The logo of the CSWI Level 1 course is the pawprint of the wolverine, symbol of wilderness, strenght and survival
Wilderness Guide Level 1
CSWI Level 1 = WGA Wilderness Guide Level 1 (Front Country) or WGA Boreal Forest Level 2 (Back Country).
If you want to apply for WGA Level 2 Boreal / Nemoral you need to participate at least two times in the wintertraining in France, before or after Canada.
Or
If you already have a WGA Level 1 certification. The program will be slightly adapted and the standards for passing the course will be higher for WGA Level 2 (and Backcountry)
Participants need the first two years of the Voshaar MBO study or Hike & Survival Instructor course (or an equivalent) to start the CSWI course.
Former BSI (Outdoor Instructor Course) sudents can join as well.
For equivalents in Canada contact our partners Mahikan Trails and/or Painted Warriors or an other organization from www.borealguide.com
The IGA Interpretive Hiking Guide Course can be done in Canada and in the Netherlands before or after the training in Canada.
Course description:
Training and knowledge of survival techniques, Wilderness First Aid, navigation, flora, fauna and tracking, gear and wilderness living skills. The IGA course is part of the program. Check the other pages for the complete course discription and information. Next to the course in Canada the course includes training in the Netherlands and an optional training in France, where the participants will be prepared for the training in Canada.
The Wilderness Guide specialization course (CSWI Level 1) takes place during 20 days in Canada in September and preparation in the Netherlands and France (Preps in Canada for Canadians). The Canada location is impressive. The home base camp is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. We have access to the Foothills, Jasper National park, Switzer Provincial park, Banff National park, Kananaskis, and Wilmore Wilderness park. Incredibly beautiful areas with unlimited possibilities
Exam
For the testing, an overall exam will be conducted during the program.
Skills tested
– Orienteering and Route finding
– Flora and Fauna species identification
– Shelter building
– Fire lighting
– Leave no Trace
– Mental and physical fitness
– Time management
Practical skills standards:
We use the Wilderness Handbook ‘Tracks of the White Wolf’ as guideline.
Theoretical Exams:
– IGA apprentice Interpretive Guide exam (If you don’t pass the IGA exam, there is still the possibility to earn your Level 1 certification)
– Mountains 101 Online course and exam
– A Theoretical exam conducted by Voshaar Outdoor. One retake, MBO Level 4 and/or WT level 4 two retakes
– You also need to send in a logbook from your time in Canada
Information: Logboeken-Projecten | Courses Voshaar Outdoor & Education
Course participation qualifications
-Participants must be in good physical and mental health.
-Participants must speak English.
Cost 2026:
Wilderness Guide Level 1, CSWI program € 3590,-
€ 200,- discount if the IGA AI or PI Interpretive Hiking Guide course is done before (or after, only in Canada) at own expenses.
If you live in Canada, I suggest contacting Raoul Kluivers at info@voshaaroutdoor.com (cc voshaaroutdoor@gmail.com) . Rates are different for Canadians (due to several reasons, like car ownership and preparation in Canada instead of Europe)
Including:
Guidance
Course study materials
Transportation in Canada
IGA Interpretive Hiking Guide Course in the Netherlands
WRFA course and exam
Not included:
Wilderness Manual Tracks of the White Wolf
Meals, food, beverages
Travel insurance
Return ticket Netherlands/Canada
Transportation from and to the airport to Cochrane or Banff
Accommodation (about 10,- to 15,- CAD a night).
IGA Membership (Mandatory)
WIN card and Public lands Camping pass. These are mandatory.
Mountains 101 course and exam (about CAD 60,-)
Payment due upon registration : € 1000,-
The CSWI level 1 course is organized every year
Course (digital) study material included
Also Included
Flora & Fauna Online
Wilderness Skills and Knowledge Online
Not included, but mandatory:
– Tracks of the White Wolf Wilderness Handbook (Not in English….yet)
Highly recommended
– Handbook of the Candian Rockies, Ben Gadd
– Bushcraft, Mors Kochansli
