Moose Tour Guide Profile

Name: Shelly Ward

Nickname(s): Shellericious, Shelltastic and The Amazing Shellawesome.

Who are you?

I am originally from Calgary, Alberta. I lived there until I was eleven, when my family moved onto a farm just outside of a small town called Crossfield.

I have always loved being outside. My parents are avid outdoorsmen. I remember going on two-week pack trips into the mountains on horseback every summer and learning all about the plants and animals that lived there. The water up in the mountains is so clean and delicious, that to this day, I have a hard time drinking regular water.

When I was sixteen, I traveled to Japan as an exchange student and lived in Tokyo for a year. I have been fascinated with traveling ever since, and returned to Asia last year.

Most of all, I love travelers! Meeting new people and showing off this fantastic country I live in is the best job a Canadian girl could ask for!
I found Moose while I was an adventure dog walker in West Vancouver, and moving from dogs to people seemed like a natural step. I love spending time in the mountains and can’t get enough adventure sports and outdoor activities.

As far as my past, if this were a resume, I would ramble (concisely) about my mad skillz and yards of work experience, however, it’s not. So, instead I will tell you that while my mad skillz help make the actual work part of my job easier, it’s the amazing people that tour with Moose, as well as our fantastic activity instructors and leaders that make my job awesomely fun. And it is awesomely fun.

Favourite summer spot: As a general answer, the Rockies. Most specifically, at, in or on some glacier meltwater. Horseshoe Lake and Mistaya Canyon are fantastic anytime.

Favourite winter spot: Any ski hill I can get to.

One place in Canada everyone needs to check out that ain’t in the guidebooks: There are too many. Talking and partying is the best way to learn about secret spots!

Favourite experience as a Moose guide: I can’t even think of an experience that wasn’t fantastic. One of the greatest parts of the job itself is getting to meet all the amazing people that travel with Moose, and learning about their adventures. Secondarily, jumping out of airplanes, off of bridges, falling out of kayaks and whitewater rafting boats, hiking in the forests and on the glaciers, and of course, hiking, caving and climbing the mountains.

Guide pro tip: Plan out your tour, but always leave extra time for new adventure opportunities. Keep a positive attitude and be ready to try anything that comes your way. If you are not used to sleeping in dorms, bring ear plugs.

Which tour is your main squeeze? This year I was largely running the Hoodapus tour. Hoody!

When did you start working at Moose? 2009 was my first season with Moose. I started in April.

Current favourite song: I cannot even begin to narrow it down. I can think of several bands that top my list right now. I mostly like femme alt rock, preferably Canadian. Paramore, Metric and Tegan and Sara are all full of awesome!!