Summer Jobs at Grand Experiences Inc.
Join the Crew at Grand Experiences Inc.
Trade your desk for the river this summer. Grand Experiences Inc. is a premier outdoor adventure outfitter operating out of Paris and Kitchener, Ontario. We put thousands of people on the water every season for canoeing, kayaking, and river tubing trips on the Grand River, Nith River, and Big Creek.
We are currently building our core team for the 2026 season (May to October). If you love the outdoors, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want a summer job that actually feels like an adventure, check out our open roles below.
1. Trip Coordinator (Logistics & Guest Experience)
Location: Remote / Hybrid (Supporting Paris & Kitchener hubs)
Term: Part-Time and Full Time Seasonal (May 4th – August 28th, with potential to extend)
The Role:
We are looking for a highly organized Trip Coordinator to act as the “air traffic controller” for our paddling season. You are the nerve center of our daily operations—managing the flow of guests from their first inquiry to the moment they hit the water. This role is a unique hybrid of sharp logistical planning, proactive sales, and digital storytelling.
Key Responsibilities:
- Proactive Schedule Optimization: You don’t just take bookings; you manage them. You will actively monitor the FareHarbor manifest to identify “deadheading” (empty shuttles or trailers). You’ll be proactive about picking up the phone to confirm guest counts and strategically rescheduling groups to consolidate launch times, ensuring our drivers and equipment operate at 100% capacity.
- Nerve Center Communications: Serve as the primary point of contact via phone and email. You’ll guide guests through route selection, handle modifications, and process new reservations with an emphasis on maximizing our daily schedule.
- Social Media & Marketing: Manage and monitor the “voice” of Grand Experiences. You will manage incoming DMs/comments and create engaging Stories/Posts that showcase real-time river conditions and guest adventures.
- Digital Content Support: Assist in deploying our content creation and marketing campaigns, digital guides and seasonal newsletters to keep our subscribers engaged and booking.
- Operations Support: Generate and deliver accurate daily passenger manifests to the Paris and Kitchener teams and stakeholders to ensure seamless, “no-surprise” check-ins.
Requirements:
- Experience in paddling (canoe and kayak).
- The “Tetris” Mindset: You enjoy solving complex logistical puzzles and feel a sense of satisfaction when a schedule aligns perfectly.
- Assertive Communication: You are comfortable picking up the phone to negotiate times with clients to ensure operational efficiency.
- Digital Native: High proficiency with Instagram, Facebook, and the ability to quickly master booking software.
- Self-Starter: Ability to manage high-volume tasks independently from a remote workspace.
2. Grand Canoe Camp Guide
Location: Bingemans Hub (Kitchener, ON)
Term: Full-Time Seasonal (July & August)
Schedule: Monday – Friday (No weekends!)
The Role:
Spend your summer on the water teaching the next generation of paddlers. We are hiring two enthusiastic Camp Guides to lead our Monday-to-Friday Grand Canoe Camp at our Bingemans location. You will be responsible for creating a safe, fun, and educational environment for youth campers, teaching foundational flatwater paddling skills, water safety, and outdoor appreciation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead daily camp activities, including on-water canoeing/kayaking instruction and off-water games.
- Ensure the absolute safety of all campers, strictly adhering to Grand Experiences’ risk management protocols.
- Manage camp equipment, ensuring boats and lifejackets are properly fitted, cleaned, and stored each day.
- Communicate effectively with parents during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.
Requirements:
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification (Mandatory).
- Strong, confident paddling skills (canoe and kayak).
- Experience working with children or youth (e.g., camp counselor, coaching, tutoring).
- Bonus: Active paddling certifications (ORCKA or Paddle Canada).
3. River Logistics & Shuttle Driver
Location: Paris, ON (with potential travel to Big Creek or Kitchener)
Term: Part-Time & Full-Time Seasonal (May – October)
Schedule: Heavy weekend volume (Thursday – Sunday availability is critical)
The Role:
The River Logistics team is the physical engine of the outfitting business. You are responsible for moving people, boats, and gear safely and efficiently up and down the river corridors. This is a highly active, outdoor role that requires hustle, situational awareness, and the ability to back up a loaded trailer under pressure.
Key Responsibilities:
- Safely drive company trucks and multi-boat trailers between launch and take-out points (e.g., Glen Morris, Brant Park).
- Load, tie down, and unload canoes, kayaks, and tubes efficiently.
- Act as a welcoming, professional face of the company during guest shuttles, providing safety briefings and basic paddling instruction at the launch site.
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the launch sites, vehicles, and gear sheds.
Requirements:
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification (Mandatory).
- Strong, confident paddling skills (canoe and kayak).
- Valid Ontario G-Class Driver’s License and a clean Driver’s Abstract.
- Proven experience driving and reversing with trailers.
- Physical capability to repeatedly lift, carry, and load canoes and kayaks.
- Ability to stay calm, friendly, and efficient during high-volume, fast-paced weekend rushes.
4. Dock Hand & River Support
Location: Paris Hub / Brant Park (with travel to Kitchener/Big Creek as needed) Term: Part-Time Seasonal (May – September)
Schedule: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Peak Volume Days)
The Role:
As a Dock Hand, you are the “pit crew” of our river operations. While our drivers are on the road, you are the boots on the ground ensuring that every boat is clean, every lifejacket is sprayed, and every guest is launched safely and on time. This is a high-energy, physical role perfect for someone who loves being by the water and moving at a fast pace.
Key Responsibilities:
- Gear Readiness: Rapidly clean, organize, and stage canoes, kayaks, and river tubes for upcoming departures.
- The “Clean Sweep”: Ensure all returned lifejackets (PFDs) and paddles are sanitized and organized according to our safety standards.
- Guest Launch Support: Assist guests with basic boarding techniques and gear fitting. You are the final friendly face they see before they head downriver.
- Rapid Loading: Assist drivers with the heavy lifting—loading and securing boats onto trailers to ensure the shuttle can get back on the road in record time.
- Site Pride: Keep the launch and take-out areas free of litter and professionally organized.
Requirements:
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification (Mandatory).
- Strong, confident paddling skills (canoe and kayak).
- High Energy: You enjoy a fast-paced environment where there is always a task to complete.
- Physical Stamina: Ability to lift and carry paddling equipment repeatedly throughout a shift in various weather conditions.
- Team First: A “how can I help?” attitude. You take pride in making the Driver’s job easier and the Guest’s experience better.
- Communication: Clear, friendly communication with guests and the logistics team.