Becoming a hike leader

All hikes organized by the GVTA are led by a Hike Ontario certified hike leader. Insurance companies recommend that hiking associations across Ontario provide certification programs for hike leaders.

To become a certified hike leader, you need to:

• Be a member in good standing with the Grand Valley Trail Association or any affiliated Hike Ontario member club
• Attend a Hike Leader Training workshop sponsored by the GVTA or Hike Ontario
• Apprentice on three scheduled hikes led by a certified hike leader
• Be certified in Basic First Aid and CPR by either the Red Cross or St. John’s Ambulance
• Be able to plan, publish and lead a hike as end-person/sweep for the GVTA with a certified hike leader
• Lead at least three hikes per year to maintain certification; hikes may be with any Ontario affiliated club
• Practice the Trail Users’ Code 
• Be organized and ensure that the necessary administrative work, including Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk, and Incident Report are completed for each hike

Hike leader certification

Hike leader certification is offered through Hike Ontario. GVTA also offers leader training on a periodic basis. When Leadership training courses are offered they are listed under News and Events / Announcements. Hike leader certification equivalency will also be considered subject to approval by the GVTA Hike Coordinator.