Taking a trip into the arctic wilderness, you need a great team around you. And we have the greatest. You’ll join elite paddle guides trained to the highest standards in the industry. Many live up here, so we know the North better than anyone else.
As your safety is paramount, our canoe & kayak guides are certified to the highest levels in wilderness first aid, swiftwater rescue, and Paddle Canada. Many are leaders in the outdoor industry as certified instructors. All are licensed with the territorial government and drilled at pre-season orientation in our procedures, emergency plan, wildlife observation regulations, and rules set out to respect indigenous communities and cultural artifacts.
Our guides lead trips with care and enthusiasm, keeping everyone safe at all times, but with equal attention to group morale and well-being. We work tirelessly to exceed your trip goals and see the best that the river and the land has to offer. When asked what they appreciated about our guides, past guests have commented that they are extremely professional, make sensible decisions, and are a lot of fun!
An extraordinary arctic expedition isn’t automatic. It takes a team of skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced paddle professionals to make it possible. Our guides hail from a diverse range of paddling backgrounds and education. A wealth of tripping experience and passion for the North is what they all have in common.
Dan grew up in Yellowknife, where he lives today with his partner Caitlyn & cat Minou. He is grateful for true wilderness access and is a proud northerner.
Dan is an experienced guide and paddling instructor, who will always get excited to explore a new remote route by canoe and kayak.
As the owner of Jackpine Paddle, Dan dedicated his early career to public service and politics. He has a masters degree in Political Science, first ran for territorial legislature at the age of 18, and served as a Yellowknife City Councillor from 2012-2015.
Smart enough to get out of politics, Dan founded Jackpine Paddle in 2016. Since then the business has grown to the adventure of his life (and full-time preoccupation).
Dan is blessed with mixed ancestry and a forever youthful appearance. Believe it or not, he is almost 40. Life is short, go for a paddle!
Pierre-Benoit Rondeau-Chalifoux, commonly referred as « Pierre » or « PB », is an aficionado of intensity and performance. Living in the Northwest Territories since 2014, he believes hard in preparation, self-discipline and resourcefulness. His academic background in outdoor intervention coupled with his extensive experience leading outdoor expeditions and living in the bush all contribute into making him a great asset for any outdoor projects.
His leadership skills, experience in teaching and living up North have shaped a versatile individual that is adaptable and adventurous. He has been a guide and instructor at Jackpine Paddle since 2015 and led numerous trips on the barrenlands and on the East Arm of Great Slave Lake.
In their home of Hay River, PB operates his own adventure company with his partner Mila: Northern Escape
Sean Magee, most commonly known as Magee, grew up around outdoor adventures through his family’s business in Ontario. There is a legend that he may have been conceived in a canoe! He began his paddling career working as a camp counselor, then a canoe and kayak instructor and then a guide. His over 20 years of professional and nearly 40 years of personal experience have given him the privilege of exploring waterways around the world, and sharing his passion with those that join him. He and his wife moved north together after completing the 1,500 km trip from Fort Providence to Inuvik, which was the first time they stepped foot in a canoe together. The great waters of the Deh Cho (Mackenzie River) wouldn’t let them go. He calls Yellowknife home along with his wife and two daughters (both got into a canoe within the first few weeks of their lives), where he teaches high school science. He wants you to come on the next adventure, and don’t leave the kids at home!
Peter was born in Inuvik, NWT. He also spent time growing up in Ontario where he first began his passion for paddling on the Petawawa and Ottawa River. His favourite form of travel includes canoeing and kayaking but he does enjoy a boat with a kicker when out on the Mackenzie Delta. Peter is certified as a Paddle Canada and ORCA instructor, whitewater safety technician and wilderness first responder. He has a diploma in Outdoor Adventure from Algonquin College. As an indigenous man and adventurer he loves to share outdoor experiences with anyone and everyone.
Peter has guided with Jackpine Paddle on North Arm kayak expeditions, and looks forward to seeing you on the water and says “Nidivee Goozu!”
Evan grew up paddling on the lakes and rivers of Central Ontario. His interest in outdoor education later led him further north to Lake Superior where he completed a diploma in adventure recreation and began leading sea kayaking trips on the big lake. After a few years of guiding kayaking trips, he began increasing his river and whitewater tandem canoe experience with personal trips on Northern Ontario and Northern B.C. rivers. While in British Columbia he completed a Conservation Science degree at UNBC. He began guiding for Jackpine Paddle in the summers since 2020 and spending more and more time in the North – that he is now an official NWT resident.
Evan is a certified Paddle Canada canoe and kayak instructor, wilderness first responder (WFR), and whitewater rescue technician. In the north Evan has led multiple canoe trips through the Barrenlands (Clarke, Thelon, Horton rivers), and kayaking trips on Great Slave Lake. On trip you can find him interpreting natural history, identifying plant species, cooking a hearty meal, or finding the right place to fish.
I have always loved paddling for the access to remote natural spaces and ability to push my limits in the outdoors. I grew up canoeing. During university on Vancouver Island, I began whitewater kayaking and fell further in love with paddling. After graduating, I have balanced work both in environmental contracting and as a paddling instructor/ canoe guide in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. This will be my third season for Jackpine as a whitewater canoe instructor and guide. I feel so privileged to experience these incredible environments, and enjoy sharing the magic with others. I love backcountry baking and nature fun facts, and will liberally share both with clients while on expedition. This summer, I’ll also be joining an expedition to raise awareness for the benefits of outdoor activities on mental health – follow us.
Rae Panayi was born and raised in Yellowknife, NT. She grew up paddling and exploring the lakes in the surrounding areas. She went to camp Wanapitei which gave her experiences in whitewater and longer trips. Last summer she completed a challenging two-month trip through the mountains in the Yukon on the Snake and Peel rivers. She is currently studying at Trent University with a major in Biology in the Teachers’ Education Program. She is excited to have a summer full of guiding and exploring across the central barrenlands, including on the Clarke-Thelon Rivers
Mariele Guerrero was raised on the coast of Nova Scotia by a family of seafaring fishermen whose ancestors were some of the earliest settlers to establish a home on a small archipelago, the LaHave Islands. Now a self-proclaimed “certified professional dirtbag”, Mariele sees no distinction between work and play, and makes a life of wilderness exploration and adventure while mostly living in the back of her van. Mariele’s adventures have taken her to remote locations around the world and led her to develop an extensive backcountry travel log across disciplines of stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking, skiing/splitboarding, and hiking, but throughout them all she is constantly seeking to connect with the environment, cultures, and people that surround her in order to explore the vastness of modalities through which knowledge is expressed.
Mariele has guided on several of our canoe expeditions from the Keele River to the Lower Horton River.
I grew up in Yellowknife and enjoy spending my summers on the river and lake systems of the Northwest Territories. My love for paddling started with annual flatwater trips with friends and family upon which I got to explore endlessly and learn about the rich paddling culture of the north. These early paddling experiences instilled in me an appreciation for the beauty of the land but also taught me the necessity of resilience and teamwork in navigating its challenges.
My knowledge of paddling began to grow as I entered camps with local outfitters and again when I started to work for them at 14. Eventually I earned certifications as a Paddle Canada camping and whitewater canoe instructor. This will be my fourth summer guiding for Jackpine Paddle. My enthusiasm for paddling has grown with my exposure to more remote and challenging bodies of water, most recently on the rivers of Southern Vancouver Island and the Ottawa River Valley. Nowadays, the paddling highlights of my summer include playboat kayaking on the Slave River and getting to explore the vast wilderness of the north with Jackpine Paddle.
Colin is an avid outdoor enthusiast with a passion for wildlife and backcountry river exploration. After acquiring a degree in environmental studies, he launched his paddling career as a guide and Paddle Canada instructor, holding a variety of instructor certifications in canoeing and whitewater kayaking.
His most distinguished guiding project featured on the Dirtbag Diaries podcast involved a 78 year old retired wildlife biologist with late stage Parkinson’s disease on a two week canoeing expedition through the Pimachiowin Aki boreal wilderness. A project that would spark his advocacy for accessibility and inclusivity as a pillar to backcountry exploration.
Not long after, Colin began to seek out his next personal paddling frontier and quickly grew fond of the North, where the rich pockets of wilderness still remain abundantly and pure. Since joining Jackpine Paddle in 2021, Colin’s backcountry resourcefulness paired with his vibrant character has brought a buoyant energy to our team.
Hannah is a strong believer that the best times in life begin with eating good food with good people in the outdoors. Growing up with sea-kayaking guides as parents, her summers were spent on the water. Hannah is a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Paddle Canada kayak and stand-up-paddle-board instructor and an experienced guide.
Beyond guiding, Hannah’s keen interest into the inner workings of the human body led to the completion of a Master of Science degree focusing on the physiology of pain. She believes that the greater the understanding one has of systems and anatomy of their body enhances injury prevention, recovery and the ability to acquire new physical skills.
Her drive for spending as much time outside as possible led to chasing rivers to kayak, mountains to ski and trails to bike and is thrilled to share the trips of a lifetime in the Northern wilderness with Jackpine Paddle guests.
Jack was born and raised in Yellowknife, where he lives now. He grew up spending time outside and going on canoe trips with his family on the lakes of the Northwest territories. He was later able to gain even more experience with Camp Wanapitei by paddling rivers in northern Ontario and Quebec. He has completed a two month canoe trip that took him from Northern Saskatchewan to Arviat on the coast of Nunavut.
He is a first aid responder, bilingual and has his life saving bronze cross. He also has intermediate Paddle Canada skill certification for both flat water and moving water tandem canoe and is a certified instructor.
Jack is entering his 4th season with Jackpine Paddle.
Liam Grew up in Ontario and moved to Yellowknife in 2020. He has completed a diploma program from Algonquin College in Outdoor Adventure focusing on paddle sports and guiding. Liam is a lake and moving water canoe instructor certified through Paddle Canada. His paddle experience is in canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. However, his favourite trips have always been by canoe.
Liam is certified as a wilderness first responder, as well as a whitewater rescue technician. After Multiple seasons paddling in Northwest Territories Liam continues to return to the north for his love of wilderness trips in some of the most intact and natural sections of wilderness in North America.
Kira has lived in Yellowknife for her whole life. She grew up canoeing and kayaking on Great Slave Lake and nearby lake systems with her family, and progressively branched out to explore more remote Northern paddling destinations. This is where she grew to appreciate the North’s diverse and extensive history, flora and fauna. Kira grew up participating in Jackpine Paddle’s youth programs which gave her the fundamental skills to recently make the transition to guiding on the remote Thelon River. She has various Paddle Canada basic and intermediate certifications, and is certified in Wilderness First Aid. She looks forward to sharing her passion for paddling and the North.
Since Brian completed his Adventure Tourism Diploma in 2010, he has worked with the Duke of Edinburgh Program where he has guided numerous multi-day hiking trips, and has trained hundreds of youth participants in outdoor education and leadership skills.
Brian is a certified Paddle Canada Canoe Instructor who has extensive experience in teaching paddling, including to post-secondary students enrolled in Physical Education and Recreation programs. When he’s not working, Brian can be found playing on the water, and planning his next canoe camping trip! Between his education, work, and personal outdoor adventures, Brian brings over 15 years of outdoor education and wilderness safety experience.
Alicia is a very curious person who loves spending time in nature. Her love for canoeing was built through expeditions with summer camp or in her outdoor program in high school. She completed a degree in Adventure Tourism and is now pursuing her studies in geography, initiated by her interest in her territory’s human and natural components.
She loves that canoeing is a medium for navigating majestic rivers and allowing amazed souls to discover new territories. She loves being able to bond with everyone she meets on long expeditions and exchanging good laughs!
Kyra first fell in love with paddling outside of Rocky Mountain House. She has worked as an Addiction Support Worker at a Wilderness based treatment center. And as a substitute teacher, during the months that the rivers freeze over, specializing in behavior and mental health based education.
This is her second season with Jackpine Paddle, to continue her leadership on our Ayalik Fund youth trips, and guided trips across the NWT.
Kyra is a hardcore lover of the outdoors finding activities that bring her joy in every season. As an avid backcountry skier, mountain biker, climber, and paddler she loves to spend time in the sunshine (even if she is the one to bring it with a big smile).
From her youngest age, Camille has always been curious about nature and willing to challenge herself.
While doing a college degree to become a professional adventure tourism guide, she fell in love with the profession. She then continued her way to university by completing a Bachelor degree in outdoor intervention. Her goal is to do a Master’s in Social work or a Master’s degree in Psychoeducation, all because she really believes that the outdoor context is a place to develop resilience, build identity, develop mutual assistance, and build a feeling of self-efficacy.
In the past years, she has led many canoe expeditions. Doing canoe trips and surpassing herself technically is part of a well-established routine. Work as a rafting guide on a class four rapids river was only a natural part of her development as a whitewater guide. She has her Wilderness First Responder, White water Rescue level II, and Moving water Canoe Instructor Tandem certifications.
George stepped into a canoe a year after stepping off the plane in Canada in 2014. This beautiful vessel that we all love has taken him from the banks of the Bow in Banff to the canyons of the Mosie in Quebec, out to the Ottawa Valleys many canoe routes and up into the Mackenzie Mountains and Arctic Prairie of the NWT. Plus, a couple of other streams and ponds in between.
When George is not floating down rivers, he is adapting skiing for folks with disabilities, nerding-out about how to make a tastier coffee or trying to master the art of throwing clay on a pottery wheel.
Kai has been canoeing with his parents since before he could walk.
When he was 13, Kai started attending a canoe tripping summer camp, and started working there when I was 18, Camp Wanapetei. During that time he also grew inspired by whitewater and started perusing the sport, growing his skills beyond recreational canoe tripping.
During university, Kai made a decision to leave the academic environment and pursue his passion for the outdoors and remote backcountry wilderness.
Since then he has paddled numerous rivers throughout Canada, the United States and Ecuador.
Kai has guided on numerous canoe trips throughout Canada, including a 2 month long trip in the MacKenzie Mountains. He is incredibly excited to spend more time in the north, meeting new people and further developing his relationship with the land.
Noémie grew up camping with her family every summer – that’s where her love for the outdoors began.
Over the years, that passion has grown through spending time outside with friends, sharing great meals, and making memories. Noémie was introduced to canoe expeditions in her late teens and since then I found a new passion. She has been guiding ever summer since.
Paddling and guiding in Ontario and Quebec got her hooked on whitewater and form a deep appreciation for the wilderness. In 2023, she had her first chance to canoe guide North of 60. Since then, she has been eager to return north for the summer season.
Noémie feels incredibly fortunate to spend her summers in the wilderness, far from the cities where she spends most of the year engaged with her chiropractic studies and training.
Originally from Quebec, Émy has been in the Outdoor Adventure Industry full-time for the last 8 years, guiding canoe expeditions each summer. She has several years of experience as a canoe instructor.
She started her career after doing a year outdoor program in Gaspe. After this program she did a degree in physical education, one of the reasons why she loves to teach others. During the winter season, you will find her in BC/Alberta patrolling the mountain and also teaching avalanche skills.
In her own words, Émy is enjoying “the GUIDE life.”
Olivia is a watercolour artist, photographer, poet and canoe guide. Raised by the waters of Lake Huron on Anishinaabe territory, carrying within her bones the sea of the Celtic Isles, and now living on the shores of Great Slave Lake, Olivia is guided by water in everything she does.
Her earliest memory of canoeing is with her dad as a four year old in a cedar canvas canoe paddling alongside a cliff where she learned what an echo was for the first time. She went on to learn to paddle whitewater on the mighty Madawaska and has co-led trips on the Moisie and Berens River. She is a certified Paddle Canada Moving Water Canoe Instructor, Wilderness First Responder and Swiftwater Rescue Technician.
She believes that water has so much to teach us if we are willing to listen, and the land can often hold what is too large for us to carry alone. Being with rivers can offer up the space to overturn the stones of our vastness, our intuition and sense of belonging to the world, so long as we travel gently, in humility and with deep respect.
Olivia looks forward to sharing in many moments of awe, wonder, laughter, good food and gratitude as she meets and travels with the waters, lands and beings of the Northwest Territories and Denendeh.
