Quite some time ago, in the 1960s, a British philosopher named Alan Watts delivered a famous lecture where he explored the idea of pursuing what you truly love. The lecture revolved around the question, ‘What would you do if money were no object?’ While this topic has been explored before and after Watts, what made his approach worth noting for this article was an example he used with a student.

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In the lecture, Watts asked a young woman what she would do if money were no concern, to which she replied, ‘I’d like to ride horses, but I can’t make money at that.’ Watts encouraged her to think beyond the immediate obstacles, suggesting, ‘Why not teach riding lessons?’ He then elaborated, envisioning how this passion could grow—starting with teaching, eventually leading to buying her own horse, then a stable, and perhaps even more horses, until she had a thriving business doing what she loved.

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Guiding: A Journey At Some Point In Life

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Of course, the idea of dropping everything to become a guide might seem daunting, especially if you’re already established in your career or have family responsibilities. But that’s precisely why we believe guiding, even once, is so important. It doesn’t mean you have to abandon your current life or take on guiding full-time. Instead, it’s about carving out space in your life to pursue your passion in another form.

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Starting later in life can actually be an advantage-you bring with you a wealth of experiences, maturity, and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors. The key is to take that first step, to allow yourself the opportunity to explore this passion, no matter where you are in life.

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On the other hand, if you’re younger and just finishing high school, you’re in a unique  position where the world is wide open to you. Without the weight of major responsibilities, like a full-time job or family, this is the perfect time to explore guiding as an option.

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For young outdoor enthusiasts, guiding offers a way to turn your passion into a profession, giving you the freedom to live a life filled with adventure and exploration right from the start. It’s a chance to build valuable skills, gain experience in the field, and make connections that could shape your future. Whether you pursue it full-time or as a stepping stone to other opportunities, guiding is an incredible way to learn about yourself and the world around you while doing something you love.

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Exploration First, A Wage Second

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For us, the allure was always in exploring untouched waters throughout the remote Labrador landscape and venturing into the backcountry of Newfoundland, where Bull Moose grew antlers the size of plywood sheets. After hunting and fishing the more 'accessible' terrains and watersheds, it became clear that we needed to push further into the wilderness—places only accessible by aircraft. At such a young age, the only way to gain access to these aircraft was by guiding for outfitters who had the means to support such operations

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While we needed money, as summer jobs were necessary to pay for school and yearly expenses, the pay was secondary to the experience. Any day spent doing what we loved—most importantly, what we wanted to do—was worth more than any paycheck. Plus, being hundreds of kilometers from the nearest store made it nearly impossible to spend money, which was a bonus in itself.

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For example, spending an entire summer chasing that elusive Atlantic salmon, only to finally venture up to untouched waters in Labrador, where being there for the early run meant hooking into large salmon cast after cast. There was no worry about losing one because you knew the next fish would be just as big, if not bigger. These were the moments that made guiding not just a job, but a passion-driven adventure.

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Guardians Of The Wilderness: The Role Of Guides As Stewards

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Guiding is more than just leading others through the wilderness and on and adventure—it's about being a steward of the land. Passionate guides are the eyes and ears of the environment, constantly aware of the subtle changes in the landscape, the water, and the wildlife. They are not just participants in nature; they are protectors of it.

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With every trip, a guide has the unique opportunity to educate others about the land and water, teaching the importance of conservation and the delicate balance that exists in these ecosystems. Guides often witness firsthand the impacts of environmental change, from shifts in wildlife and weather patterns to the health of fish and other animal populations. This deep connection to the land makes them some of the strongest advocates for its preservation.

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But stewardship goes beyond observation. It requires a willingness to stand up and speak out when something isn't right, whether it's advocating for sustainable practices or challenging decisions that could harm the environment. In this way, guides are not only leading the way through the wilderness but also leading the charge in protecting it. Their role as stewards ensures that these wild places remain for future generations to explore and enjoy.

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