Meet Austin Adventures Guide: Jessica
Jess grew up in Fort Langley, British Columbia. Drawn to a life less conventional, she pursued adventure from a young age. At just 15, she had the opportunity to study aboard a tall ship, sailing across the Atlantic and visiting 13 countries. This experience broadened her perspective and sparked a lifelong passion for exploration beyond the traditional 9-to-5 path.
Just two months after graduating high school, Jess set off on a solo journey through India, and never looked back. Since then, she has travelled to over 25 countries, continually seeking new landscapes, cultures, and challenges. When she eventually returned to Canada, she headed straight for the mountains to pursue a career in outdoor adventure.
Jess has since lived throughout British Columbia and New Zealand, working as an outdoor guide and ski patroller. Her greatest passion is exploring pristine natural environments around the world, and her second is sharing those experiences with others by helping people connect with nature, challenge themselves, and discover their own sense of adventure.
What's your favorite travel destination?
New Zealand! Nothing quite compares to the beauty and remote feeling of being in Fiordland National Park.
What's your favorite adventure activity?
Mountain biking, rock climbing, canyoning, ski touring - anything that mixes physicality, adrenaline and type 1 (or 2) fun!
What has been your most inspiring adventure experience?
So hard to choose, but one that comes to mind was a 6-day packrafting adventure in a remote part of the South Island of New Zealand. It was just myself and my partner and we didn’t see a single other person for all six days. We paddled crystal clear rivers surrounded by massive glaciated mountains until we hit the Tasman sea.
When did you first get the travel bug?
From birth, I am a first generation Canadian coming from Irish/Australian/Hungarian/Italian parents. Travel and culture has always been apart of my life.
What destination would you most like to travel to (that you haven't been to yet)?
Patagonia, the hiking and climbing look absolutely incredible!
Do you have any favorite hobbies or special talents you could tell us about?
I’m very interested in health and wellness. I practice yoga and meditation everyday and am love creating healthy and nutritious meals and recipes.
What is your favorite trip to lead?
British Columbia Hut to Hut Adventure. Nothing quite beats helicopters, backcountry lodges and 6 days in BC’s backcountry!
What inspired you to become a trip leader?
I love helping people get outside and pushing them to do and see things they never thought they could.
