Interview with a Moose Network Travel Guide
Posted on July 4, 2011 • 4 minutes • 741 words
Table of contents
- Q. How long have you been guiding?
- Q. What are some things you think everyone should try when they travel in Canada?
- Q. Do you think more Canadians should start riding the Moose, and if so, why?
- Q. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever witnessed while guiding with Moose Network?
- Q. If there is one thing you could tell someone whos planning on backpacking across Canada, what would it be?
I recently had the opportunity to sit down for a couple Red Beers (Clamato + Beer, wuddup!) with Rachel Huber, one of Moose Networks Canadian Travel Guides. She agreed to answer a few questions about what she does and offer up some tips for backpackers interested in traveling Canada. I should also mention that I’ve had her as a guide, and she absolutely rocks, so keep an eye out for her when you’re out west. Alright! Q & A time! Boom!
Q. How long have you been guiding?
A. I’ve been in the tourism industry for ten years and guiding for 5 of those. I used to be a diving guide in the Caribbean, but missed the mountains so I came home this Christmas. I’ve been with Moose ever since and have been loving every day of of it! Q. What is your favourite thing about working with Moose Network? A. Without a second guess it has to be the people I meet everyday. Observing peoples reaction when they discover something for the first time, and being able to witness their passion for travel is amazing. Everyone is in this permanent holiday happiness mode. It ends up feeling like I’m just travelling with friends. Q. What are some highlights that stand out during your time with Moose Network? A. So far, taking an Australian girl to Peyto Lake to let her see and touch snow for the first time was one that stood out. Witnessing peoples reactions when they see the mountains, only to find out they’re in the foothills, then seeing their minds explode when we actually get into the Rockies. That’s always a big favourite. Lastly, seeing how happy and energized people are after white water rafting the Kicking Horse River makes me smile!
Q. What are some things you think everyone should try when they travel in Canada?
A. Where do I start? You’ve got to see the Old Growth Forests on Vancouver Island. Trees here can get to be up to 9m round and 60m tall! Everyone should also experience a night on Granville Street in Vancouver, it will be memorable to say the least. When you get hungry, try some fresh BC smoked salmon. Hop on a tour and try and see a wild Grizzly Bear. If you’re looking to chill go enjoy the west coast beaches, salt air and try surfing or head to the Okanagan Valley for some fine wine and more amazing Beaches. Just being in Canada is something everyone should try.
Q. Do you think more Canadians should start riding the Moose, and if so, why?
A. Absolutely! Each province is like a country of its own, with its own culture, food, and personalities. They’re all so geographically different, limiting yourself to your home province is sort of like sitting in the same lawn chair around a campfire the whole night. Move around, be social, talk to people, see things from a different light. As a Canadian myself, I still love watching as the landscapes change during the long drives across provinces and through the seasons. Shameless plug here, but Moose Network goes across Canada and lets you hop on and off as you see fit. Great for seeing Canada!
Q. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever witnessed while guiding with Moose Network?
A. Well its only my first season, but Watching a Grizzly Bear swim across a glacier river with the rocky mountains looming over the entire scene. The bear climbed out of the water and scratched himself against a tree for like ten minutes, as bears do! It was unreal. Of course, I should mention that its always a laugh watching people try to swim in the freezing glacial water and realizing how splintering cold it is. People do crazy stuff for photos.
Q. If there is one thing you could tell someone whos planning on backpacking across Canada, what would it be?
A. Plan more time because you won’t want to leave. Lots of people end up hopping off the Moose for a day and never leave the country. Gros Merci goes out to the always lovely Rachel Huber. If you have any other questions regarding what Moose Network can offer you, send them a tweet @moosenetwork or check out the Moose Network website. Of course, you can always comment here and I’ll do my best to answer any questions I can.
Moose Karate Photo by Candice Walsh
