About Us

Ken MacDiarmid

Working at Black Feather continues to be a dream come true for me.  Since learning about the freedom of the wilderness as a young person at summer camp the outdoors has been a happy place.  Guiding and instructing has allowed me to share that joy with a lot of people in many special places, and I hope 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 there are so many that I have not yet experienced!  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.

Stef MacDiarmid

I’ve been part of the Black Feather team since 2015, and since the birth of my son Will have expanded into the roles of Social Media Coordinator and Community Outreach Coordinator.  River travel has been a staple of my adult life, and with Black Feather I have guided many of the Ontario and Quebec classics, as well as rivers in the Yukon, NWT and Nunavut. My journey into canoe tripping started on the lakes of Algonquin Park and soon grew to include whitewater, with time spent rafting and kayaking internationally gaining more skills. I love being outside, teaching and playing outdoors, and am a Paddle Canada and Canoe Kayak Canada instructor trainer for kayak and canoe. When I’m not working with Black Feather, I’m ski patrolling at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, near my home in Golden, B.C. 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!

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 am now the owner and director of Black Feather. This is a rewarding and multifaceted profession. I enjoy the challenges and rewards of operating a wilderness adventure company, the amazing people that I 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 North West 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.

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 BlackFeather 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 duties in logistics and administration.  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 loves 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!

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.

Sam Mckibbon

My passion for leading people in the outdoors started in earnest in my second year of university.  I had joined the Queen’s Outdoors Club and found a passionate community of outdoor people who took my previous passion of fishing and canoeing with my family as a kid and turned it into a full blown everything outdoors obsession. I quickly discovered the joy of introducing people to the joy and mystery of the outdoors. University summers were spent pursuing my passion as a raft guide, camp leader and whitewater instructor as I built toward the goal of guiding for an expedition outfit.
I joined Black Feather in the summer of 2015. I’ve been privileged to guided trips on the Petawawa, Nahanni, Coppermine, and done two Traverses of Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island.
I now work as a full time Industrial Arts teacher in BC where the pursuit of my passions are always close by and where I am lucky to have summers off which allow me to join you on a Black Feather trip.

Kate Ming-Sun

Hi, I’m Kate!. I came to canoeing quite late only learning how to paddle in 2012 (on my 35th birthday!) and I haven’t looked back. While I’m at my most zen on the water, one of my favourite things to do as a guide is to cook for clients. Flavours seem so much more robust after a good day paddling. When I’m not guiding I teach business classes to college students who are learning to be guides. I look forward to sharing an adventure with you this summer.

Mark Orzel

I’m Mark, and I recently retired as an educational professional with 33 years of experience teaching high school in Ontario. I also instruct Paddle Canada and O.R.C.K.A. Moving Water courses when not guiding. I’m passionate about life-long learning so endeavour to bring that to my work every day, particularly on the river.

One of my favourite things about being a guide is the camaraderie that is shared by a group; paddling and living together in the wilderness.

When I’m not working on the water, I love spending time with my wife, three children and my Australian Cattle Dog, Maeve. During the seasons of ice and snow, you can find me feeding my competitive nature through cross-country ski racing, or simply enjoying ripping some lines telemark style.

Zack Pelletier

My name is Zack Pelletier from Montreal, Quebec. I have been working as a guide for Black Feather since 2014. I am also working to become an engineer. When not guiding or student-ing, I try to spend as much time as I can skiing, reading, and paddling any whitewater I can find. My favorite Black Feather trip to date is the Nahanni Moose Ponds trip, as it not only provides seemingly endless whitewater but also how you are able to observe the river evolve drastically over 600km of beautiful wilderness. Black Feather has taken me to many fantastic locations over the years, however in my experience what makes a memorable trip is the amazing people that I have the opportunity to share those experiences with. Looking forward to paddling with YOU sometime soon!

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.

Andrew Pichora

I’ve been guiding with Black Feather since 2009. Over the past several years, I have enjoyed rivers in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, and Québec. Some of my favorite rivers are the Nahanni, Mountain and Coppermine.  Every trip presents the opportunity for new experiences! Every Black Feather trip brings together people of varying backgrounds and perspectives. It’s a wonderful way to meet new interesting people while exploring Canada’s beauty.  In 2014 I finished my Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie University, with a major in general Biology.

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.

Kurtis Randall

Hello. I have been working with Black Feather canoeing and sea kayaking across Canada during the summers since 2006. My favorite river is the Bloodvein River in Manitoba for its exciting whitewater, beautiful Canadian shield landscape, warm water and mosquitoes… though, I spend most of my time on northern rivers. I am a Paddle Canada advanced moving water instructor or both solo and tandem canoes and enjoy sharing my knowledge of white water paddling with others, as well as improving my own skills. Besides summer work with Black Feather, I spend my winters skiing, travelling or working as a sea kayak guide in Antarctica. I graduated university with a bachelor of science in geology at Laurentian university, and this has proven useful time and again looking at the natural world while on trips. The most exciting thing I’ve done recently is visit the roof of the world in Nepal. I look forward to meeting you on a river!

Steve Ruskay

I have worked outside full time as a guide, instructor, photographer, avalanche forecaster, and ski patroller since 1999.  During this time, I’ve guided on the arctic ice floe, in the most remote fjords of Greenland and amongst the giant ice of Antarctica.  With thousands of kilometers of wilderness leadership, I have hiked, canoed and kayaked in every geographical region in Canada. I am a recognized director of instructor training of sea kayaking, avalanche skills training, and wilderness leadership, as well as an Ice Rescue and Swift Water Rescue instructor. I work full time as a Firefigher in Ottawa. My other pastimes include playing my guitar and flying airplanes. I look forward seeing you on your next adventure!

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 lakss, rivers and snow. 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 adding a Black Feather in your cap!

Graham Stirling-Moffet

My name is Graham Stirling-Moffet, and I started guiding with Black Feather in 2015. I spent my formative years skiing, paddling, and sharing outdoor experiences with family and friends. I found my introduction to the outdoor industry through the Whitewater Intensive Leadership Development program in 2012 at Esprit Rafting. I graduated as a computer science and business student at Queen’s University. Considering this doesn’t quite complement my passion for the outdoors, I am very fortunate to be able to spend my summer months working in the Canadian outdoors. I always look forward to sharing my love for the outdoors with others; paddling, exploring, playing music, and sharing unique experiences. I hope to share some of these experiences with you in the near future!

Candice Stuart

Hi! I’m Candice and I have had the privilege and enjoyed guiding Black Feather trips since 2011.  My guiding career has taken me to many places across Ontario, Quebec, Labrador, Arctic Canada and Greenland, the latter two places of which I am extremely excited and passionate about.  Doing both research and guiding (hiking and paddling) in remote northern regions has offered me stunning wildlife viewing opportunities, the ability to view climate change first hand and the enjoyment 24-hours 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 sharing these moments, vistas, histories, geographical significance, stories and laughs with the people who come on trip.  My “pay-the-bills” job is teaching 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 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 also enjoy reading, cooking, my puppy (an Inuit Sled dog), running and cycling.

Dana Sykora

Hello! My name is Dana, and I started working for Black Feather in 2015, guiding trips down the amazing and awe-inspiring Nahanni River in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Growing up in Ontario, I was raised on and in the water, and canoeing has been one of my passions for as long as I can remember. 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. When I’m not in the field or paddling, I also love reading, writing, travelling to the far reaches of the earth and rock climbing…but through it all, no matter what, the water will always my favorite place to be.

Dave Weir

I began my guiding career straight out of high school in 1987 at Strathcona Park Lodge on Vancouver Island by graduating from the Canadian Outdoor Leadership Training Program. Since then I have guided and instructed for a number of organizations, including the National Outdoor Leadership School, Ecomarine Coastal Kayaking School, Whitney & Smith Legendary Expeditions, Explorers Corner and Black Feather. I have been privileged to guide in many locations, including much of the British Columbia and Alaska Coast, the Sea of Cortez and even Patagonia. It was when I first guided in the Arctic in 1999, that I knew I was home.
In the Arctic, I have guided in Northwest Greenland, Baffin and Bylot Islands, Banks Island, on the mainland Arctic Coast and extensively on Ellesmere Island. I have guided on land, sea, river and ice. Outside of work, my adventures have included high altitude mountaineering expeditions, long route rock climbing, bike touring, white water canoeing and kayaking and many, many miles shouldering a backpack.  Over the years, I have earned a reputation for careful, considered judgement and decision making. I have been extensively involved in training new guides and I am a founding member of the Association of Canadian Sea Kayak Guides.

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 15 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!

Tegan Brock

Hello there! I have been part of the Black Feather family since 2012, and have had the opportunity to lead sea kayaking trips along Georgian Bay, and whitewater river trips in Ontario, Quebec, and the Northwest Territories. 
My earlier years have been filled with canoe trips in Algonquin Park and Temagami, and whitewater kayaking on the Madawaska River.  While on trip I enjoy sharing stories, learning from others, and experiencing each day as a unique opportunity for something new, as well as a time for reflection.  I have a B.Sc. degree in Environmental Science and a post-graduate diploma in Applied and Community-based Research, and am committed to expanding my understanding of land-use projects and policy in Canada. 
I adore baking, creating good food, and swimming in fresh water.  I am in perpetual awe of the Canadian wilderness and look forward to enjoying its wonders, beauty and challenges with you.

Caleb Roberts

I have been part of the Black Feather family since. Having grown up in the woods of southern Ontario, I love all things outdoors and have spent the last five summer guiding 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.  

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.

Jake Fell

My name is Jake and I have been happily guiding for Black Feather since 2015! In this time I have had the pleasure of guiding trips in Ontario, Quebec, the Yukon, the NWT, and Nunavut! I grew up white water paddling and before guiding for Black Feather I spent the majority of my summers out on the land in some way or another and my winters cross country skiing!  When I’m not on trip I’m either paddling, skiing or fishing.. I love meeting new people and getting to know people from around the world has definitely been one of the best aspects of guiding these past summers! Rivers hold a very special place in my heart and the opportunity to share my excitement for wild places is what keeps me excited to come back each year! I truly love being outside and look forward to seeing you on the river this summer!

Willa Mason

I live in Chelsea, Quebec, but I’ve grown up on the rivers – It’s the moments spent on the water with the paddling community that have shaped me the most. Since 2017, I have had the privilege of helping others to find that river magic for themselves through Black Feather. The Gatineau Park was the first patch of wilderness to catch my attention, and I’m now motivated by helping others to develop their own passion for the great outdoors.

When I’m not guiding, I’m either teaching whitewater canoeing skills courses, playing on steeper rivers, or occasionally at a desk, studying Social Communications in Ottawa. However, you’re more likely to find me roadtripping from one adventure to another, in my hatchback named Hank!

Be it a tripping canoe, a slalom racing canoe, a playboat, or a “steep creeker”, in a canoe is my favourite place to be.

Clara Boiscair

I started working for Black Feather in 2017 and I am always excited to be on the river in our spectacular Canadian northern wilderness. I fell in love with river tripping and outdoor activities in my teens as I went to summer camp in Quebec where I grew up. I then decided to turn this passion into a guiding career. I completed an Adventure Tourism Diploma in 2008, and I have been leading canoe and backpacking trips now for over 10 years, in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, the Yukon, and the NWT. My first taste of the north was in 2010, and I have been guiding northern trips since, as the beauty and the immensity of Canada’s north keeps calling me back. Some of my favorite river trips are the Snake, the Broken Skull, the Nahanni and the Moisie (Qc). I teach Paddle Canada canoe courses once in a while. In the winter, I work as a tail guide at Crescent Spur Heli-skiing and K3 Cat Ski, near Revelstoke, BC, where I now call home.  I look forward to share my next adventure with you!

Garret Boyd

My name is Garret, and I started guiding with Black Feather in 2006.  Since a young age, I have always felt most at home traveling and exploring wilderness environments.  I find joy in the simplicity, beauty, excitement and challenge of wilderness tripping.  I spend my winters guiding backcountry skiing throughout British Columbia and Japan. Summers are filed with guiding rivers and mountain hiking, with a variety of people, places and intentions.  When I have time away from guiding, I putter away at my off-grid homestead, growing food, spending time with my young family in my backyard near Golden BC.

Pascal Bredin

Salut, je m’appelle Pascal! As I grew up canoe-camping with my parents and in summer camps, my love for both paddling and nature have ended up playing a big part in my life. In 2017, I paddled from Québec City to the Winnipeg River and back to Ottawa in one season, paddling for a total five and a half months, three of which were solo. I’m thankful to have had been able to enjoy wonderful rivers, amazing lakes and relive in a certain way what the voyageurs did. Among all the breath taking places, Lake Superior has a special place in my heart with it’s immense power, passive beauty and endless sunsets. I live to go back out on expedition, discover new places and catch up with old ones. While I wait to wrap my hands around a paddle, I study biology in university. I’m incredibly excited to guide for Black Feather and to create new memories with you!

Maureen Bretz

I’ve had the privilege of guiding canoe and sea kayak trips for Black Feather for almost 2 decades. I’ve guided rivers and lakes in Ontario, Quebec, Northern BC, Nunavut, NWT and the Yukon.  My personal passion for the outdoors began early, camping on Georgian Bay. Competitive whitewater kayaking in my youth led me to explore many adventures on several continents  – hiking, cross country skiing, biking, canoeing, whitewater and sea kayaking. On trips you are likely to see me with a camera in hand, or on my hands and knees with a book, wondering and sharing about the local flora, fauna and geology of new landscapes.   My favourite things about guiding: watching the group become cohesive, teaching and learning new skills, rising to the occasion with challenges, and enjoying stories and good food around the campfire. When I’m  not guiding I love to putter in my garden, photograph, read,  hike, paddle, ski and dream of upcoming trips.

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. 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.

Adrick Brock

I grew up paddling in Ontario’s Madawaska Valley and have run rivers in Quebec, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. Back country life is a perfect compliment and counterpoint to my life in Vancouver, where I work as a writer and researcher during the cooler (wetter) months. I might just be at my best outside: trailing running, whitewater canoeing and hiking in the alpine. You can count on me for strong morning coffee and a great day on the river!

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. 

Sarah Creasor

I grew up on Georgian Bay and many of the surrounding lakes which led to my love for water. I became exposed to kayaking and canoeing at a young age and started guiding as an apprentice on Georgian Bay in the summer of 2010. I then started with Black Feather in the spring of 2015. One of my favourite parts about guiding is that each trip is so different because of the people you meet, and what they bring to the experience. When I’m not guiding in the summers I’ve been spending my time studying Chiropractic Medicine. In my spare time my other interests include: horse-back riding, nordic skiing and biking to name a few!

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!

Natalie Gillis

Hi! My name is Natalie and I’ve had the pleasure of guiding Black Feather trips since 2010. I’ve led sea kayaking, canoeing and hiking trips throughout the Canadian North and some of my favorite routes have included the hikes on Baffin and Ellesmere Island in the high arctic; I especially love these hikes for the sense of knowing that everything you need is in your head or on your back. I feel the best trips are the ones that take you far into the wilderness, where the distractions of everyday life are distant and far removed; it’s these types of trips attract the company of incredible individuals who bring adventure to life. I enjoy creative writing, photography, skiing, whitewater kayaking, literature, cooking and playing guitar.

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.

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!