• This two-year Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 47 weeks, is partnered with Wilderness Tours (Canada`s largest outdoor adventure company) and provides the training, practical skills, and tourism industry experience to satisfy the provincial, national, and international demand for skilled interpreters, nature and ecotourism guides.
  • Appealing to individuals interested in working outdoors, guiding clients, and interpreting natural environments, the program focuses on nature and heritage interpretation, outdoor adventure training, leadership, business, and risk management skills.
  • The curriculum includes approximately 800 hours of field study and practical training in the following: river touring skills (kayak touring and gentle rafting), river rescue, no trace camping and wilderness travel skills, cross-country cycle touring, flatwater canoeing, astronomy, winter camping skills, tracking, wildlife viewing, photography, wild edible plants, and birding.
  • In addition to the outdoor courses, students participate in several weekend expeditions and extended activity skills training sessions.
  • Qualified students can participate in an optional summer work co-op. The 500+ hour paid work placement offers students real-world work experience and an opportunity to network and make contacts in the outdoor tourism industry.
  • Alternatively, students can complete a forty-day work term in an industry-related position to fulfill the work experience component required for program completion.