’s Madawaska Valley and have run rivers in Quebec, British Columbia, Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Back-country life is a perfect compliment and counterpoint to my life in Vancouver, where I work as a writer. I love playing hockey, trail running, whitewater canoeing and hiking in the alpine. Count on me to be up early, getting the fire started for that first pot of strong coffee.

Ross Cameron

Hi there! I’m Ross and this will be my first year guiding with Black Feather. I am beyond excited to be a part of the team this year and have the pleasure of guiding some amazing trips this season. I grew up in Toronto and would try my best to get out of the city as much as I could to enjoy the wonderful wilderness Southern Ontario has to offer. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to participate on many trips throughout Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba in my summers as a youth. For the past two summers I have guided trips throughout Ontario and have had such a blast doing it and look forward to guiding with Black Feather and all the amazing adventures to come!

John Carswell

In 2005 I became addicted to the Arctic. My first trip with Black Feather was the Auyuittuq Traverse and I’ve been going north ever since. Most of my trips have been hiking adventures including Baffin, Ellesmere, Axel Heiberg, Devon and Bylot Island with few Greenland kayaking trips thrown in for good measure. I do enjoy the simple life of a backpacker!!
I’ve completed many trips with Black Feather as a client and more recently as a Guide. It’s great to have both perspectives. 
I have a passion for the Arctic. The land, the wildlife and the human history all combine to make these Arctic trips special and extremely rewarding. I look forward to sharing these Arctic experiences with you.

Sophie Chalmers

Hi, I’m Sophie! I’ve had the pleasure of guiding for Back Feather since 2020. I grew up in Toronto, but living in the city hasn’t stopped me from getting a chance to nurture my love for the outdoors. For as long as I can remember I’ve spent my summers in a tent and on the water, which has led me down some pretty fun rivers. I’ve guided all over northern Ontario and Quebec, and am excited to continue exploring our beautiful country. Since working for Black Feather, I have developed a love for sea kayaking, too! The feeling of pure bliss when I’m breathing in the fresh scent of pine and listening to laughter around a campfire is like no other. On trips, I can usually be found with a camera in hand admiring the sights or stoking the fire and chopping veggies. When I’m not living in a tent, I spend my time studying health sciences and fine arts, fitting in time to paint, swim and read. My favourite part of guiding is sharing such incredible experiences with new people and watching our group bound through our shared experiences. I love getting a chance to connect with fellow lovers of the outdoors!

Matt Cuccaro

For all my life I have loved exploring the outdoors, especially by canoe. When I am not guiding for Black Feather I am teaching canoeing to anyone who will ask, working with the Algonquin College’s Outdoor Adventure Programs, guiding on the Ottawa River or teaching River Rescue to professional guides and emergency services across North America. In the winter months I coach alpine skiing and train ski instructors and coaches. I guide for Black Feather for the same reasons you go on trips; to explore great rivers and share my passions with others. I look forward to meeting you all soon!

Pat Eastment

After growing up on the east coast of Australia I have been drawn to the natural world. I followed my outdoor passions from childhood and studied a degree in Outdoor Education. Since then I have worked in the outdoor industry in Australia, and more recently, Canada. Throughout this time I’ve shared my passion through canoeing, whitewater kayaking, sea kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, and caving. I am especially drawn to river environments. I feel there is something inherently special about travelling on/with one of nature’s most powerful forces through incredible, often difficult to access landscapes. Much of my personal time has been spent rafting and kayaking on rivers across Australia, NZ, Nepal and Canada. I have succumbed to the draw of the big mountains and valleys of western Canada and am calling that home year round at the moment in between guiding seasons.

Margaret Fahey

Hi, I’m Margaret and I joined the Black Feather team in 2018. I first found my love of the canoe as a young pup at summer camp in Northern Ontario. Having spent my youth exploring lakes and rivers all over the Canadian Shield, I felt drawn to pursue an education and career that would keep me in the wilderness. I went to school for Adventure Tourism at Thompson Rivers University, and have since worked in varying guide roles in Ontario, Quebec, NWT, and British Columbia. I spend my winters in Revelstoke, BC as a pro ski patroller. I’m incredibly excited to be a part of the Black Feather family and look forward to many adventures in the spectacular Canadian North!

Dominique Falardeau

Hi, I’m Dominique!

I’m originally from Québec and have been living in British Columbia for the past four years. I’ve always loved being outside; I grew up camping with my family, spent years in the Scouts, and went to summer camp every year. Summer camp is where I fell in love with rivers, and it’s what first got me into guiding. I’ve now been guiding canoe trips for over a decade!

My love for rivers goes beyond guiding, and I’ve been lucky to have had the opportunity to explore rivers all over the province of Québec with friends!

In my opinion, all good trips start with a solid cup of coffee in the morning and a good chat on the water. I’m looking forward to sharing some river time with you!

Marc Godbout

Hi, my name is Marc Godbout. I’ve always had a deep connection with rivers, using them as highways to numerous adventures—if not the adventure itself. I’ve been fortunate enough to paddle and guide in a wide variety of locations, with a few of my favourites being the Karakoram, Patagonia, and Uganda. However, no matter where I go, Canada’s North always draws me back.I’ve always loved sharing my experiences and passing on my passion for the outdoors, and guiding has been the perfect avenue for doing so.

When I’m not guiding, I spend most of my time indulging in one of my other passions: canopy sports, river journeys, climbing, or getting cozy with a good book.

Holly Hamilton

Colleen Hammond

I am Colleen and I have been guiding for Black feather for over a decade. I have paddled, hiked and kayaked in the NWT, Nunavut, B.C., Ontario, Quebec, and Greenland. Pond Inlet is one of my favorite trips … I love the narwhal and the serenity of the open landscapes. The Nahanni is another favorite with its amazing white water, day hikes, and stunning views. On trips I love the feeling of leaving everything behind and the opportunity to travel with the great people that Black Feather trips attract. In my spare time I love to paddle whitewater, back country ski, and pretty much do anything outside. During the year when the north is frozen I have worked for a variety of outdoor education programs, and now instruct at Thompson’s Rivers University.

Shayna Herr

Hi, I’m Shayna! I have been guiding with Black Feather since 2015. Growing up around the Georgian Bay area has developed my enormous passion for being outside and on the water. I have had the pleasure of guiding canoe trips in Southern Ontario and Quebec, sea kayaking on the Bay, as well as hiking through Nunavut and paddling the Nahanni. The North definitely grabbed my heart the moment I landed there. The vast landscape, mountains, cooking over the fire, and that smell of fresh air, all while enjoying good times with new friends – can’t beat it. I am super excited for this next summer of adventures and I look forward to sharing it with you!

Micheil Hill

Ullakut! I’m Mike and I’ve had the privilege of being a Black Feather hiking and canoe guide since 2010. My favourite Blackfeather trip is usually whichever one I have just completed! However, Auyuittuq National Park is a place I hope to keep returning to as often as I can. The landscape has a grandeur beauty that can be felt.  On trip I always enjoy the camaraderie on trail, the history and local flora and the “genius loci” or spirit of the place. In the off season, I spend the time winter camping, climbing and catching up on reading. I also try to remember to fit in my “other job” as a physiotherapist working in out-patient orthopaedics. I am really happy to part of the Black Feather team and look forward to seeing you on the trail someday soon.

Nic Hornsveld

Hello! My name is Nic, and I started working for Black Feather in 2016, guiding on the Nahanni River in Canada’s Northwest Territories. I was born in Ontario, where I discovered my passion for backcountry tripping and exploring river systems. I have been working in the outdoors for the last 10 years, exploring various countries, different parts of Canada, and my favourite, the Yukon and North West Territories. When I am not working, I am usually on a personal trip kayaking, canoeing, hiking, or packrafting. I also enjoy photography, drawing, and learning about the natural world around me.

Matt Houston

Hi, I’m Matt and I started guiding with Black Feather in Summer 2023. I’m originally from Ontario, where I was fortunate to be exposed to canoe tripping with my family from a young age. Since my first trip in Algonquin Provincial Park, I have been hooked ever since!

River travel has taken me to some incredible places and l’ve been fortunate to work and paddle in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, Yukon and the Northwest Territories as well as internationally in the US, Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile, Australia and New Zealand. I’ve worked for a number of organizations, including Camp Pine Crest, the Outdoor Education Group, NOLS and Boreal River. I’ve guided river trips in rafts, canoes and kayaks and love them all! I’m also a river rescue instructor with Boreal River Rescue. For education, I have an BSc. in Environmental Science and a Master of Environmental Studies in Nature-based Recreation and Tourism, where my thesis looked at Risk Management on Youth Adventure Programs.

My home base is now in Squamish BC, which is an amazing place to live, work and play. My spare time is filled with whitewater kayaking, rock climbing, skiing and hiking in the mountains. I work full-time with the North Vancouver School District as the Program Manager at Cheakamus Centre. Cheakamus is an Outdoor Environmental and Indigenous Cultural Education Centre.

By working in education, I’m thrilled to be able to take time in the summer months to guide with Black Feather. There’s no better way to build connections with ourselves, others and our incredible natural world!

Kim Huisman

Hi I’m Kim! I have always been happiest when outside exploring, and I’m grateful to have turned that passion into a life of guiding others into the wilderness. I was introduced to canoeing as a child and quickly fell in love with it, paddling on waters all across Canada with friends, family and as a part of Wanapitei Canoe Tripping Camp. I have been a wilderness guide since 2016, and nothing beats sharing the joy of river travel, incredible wildlife viewing, stunning landscapes, and the rich history and importance of Canada’s unbelievable regions. Some of my favourite trips have been on the Keele, the Bonnet Plume and Wind Rivers in the Yukon’s Peel Watershed, as well as the Bloodvein River in Manitoba. My passion for paddling and swimming in rapids also led me to pursue becoming a Whitewater Rescue Instructor. When not guiding river trips or teaching rescue, I am an elementary teacher at W. Ross Macdonald school for the blind in Brantford ON. I have taught a number of subjects including outdoor education, where I have been so lucky to be a part of helping blind and low vision students learn to love nature as much as I do.

Donald Innualak

Don is one of the longest-serving Black Feather guides in the North. He started washing dishes as a teenager, and has now served as our lead guide on our Floe Edge tours based out of Pond Inlet. Everyone gets excited when Don starts making his signature caribou and onions – if you’re nice to him he might even share some! Don is a great interpreter and loves sharing the stories from his time on the land and the ice.

Ella Kokelj

Hello! My name is Ella, and I did my first trip with BlackFeather as an apprentice in 2019. I grew up in Yellowknife, paddling on the beautiful Tu Nedhe (Great Slave Lake) in the summer, and cross-country skiing on the frozen lake in the winter. My favourite thing about being on trip is having the opportunity to spend time in beautiful places and build relationships with guests and fellow guides.  I’m looking forward to spending time on the river and sharing a trip with you!

Levi Komangapik

Levi has been guiding out of Pond Inlet for many years but is a newer addition to the Black Feather team. Levi and his son Keith have both been big helps on our Floe Edge expeditions. He is a snowmobile repair wizard and a seasoned hunter who enjoys being out on the land and ice. He learned about travelling on the land from his uncle and family from a young age and enjoys sharing that knowledge with our other guides and participants.

Olivier Lapointe

Hi! My name is Olivier Lapointe. Outdoor adventure has always been a important part of my life. I discovered my passion at a very young age while I was doing trips with my family around Canada. I’ve been paddling since my cousins took me on a canoe camping adventure in northern Quebec when I was eight. I fell in love with it. I participate in many other outdoor sports including mountain biking, trail running and cross country skiing. I am currently a student at University of Sherbrooke to become a physical education teacher to share my passion with other generations to come.

Claire Lunan

Hi there, I’m Claire! I started guiding with Black Feather in 2020 as an apprentice and have continued to grow my guiding knowledge throughout the past few years! I grew up in Southern Ontario and my love for canoeing and the outdoors began while attending a camp in Algonquin Park. I have had the opportunity to paddle in Temagami, Georgian Bay, Quebec and the Missinaibi in Northern Ontario. I am currently studying Anthropology and Indigneous Studies at the University of Ottawa and I hope to be able to apply this knowledge into guiding. I love canoe and kayak trips because of the outdoors, the cool people you meet and the amazing experiences you gain through exploring the natural world. I have learned so much about myself and others through paddling – there is something so special about it that is hard to describe! I also love skiing, swimming, music, painting, reading and anything I can do outdoors!

Doug MacGregor

Ask me how absorbently puffy a diaper gets when you jump out of a canoe into the Madawaska River. Yes, I’ve been playing in whitewater for that long. I grew up in the Ontario paddling town of Palmer Rapids, where my parents published Rapid and Paddling Magazine. After summer camp, at 13, I joined a Black Feather trip down the Broken Skull River, NWT, and I was hooked on the North. You may also find me useful as a safety kayaker when you fall out of your raft on the Ottawa River, or if you need to be shown around the mountains in Revelstoke, BC, where I’ve spent the last two winters selling skis and gear and finishing school. Life goals: Do cool stuff… with cool people.

Goliah Makletzoff-Cazon

Mitch McCambly

My name is Mitch McCambly and I’ve had the pleasure of working for Black Feather since 2016. I have been fortunate enough to turn my love for the outdoors into a career through guiding. After graduating with an undergraduate degree in outdoor education, I began guiding canoe trips for youth in the Alberta Rockies. I’ve worked as a guide on the Nahanni River since 2012, and was blown away by the breathtaking canyons and awe-inspiring landscape and instantly fell in love with the place.

My home when I am not on the river is in B.C., where in the winter I work as a cat skiing tail guide at Baldface Lodge. In my free time I enjoy whitewater canoeing, rock climbing, camping, fishing, hiking, snowboarding and spending as much time outside as I possibly can!

My favorite part of guiding is sharing incredible places and experiences with new people. Seeing the awe and inspiration that people take away from a trip constantly reminds me of why I am so passionate about the outdoors.

Rosie McGirl

Hi, I’m Rosie (Rosetta). I love being active and in a natural environment. You’ll find me hiking, paddling, skiing, biking, swimming, creeking, frisbeeing; anything fun in nature.  I dabble with Olympic style weightlifting and sing with a band for small town events periodically. My career as an occupational health nurse led to being a health program administrator in the nuclear industry.  I’m also a mom of two young men in post secondary education.  I was a summer camper at Wanapitei canoe tripping camp from ages 11-14, began working at 15 and guiding kids and adult trips at 16.  I started with Blackfeather in 1993, guiding whitewater canoe, sea kayaking and hiking trips. I’m looking forward to this summer’s trips with amazing adventurous people and delicious outdoor cooking.

Jacob Morton

Hi there, I’m Jacob. I got my start canoe tripping at the age of 6 when I went on my first overnight canoe trip with YMCA Camp Pine Crest. I loved it so much that I would spend the next 10 summers returning to participate in various trips around Canada. I took a small hiatus from long trips while studying kinesiology in university. In 2021 I returned to canoe tripping and started my guiding career with YMCA Camp Pine Crest. Working and teaching youth on multi-week canoe trips allowed me to share my passion for river travel and make life-long connections. I joined the Black Feather team in 2022 and have had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing people. For me the best part of guiding is the connections we make to both the people and the environment around us. In my free time I love to go paddling with friends, fly fish, ski and climb. I am beyond honoured to be a part of such an incredible organization.

Greg Nettleton

Hi I’m Greg, and I love being outside. As a child, family camping trips, scouts, and summer camp helped shape me and my love for the outdoors. I’ve worked as an outdoor educator, white water canoeing instructor, and guide for the past eight years. I also went to Brock University to study Outdoor Recreation and Leisure studies. In my spare time I love to go paddling as much as possible, skiing, fishing, and skipping rocks. I’ve been fortunate that my love of paddling and canoe tripping has taken me across Canada, the US, and New Zealand, and I’m super excited to share that love with others this summer. Note: Fun fact about Greg is that if you spell his name backwards it’s Gerg!

Rob Norton

Hello there! My name is Rob and I’ve been guiding for Black Feather since 2010. In this time, I’ve had the pleasure of canoeing beautiful rivers in NWT, Yukon, Nunavut, Quebec and Ontario, and spending time on the Floe Edge. I have loved each and every one of my trips. A few of my greatest memories have come on the Coppermine River. I love the trip for the excellent wildlife, great scenery, rich history and awesome fishing. I find tripping is an excellent way for people to get out and explore our expansive northern wilderness and create new memories with other like-minded individuals. My hobbies include playing & listening to music, white-water paddling, skiing, fishing and playing hockey. I also enjoy poetry and long walks on the beach in the moonlight.

Maligiaq Padilla

My name is Maligiaq, which means “following waves growing up”. I am from Greenland.

My first memories of being on the water are with my grandfather’s wooden boat hunting seals and sea birds. As I grew up, I would look outside and the first thing I would see is my grandfather’s kayak frame on the racks – with so many hunting stories behind it. This is where I started kayaking in 1994. I started travelling around the world in 1998, learning other countries’ cultures.  For 10 years, I lived in Alaska learning Alaskan native cultures, traditional kayak designs and history.  I am honoured to have been part of Black Feather’s guide team in the summer of 2025 in the most northern populated region of Greenland: the fjord south of Qaanaaq.  I am excited for the next trip in Greenland to meet you and guide you.  See you in Greenland!

Hannah Pham

I’ve had the great pleasure of leading trips with Black Feather since 2014.  I’ve been on trips in Southern Ontario, Quebec and the North West Territories and have seen some spectacular places as a result. My favorite part about being on trip is spending time with new people and cooking on the open fire.  I’m best known for my obsession with dogs, which makes me grateful for the wildlife sightings I get to see on trip.  I’ve just become a licenced teacher in Ontario, and enjoy the interactions with the children. I live an active lifestyle, which fuels my love for many sports including hockey, skiing, running and swimming. When unoccupied by sports, studies or work, you will find me curled up in front of Netflix likely eating something unhealthy.

Graham Pressick

I grew up in Courtice, Ontario but was fortunate to spend most weekends and summers at my family’s cottage near Bon Echo Provincial Park. My passion for canoe tripping started when my parents signed me up for a 2-week trip down the Spanish River with a YMCA summer camp. After this trip, I was hooked, and continued attending and eventually leading trips for the same camp over the next decade. I started guiding with Black Feather in the spring of 2021 and am really excited to be a part of such a strong community. My favourite parts of guiding are catching and cooking a shore lunch of fresh fish and the genuine bonds that form through shared experiences. Outside of guiding, I studied Biology in my undergrad at Queen’s and then took a few years off to work and travel before returning to school for Teacher’s College in the fall of 2019. Since graduating, I have moved to the community of Igloolik, Nunavut where I am teaching grade 6. In my free time I enjoy staying active on the land by fishing, hunting, cross country skiing, and paddling.

Sarah Rab

Hi my name is Sarah and I have been working for Black Feather since 2020. I am from Ottawa, Ontario which has definitely fuelled my passion for the outdoors and given me the incredible opportunity to learn to paddle, hike, ski and more. This passion for the outdoors has been paired with a love of nature and a great curiosity for earth and environmental science. I am currently working towards a co-op degree in Environmental Science at the University of Waterloo. When I am not studying or working I love nordic skiing, paddling, reading and cooking or baking to name a few. I am so excited to enter a new season with Black Feather and look forward to getting to know lots of incredible people. I am excited to share some amazing new adventures!

Caleb Roberts

I am grateful to be part of the Black Feather family and have been guiding on Northern and Southern rivers, and enjoying trips for many years. Having grown up in the woods of southern Ontario, I love all things outdoors and started my guiding career with a local camp in Ontario and Quebec. When I am not paddling (which is not often), I am behind my camera, operating my drone or putting together exciting paddling videos. I also love experimenting with delicious camp meals and brewing delicious camp coffee. I am super excited for the next guiding season and all the adventures that will come with it.

Robbi Sangoya

Robbi was born and raised in Pond Inlet, Nunavut, and is an active hunter who spends much of his time on the land and ice with his family. He has been guiding on the Floe Edge with Black Feather for many seasons. He is amazing at fixing anything we manage to break, and has a great sense of humour, always ready for a good laugh even at the toughest times.

Colin Smith

Hi! My name is Colin and I’ve been guiding with Black Feather since 2007. I’ve enjoyed guiding canoe trips in the Yukon, NWT, Nunavut and Ontario/Quebec. When not guiding for Black Feather, I also work as an Ice Rescue Instructor. I can usually be found in Ontario, enjoying the lakes, rivers and snow, although this winter I will be spending time up in the Yukon. The North is in my soul and I always feel very privileged to work there with the land and the people. I look forward to sharing your next adventure with you and helping to add a Black Feather in your cap!

Jack Soley

Hello,

Though new to Black Feather, I have been a sailing and sea kayaking instructor, staff trainer and Board member for Outward Bound since 1986.

I have spent many years exploring the sub arctic coastal shores of Newfoundland and Labrador as well as the high arctic fjords of Greenland.

In addition to guiding, I have spent a large portion of my life behind a desk honing my sitting and telephone skills. I hold a Coast Guard Master Captain’s license and Emergency Medical Technician certification. Most importantly, I have had the wonderful fortune to raise a child who is now off in the world pursing her own adventures.

Candice Stuart

Hi!  I’m Candice and some of the best moments in my life have been on shared adventures in remote wilderness areas in Canada and abroad.  I have had the privilege of being part of the Black Feather team since 2011.  My guiding career has taken me to many places across Ontario, Quebec, Labrador, Arctic Canada and Greenland, the latter two which I am extremely excited and passionate about.  Doing both research (glaciology) and guiding (hiking and sea kayaking) in these remote northern regions has offered me stunning wildlife viewing opportunities, the ability to view climate change first hand, continued learning of those who call this area home and the enjoyment 24 hour of daylight can bring!  Some of my best Black Feather moments have been spent trying to find the words to describe the sheer beauty and magnitude of these places which most often defy words.  What I love most about guiding is the shared adventure of these moments, vistas, histories, geographical significance of place, stories and laughs with the people who join us.  My “pay-the-bills” career is teaching environmental science, physical geography and outdoor education to high school students within the public system; my hope is that I am nurturing a love and passion within our young adults for the natural environment and Canada’s remote, rugged and wild places.  My personal interests involve the outdoors and protecting our wild places.  Beyond the great outdoors I enjoy reading, cooking, my golden retriever Ellie (Ellesmere), lake time, running and cycling.

Dana Sykora

Hello! My name is Dana, and for as long as I can remember I have loved water, either being in it or on it, no matter the craft. Growing up in Ontario, I was raised on lakes and rivers, and paddling has always been one of my passions. That, coupled with an undying love for sleeping outside under the stars has led me here, guiding and teaching Outdoor Education as a career; and I feel so lucky to wake up each day and do what I do. I started working for Black Feather in 2015, guiding trips down the awe-inspiring Nahanni River in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Since then, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to paddle many of the rivers Black Feather offers, as well as branching out to some pretty incredible sea kayaking as well. I’ve adventured around the world in so many incredible spaces, from New Zealand to China and beyond. But no matter where I go, the North keeps calling me back. It will do the same to you, I guarantee it. I look forward to seeing you out there.

Marcie Trenholm

I am extremely excited and honoured to be guiding for Black Feather this season. Water has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, however, it wasn’t until after high school where I began considering making a career out of my love for the outdoors. I began guiding multi day kayak tours on the beautiful shorelines of western Canada in 2008 and spent my winter months working in the mountain around Golden, B.C., where I now call home. I have been raft guiding on the Kicking Horse River (class IV) for over a decade now, and ski patrolling at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in the winter months. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to experience new adventures and create new friendships – see you on the water!

Isadora van Riemsdijk

I have been planning and executing adventures on land and water for adults and youth for thirty-something years.

Like the rest of the Black Feather team, I love everything about outdoor tripping but take particular satisfaction in the pre-trip planning and post-trip gear repair steps.  I know every great adventure starts with amazing people, food, equipment, transportation, safety, communication, permits, etc.  I’ve organized and led canoe trips through 4000 km of northern Canadian and Alaskan rivers, with more in Ontario and Quebec.  Recently, I merged a lifetime of experience as an engineering project manager and Guider with Girl Guides of Canada, with my camping experience to forge a new role as a base camp manager with some duties in logistics.   I also work to maintain my training in Wilderness First Response and White Water Rescue.

My favourite rivers all flow north into the Arctic and my favourite mountains are in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.  I love bright colours, interesting people, clever camp cuisine, vintage gear, and packing smart –  “Everything should have more than one purpose”.  Ask me about the dozen uses I have for my hat!

Yannick Victor

Hi my name is Yannick and I have recently started guiding with Blackfeather. Growing up in the Outaouais, canoe trips were part of every summer. I discovered whitewater expeditions in 2017 and haven’t looked back. Through the seasons I have been lucky enough to paddle on Vancouver Island, in Ontario, Southwestern US and Quebec. During the winter months you will find me backcountry skiing in Gaspésie and working away in my painting studio. I am very excited to share the river with you soon!

Keith Watson

Although a newer member of the Black Feather team, I bring over 25 years of whitewater canoeing experience with me.  Whether tripping, creeking, play boating, slalom racing, or teaching, I have always been at home on the water and have a strong passion for exploring the wilderness.  I look forward to new outdoor adventures, and to sharing my knowledge, experience and love of paddling with others. When not on the river, I spend my time with my family including two miniature schnauzers, Eddy and Quinn and creating custom wood and epoxy tables and other pieces in my home studio.

Tim Wheeler

Hello! I am Tim. I enjoy long walks on the varied terrains of the High Arctic and paddling rivers flowing downstream.  My bald spot may suggest I am older than the average guide but working in the Outdoor industry for 20 years, and with Black Feather since 2003, gives me the ability to morph your desires into experiences.  In my spare time, I teach Technical Rescue courses for Raven Rescue and enjoy frolicking in most outdoor pursuits.  I have a habit of running into large scary animals and leaving with great photographs! Seeking friendships (as Black Feather introduced me to my wife, Sarah Peters) to travel and explore the outdoors.

Jamie Whiteside

The best times in my life have been outdoors and on big adventures. From a solid year of hiking, biking and traveling around New Zealand and Australia when I was 17, to canoe, kayak and ski adventures with friends, or leading expeditions and guiding in the high Arctic,  Patagonia and the Himalaya’s, my life has been full of rich experiences with great people in special places. I am a Paddle Canada moving water instructor (and instructor trainer), an ACMG ski mountaineering and hiking guide, and have a master’s degree in leadership and training from Royal Roads University. While I can and do enjoy the comforts of home in Golden, BC, puttering in my garden, and the nice lodge where I work as a Heli ski guide in the winter (with my own comfy bed!), I seem to spend as many nights around a campfire or cook stove, tent and sleeping mat in some wild location around the globe. I still get back to my Alberta ranch country roots, and love to pull out my guitar for a little Folk music when I can. I look forward to meeting you out on trip!