The staff of Arbutus Routes

Our Staff

We take pride in having the best guides in the business. Our experienced guides on staff have advanced training such as ACMG certification, Wilderness First Aid, Swift Water Rescue, Leave No Trace Training, Eco Tourism and National Outdoor Leadership School degrees. Guide teams are chosen for their ability to work together and are at your service for the duration of the trip. They will be eager to answer questions, solve andy problems and keep your adventure fun and worry free.

* Note - Our Bike Tour Leaders are IMIC Certified Bike Instructors. To learn more view our Whistler Bike Guides page

	Matt Delany-Owner/Operator A business graduate of the University of Victoria on Vancouver Island, Matt is truly at home in BCs Southwest. He is an experienced hiking, biking and rafting guide with an energetic personality and genuine love for sharing nature and new experiences. His certifications include Advanced Wilderness First Aid and CPR, Commercial River Guide School, Swiftwater Rescue Level III, and Avalanche Operations Level I. With a strong concern for the natural environment, Matt is the Director of Ocean Gybe. A global research and sailing expedition designed to promote ocean conservation and protection. An avid skier, mountain biker, and rock climber, Matt has traveled through South East Asia, the South Pacific, Africa, Patagonia and Europe pursuing his passions.
	Tara Geach-Operations Manager Two words that best describe Tara are fun and friendly. A Vancouver Island girl and University of Victoria business graduate, Taras interests lie in the outdoors and traveling. A former varsity athlete Tara now tries to ski, bike, snowboard, wakeboard, climb, and surf as much as she can. Inspired by new quests Tara joined our team to help create amazing adventures. Her personal pursuits and hospitality background enable her to ensure your Arbutus Routes experience is outstanding.
	Stephan Guenette-Trip Leader Prior to joining the Arbutus team in 2007, Stephan spent the majority of his time living near the Canadian Rockies, where he graduated with honors from the four year Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership program at Mount Royal College in Calgary AB. His endless sense of adventure has taken him on a 10 day expedition beyond the Arctic Circle in Baffin Island, on a 28 day paddling expedition in remote northern Canada, and on a three week, self-supported trip into southern Costa Rica. He is a proficient mountain biker, rock climber, paddler, swimmer, backcountry skier and ice climber. Stephan has a great passion for being in the outdoors and especially for helping individuals live out new experiences, and then watching them grow. Stephan's time spent as a swimming, skiing, rollerblading, and rock climbing instructor has provided him with the ability to effectively develop and motivate others. Through his many experiences, Stephan has created proficiencies at managing and speaking to large groups of individuals of all ages, and in French and English. Stephan is certified in swift water rescue levels 1 & 2, CPR, wilderness first aid, and is a certified lifeguard.
	Ryan Hamm-Trip Leader Ryan is a consummate guide with his always upbeat and engaging personality. His enthusiasm is contagious and matched only by his qualifications. Awarded the 2007 Guide of the Year award by the top adventure travel companies for his excellence in the Adventure Travel industry. A graduate of the Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership Program (at Medicine Hat College, Alberta) he is also holds certifications in: Whitewater Rafting Guide, Wilderness First Aid and CPR, Swift Water Rescue 1+2, Leave-No-Trace Instructor, and Wilderness Steward Leadership. He has embraced guiding and outdoor instruction as his chosen career and performs his job with passion.
	Katie Painchaud- CFO and Guide Katie’s energy is unmatched and her infectious personality puts a smile on everyone’s face around her. Originally from Saguenay Lac-St-Jean, Quebec, Katie moved to Whistler in 2006 in search of finding bigger mountains and to learn English along the way. Now fluent in English and enjoying her new home in the mountains of Whistler her main passion is riding her bike and sliding on snow. Katie’s main role keeps all the finances in order, but she also loves to put her guiding skills to use and naturally showcases her passion for the outdoors and sharing new experiences with those traveling with her. Have her join you on the trail and before you know it you will singing and dancing your way along the trail.
	Luke Garside - Head Bike Mechanic Luke aka Wobbles is a straight forward and down to earth guy from Australia. He has a passion for the outdoors and anything that gets the blood pumping. A very big milestone and turning point in Lukes life was riding from the Top of Australia to the Tasmania, raising money for the Starlight Children's Foundation. The journey took 5500ks in 10 weeks over bull dust, rivers, highways and many more obstacles. There is rarely a dull moment with Luke for he is always having a chat making people laugh or busy out the back keeping the bikes in running order. He has been an Outdoor group leader for several years in Australia along with spending time on the mtb racing scene. He has moved to whistler to live the dream of riding epic single track with friends and to simply live life to the fullest.
	Graham Bottomly - Assistant Mechanic and sales In September 2008, Graham set foot on Canadian soil leaving his British heritage behind. He moved to Whistler with aspirations of skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer. Now in his third summer with Arbutus Routes, Graham’s performance on the bike, shop floor and behind the tools is continually improving. In April 2011, Graham kick started his summer season with Arbutus Routes by travelling to Ashland Oregon, furthering his bike mechanics skills by completing the United Bicycle Institutes 2 week “Professional Repair and Shop Operation” course. Amazed by the natural landscape, friendly people, and healthy lifestyle, Graham hasn't looked back once on his decision to live in Whistler.