Tom Canada

Originally from California’s Central Coast, Tom has been guiding since 2002 after a fateful commercial lap on the South Fork of the American River. Since then, he’s led trips across California, Oregon, Idaho, Costa Rica, Panama, and Honduras—spending over a decade absorbing river knowledge. With a degree in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from UC Berkeley, Tom brings a deep respect for the ecosystems he moves through and the stories they hold.

Before guiding, Tom was a Division I athlete and even played in the Canadian Football League’s Grey Cup! Today, his talents stretch far beyond the boat—he’s a CrossFit Olympic lifting coach, wildflower bouquet enthusiast, musician, surfer, and part-time heavy equipment operator. He’s just as comfortable performing on stage as he is navigating river canyons.

For Tom, guiding is about the space between the put-in and take-out—the conversations, connections, and quiet beauty along the way. He’s drawn to Idaho’s abundant drainages, its seasonal diversity, and the deep-rooted river culture that makes every trip feel like a return home.