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!