Mieka, Austin Adventures Guide
Mieka guides on our Banff and Jasper trips
Growing up in the concrete jungle of Toronto, Mieka developed an early love for the outdoors through summers spent camping across Northern Ontario. Surrounded by lakes, forests, and endless trails, she learned to appreciate both adventure and the quiet beauty of nature from a young age. While attending university, she took a leap and moved west to Lake Louise to work as a camp counsellor. What began as a seasonal experience quickly became something more.
After completing her degree, she returned permanently to the mountains and spent years working a variety of jobs throughout resort towns across British Columbia. Along the way, she discovered a passion for outdoor activities including snowboarding, climbing, biking, rafting, and surfing. Her adventures later took her to New Zealand and Australia, where she continued exploring the world and embracing new experiences. Deeply appreciative of the places she has called home, she is passionate about sharing that sense of adventure and connection with others.
What's your favorite travel destination?
Australia! The waves, the people, and wombats!
What's your favorite adventure activity?
Surfing and any kind of exploring- whether climbing, biking, touring or hiking.
What has been your most inspiring adventure experience?
One of my most inspiring experiences was hiking Volcán Acatenango in Guatemala. The hike itself felt long and uneventful at times, but reaching the summit and watching nearby Volcán de Fuego erupt made every step worth it. It reminded me not to take the beauty of this world for granted and showed me that sometimes patience leads to the most incredible rewards. What made the experience even more meaningful was sharing it with people who had never hiked before. Watching them push through challenges, stay resilient, and accomplish something they once thought was impossible was truly inspiring.
When did you first get the travel bug?
Growing up in Toronto, being surrounded by so many different cultures made me curious about the world and made me want to get outside and explore more. Moving out west on my own gave me the confidence to realize I could do anything, and from that point on, I was hooked on travel and new experiences.
What destination would you most like to travel to (that you haven't been to yet)?
South East Asia! I want to experience the amazing culture but also all the fun activities.
Do you have any favorite hobbies or special talents you could tell us about?
I love animals so spending time on my family's farm and winning board games (specifically 'Catan').
What is your favorite trip to lead?
Banff & Jasper Adventure and the Banff & Jasper Family Vacation. Because who doesn't love the bluest water, grizzlies, and the Rockies?!
Why did you want to become a trip leader?
I wanted to become a guide because the outdoors has shaped so much of who I am, with some of my most meaningful experiences I've had have come from being outside and trying new things. I love helping people step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and experience places in a way they’ll never forget. While travelling Australia, I met Liz and David, two guides with Austin who introduced me to the guiding world and I was hooked! Thank you both!
What inspired you to become a guide?
Seeing others connect with nature and accomplish something they didn’t think they could do is incredibly rewarding, and I wanted to be able to share that feeling with others. I've met amazing leaders and guides who created experiences that were fun, supportive, and unforgettable. That inspired me to do the same for others!
