Discover Parks Ambassador Program

Discover Parks Ambassador Program and Gabrielle Jolly

Listen to our conversation with Gabrielle Jolly!

The Discover Parks Ambassador Program: Bridging the Gap Between People and Nature
The Discover Parks Ambassador Program is a unique initiative that hires ambassadors each year to serve as knowledgeable, friendly faces in BC’s provincial parks. These ambassadors are the bridge between new and experienced park visitors, offering education, guidance, and inspiration to help people connect with nature in meaningful ways.

Gabrielle explains that the ambassadors are there to run educational programs, answer questions, and provide recommendations—whether it’s trail suggestions, gear tips, or advice on how to reduce environmental impact. “They are the point person for park visitors,” she says. “They help people get familiar with the area, offer trail and gear recommendations, and bridge the knowledge gap for new visitors.”

The program is designed to address the growing interest in outdoor spaces, which has both positive and challenging effects. On one hand, increased visitation boosts mental and physical well-being and fosters a deeper connection to the environment. On the other hand, it puts pressure on park infrastructure and land managers. “With increased visitation putting pressure on parks, visitor engagement and education are more critical than ever,” Gabrielle explains. “Our ambassadors help bridge the knowledge gap, ensuring visitors have the tools and information they need to explore responsibly.”

A Rewarding Opportunity for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Being a Discover Parks Ambassador is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to spend the summer immersed in some of BC’s most stunning landscapes while making a tangible difference. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in adventure guiding, outdoor education, or conservation,” Gabrielle says. “You spend your days in beautiful parks, connecting with a wide range of visitors—from people being absolutely brand new to the outdoors, brand new to BC, brand new to Canada, to those people that have grown up live and breathe provincial parks.”

The program also provides ambassadors with valuable skills and experiences that can kickstart their careers. Before heading into the parks, ambassadors undergo a 10-day training program that covers risk management, group facilitation, interpretive program delivery, and environmental education. “They also deepen their knowledge of the local flora, fauna, and ecosystems, making it a summer of learning, practicing, and growing.” Gabrielle explains.

Sounds pretty great, eh?

These skills aren’t just applicable to outdoor careers. Public speaking, leadership, and environmental awareness are transferable to a wide range of fields: “These skills are all things that can help folks in any type of career path that they choose. Even if ambassadors don’t continue in the outdoor sector, they leave with a deeper connection to the environment and place-based knowledge that they can carry with them wherever they go,” Gabrielle adds. Gabrielle’s point is something we embrace strongly at the Outdoor Council of Canada: working in the outdoors equips you with invaluable personal and professional skills that you can apply to future careers and life experiences.

Empowering Ambassadors to Be Stewards of Nature
Our discussion also explored how being a steward of nature and facilitating responsible visitation is empowering work. One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is the sense of purpose it gives ambassadors. “It’s a very mission-driven role,” Gabrielle says. “It’s easy to pass on the mission of conservation and environmental stewardship when ambassadors are in these spaces. You’re talking to a visitor next to a glacial lake, or in a beautiful old growth forest, looking up at an 800-year-old tree.”

Gabrielle emphasizes that it becomes second nature to steward and protect these places when you work in them. The beauty of the environment advocates for itself. This connection to nature is especially important in the face of climate change and environmental challenges. By equipping visitors with the knowledge to reduce their impact and fostering a love for the outdoors, ambassadors are on the front lines of conservation. “They’re not just educating people—they’re empowering them to become stewards of the land,” Gabrielle explains.

Should you or someone you know apply?
If you’re passionate about the outdoors and want to make a difference, the Discover Parks Ambassador Program might be the perfect opportunity for you. Gabrielle shares that the ideal candidate is someone who loves nature, enjoys connecting with people, and is eager to learn. “We’re looking for people who are passionate about the environment and want to share that passion with others. The skills and experience can come through training—what’s most important is that enthusiasm.”

The program is open to applicants from across Canada, athough candidates need to secure their own accommodation and transportation to the parks. “Our parks are relatively remote, so having a vehicle and a place to stay is key,” Gabrielle notes.

Applications for the 2025 season are now open, and ambassadors will be in parks from June through August. If you’re interested in applying or learning more, visit the BC Parks Foundation website. If you’re not looking for a job but want to experience the program firsthand, check out Discover Parks to find out where ambassadors will be this summer.

A Model for the Future
The Discover Parks Ambassador Program is an example of how outdoor professionals can inspire stewardship, foster connections, and protect our natural spaces. As Gabrielle explained while we talked, the program enables nature lovers to work in the outdoors, fostering meaningful interactions that leave a lasting impact—for both the visitors and the ambassadors. At the Outdoor Council of Canada, we believe programs like this are essential to building a sustainable future for outdoor recreation and outdoor tourism. Gabrielle’s work with the Discovery Parks Ambassador Program inspires other provinces to develop similar initiatives and encourages more people to explore, protect, and responsibly enjoy our incredible natural spaces.