What we do

The International Polar Guides Association (IPGA) is a worldwide body founded by active polar expedition guides dedicated to facilitating the development and preservation of high quality professional guiding in polar-ice environments. — Mission Statement.

IPGA regulates the quality of polar expedition guiding through its guide endorsement process, through the standardisation of skills and practices and the provision of resources to up-skill both prospective and endorsed guides. We provide support to the polar guiding community and its clientele by standardising work practices and regulations that govern the profession, by encouraging the highest possible level of safety and satisfaction for clients and by providing public transparency of guide skills, capabilities and qualifications. IPGA also monitors pricing and services offered by service providers.

The International Polar Guides Association is a Corporation Without Share (not-for-profit) organisation registered with Corporation Canada, Government of Canada.