Our Mission
To empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and judgment to travel and live safely and responsibly in the Canadian wilderness.
About NBSC
Practical skills.
Proven standards.
Canadian focused.
The National Bushcraft & Wilderness Self-Reliance Council of Canada exists to raise the standard of wilderness competency through structured education, hands-on training, and a national system of certification built for real-world conditions.
Our Vision
A Canada where wilderness skills are respected, taught responsibly, and used to build resilient people, strong communities, and a deeper connection to the land.
Our Philosophy
We believe wilderness competency is born from a collection of skills. It's a mindset of preparation, awareness, and respect.
Prepared, not paranoid
We teach practical readiness, not fear.
Respect the land
We practice low-impact travel and ethical use of natural resources.
Earn, don't assume
Our certification is issued on demonstrated competence, not participation.
Lifelong learning
We support continuous growth through manuals, mentorship, and experience.
Trusted & Recognized
Our certifications are built to be credible, verifiable, and respected by employers, organizations, and communities across Canada.
National Standards
Competency-based system aligned with country best practice.
Expertise Trusted
Designed to meet the needs of outdoor professionals, guides, and organizations.
Verifiable Credentials
All certifications are issued with a unique credential ID and can be looked up online for instant verification.
Advisory Board
Guided by experienced professionals in outdoor education, search & rescue, conservation, and leadership.
Jean-Yves Boggio
Outdoor Education
Mara Kuenz
Search & Rescue
Dr. Inge Mitz
Conservation Biologist
Lt. (Ret.) Mark Brown
Leadership & Risk Management
Danielle Lavoie
Indigenous Wilderness Instructor
Our Core Values
Safety First
We prioritize the safety of our students, instructors, and communities.
Integrity
We operate with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
Excellence
We pursue high standards in everything we teach and do.
Community
We build a supportive network of skilled, responsible individuals.
Respect
We respect each other, the land, and future generations.
Canadian Focused. Nationally Relevant.
Our programs are built for Canada's diverse environments — from coastal rainforests to the tundra of the north.
- Regional relevance — programs tuned to each province
- All-season training, from temperate spring to deep winter
- Canadian Wilderness First Aid is the recognised standard
- Provincial coverage across all ten provinces and three territories
Built in Canada
for Canada
for Canada
Ready to start your journey?
Earn a certification, build confidence in any season, and become part of a national community.