How to become a tour and travel guides
Official title: Tour and travel guides
Also called: Mine guide, Tour guide, Tour escort, Travel guide, Tour director, Tourist guide, Travel escort, Bus tour guide, Boat tour guide, Local tour guide, Plant tour guide, Sightseeing guide
Tour and travel guides escort individuals and groups on trips, on sightseeing tours of cities and on tours of historical sites and establishments such as famous buildings, manufacturing plants, cathedrals and theme parks. They also provide descriptions and background information on interesting features. They are employed by tour operators, resorts and other establishments or may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Tour guides
- Transport or escort individuals or groups on tours of cities, waterways and industrial and other establishments
- Describe points of interest, answer questions and supply information
- Provide historical and cultural facts related to the site
- May collect admission fees and sell souvenirs
- Travel guides
- Escort individuals and groups on vacation and business trips
- Ensure that reservations for transportation and accommodations are confirmed and that prepared itineraries are met
How to become one
On-the-job training is provided. Knowledge of both official languages or an additional language may be required for some positions in this group.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $39,000 a year The middle half earn $34,125 to $45,825.
- About 3,800 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 4,100 are projected by 2033. (+7.9%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a tour and travel guides?
On-the-job training is provided. Knowledge of both official languages or an additional language may be required for some positions in this group.
How much does a tour and travel guides earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $39,000 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $34,125 to $45,825.
Is a tour and travel guides a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2033, from about 3,800 to about 4,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a tour and travel guides?
Not always. 30% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03