Outdoor Adventure

Prepare for an exciting leadership role with a career in the outdoors.
  • This two‑year Ontario College Diploma immerses students in hands‑on outdoor training, with roughly half the program conducted in real wilderness settings including mountains, rivers, and forests.
  • Gain a wide range of technical skills and take advantage of the opportunity to earn up to 20 industry‑recognized certifications.
  • Graduates are prepared not only to guide adventures but also to pursue supervisory, management, or entrepreneurial roles in the outdoor industry.

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Open

Closed

Waitlisted

Start Term

Availability

International
Availability

Competitive?

Fall 2026

No

Schedule

Coming soon - a schedule that will show when each Level of the program will be delivered. See the Courses tab for further details on the Levels within this program.

Program Summary

Credential

Ontario College Diploma (2 Years)

Program Delivery

View delivery information

Program Code

6780X01FPM

Area of Interest

Community and Social Services

School

Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley

Campus

Pembroke

Work Integrated Learning

Field Work Placement

Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?

No

The two-year Outdoor Adventure Ontario College Diploma program prepares you to work in the outdoors domestically and internationally, leading adventure trips and teaching inclusive outdoor skills. Half of your time in the program is spent outdoors, in a variety of locations and adventure operations, including our partner training location at Wilderness Tours. The other half takes place at Algonquin College's Waterfront Campus.

Complete technical training in various land-based activities from mountain biking and rock climbing to skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. You also build guiding ability in water-based activities, such as:...(read more)

Overview

Prepare for an exciting leadership role with a career in the outdoors.

The two-year Outdoor Adventure Ontario College Diploma program prepares you to work in the outdoors domestically and internationally, leading adventure trips and teaching inclusive outdoor skills. Half of your time in the program is spent outdoors, in a variety of locations and adventure operations, including our partner training location at Wilderness Tours. The other half takes place at Algonquin College's Waterfront Campus.

Complete technical training in various land-based activities from mountain biking and rock climbing to skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. You also build guiding ability in water-based activities, such as:

  • whitewater rafting
  • kayaking
  • flatwater canoeing and canoe tripping

This program is built around adventure tourism and small business management curriculum, with classroom courses in:

  • risk management
  • business management
  • ecotourism
  • human resources
  • computer applications

Participate in one expedition per term, including a graduating project that you plan and execute with a group of classmates.

Benefit from the opportunity to earn up to twenty industry certifications, such as:

  • Wilderness First Responder
  • Swift Water Rescue Technician and Operator
  • Canoe Instructor
  • Whitewater Kayak Instructor
  • Leave-no-trace Trainer
  • Cycle Tour Guide
  • Occupational Health, Safety and WHMIS
  • Downhill ski, Snowboard or Nordic ski instructor

The combination of in-the-field training, technical skills certification, leadership and risk management, and industry and business study creates multiple career paths and graduates that are in demand. Graduates may find employment opportunities in

  • Provincial, national, and international adventure and ecotourism
  • Safey and rescue response services
  • Education
  • Municipal parks and recreation

Graduates may also pursue entrepreneurial opportunities in the adventure and ecotourism sectors.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
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Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates may find employment across Canada and around in the world in a variety of roles such as operation manager, expedition trip leader, exploration logistics and support manager, park warden/ranger, conservation and stewardship worker, international community development supervisor, ski patroller, backcountry wilderness guide, youth camp manager, outdoor adventure skills instructor, kayak guide/instructor, climbing or snowboard instructor.

With relevant field experience, graduate's training may allow them to move to senior and guide manager positions such as ski school director, terrain park manager, program coordinator, industrial first aid attendant, logistics and technical support worker for film industry, ground logistics supervisor for science and research, corporate team building facilitator, travel writer, photo journalist, outdoor equipment research and design manager, rope access technician, college outdoor programs instructor, and outdoor educator.

Several graduates have purchased an existing business or started their own adventure company, ranging from whitewater rafting to international adventure travel.

Pathways

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Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Assess risk and exposure to manage liability, create and use risk management systems, and contribute to a safe outdoor adventure experience.
  2. Lead people in a variety of environments and scenarios to support the achievement of common goals.
  3. Communicate using a variety of professional strategies to support clear understanding in business and field environments.
  4. Instruct outdoor technical programs and activities to support skill development for individuals and groups.
  5. Initiate an effective and methodical response to emergency and rescue scenarios to support a positive outcome.
  6. Engage in a breadth of outdoor technical skills to contribute to the ongoing development of the industry.
  7. Apply business and management strategies to capitalize on opportunities in the adventure industry.
  8. Plan and manage adventure-based trips, events and programs to support successful completion of intended goals.
  9. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2026/2027 Academic Year

Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator

Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar's Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro

Fees are subject to change.

Additional program related expenses include:

  • Clothing and Equipment: Students need appropriate clothing and equipment to participate in outdoor activities throughout the four seasons of the year. Students likely already own many of these items, and the program provides course specific equipment. A complete list is available is available at the Outdoor Programs Equipment Requirements webpage: www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke/files/2026/03/ODAEquipList.pdf
  • Program Readiness Camp: Details are available on the program readiness camp webpage: www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke/program/outdoor-adventure/prc-orientation
  • Books, maps and manuals: costs approximately $200-300 per term.
  • Expeditions: travel, food and equipment are supplied for expeditions, with the exception of those detailed below. Students are required to obtain a passport and travel insurance (on a per trip basis).
  • Advanced Expedition: If the class chooses a final expedition destination that exceeds the allotted budget, additional costs for transportation, accommodation, documentation, etc., may be incurred by each student.
  • Elective Courses that Include International Trips: All expenses are the responsibility of the student for those who select elective courses that include international trips. Approximate trip costs are provided in advance of elective course selection.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent;
  • Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.

Program Eligibility

  • English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
  • Mathematics, Grade 11 (MBF3C or equivalent).

  • PART 1

    • Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
    • IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken prior to January 21, 2026 overall 80, with a minimum in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken after January 21, 2026 overall 4, with a minimum in each component: Reading 4; Listening 4; Speaking 4; Writing 4; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.

  • PART II

    • Prior to commencement of the program, accepted applicants must:
      • Participate in a mandatory Program Readiness Camp orientation weekend (several dates available, details in Applicant's Handbook available on program website).
      • Submission of Applicant Personal Information, Consent and Health form (available on program website), prior to attending mandatory Program
      • Readiness Camp orientation weekend.
      • Provide proof of current Standard First Aid Certification.
      • Sign and submit an Outdoor Adventure Program Assumption of Risk and Release form (available at program website).
      • Those under the age of 18 must submit Parental Consent documentation (available on program website).
  • Applicants who have met Part I of the Eligibility and Selection process will be accepted into the program. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of positions available, applicants will be selected based on their English (ENG4C or equivalent) and Math (MAP4C or equivalent) grades.
  • Those applicants successfully accepted in the program must plan to attend a mandatory Program Readiness Camp orientation weekend (Part III). Several dates are available over the spring and summer (details can be found in the Applicant's Handbook available on the program website). Two weeks prior to your attendance at the orientation camp, a Personal Information, Consent and Health form, along with an Outdoor Adventure Program Assumption of Risk and Release form must be completed and submitted to the program coordinator.
  • Prior to the first day of class, the student must provide proof of current Standard First Aid and a signed release form. All of these details are outlined in the Applicant's Handbook available on the program website.
  • The Assumption of Risk and Release form is available on the program website.

Application Information

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Program Code 6780X01FPM

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants please visit this link for application
process information: https://algonquincollege.my.site.com/myac360/s/

For further information on the admissions process, please contact:
Registrar's Office Algonquin College - Pembroke Campus
1 College Way, Pembroke, ON K8A0C8
Local: 613-735-4700
Email: yourfuture@algonquincollege.com
Website: https://algonquincollege.com/pembroke

Additional Information

Program Resources

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) RequirementseTextbooksArchived Program Information Academic CalendarVirtual TourProgram Overview PDF

This program is offered at the Pembroke Waterfront Campus, which is surrounded by the fantastic natural resources of the beautiful and rugged Ottawa Valley. Sitting on the shores of the mighty Ottawa River, the Campus is in close proximity to world-renowned Algonquin Park, alpine ski hills and its program partner, Wilderness Tours. The Wilderness Tours resort is located just 30 minutes from the Pembroke Campus.

The Outdoor Adventure Program is a physically demanding program. Students should be able to efficiently and comfortably swim 200m, be able to carry a 22kg / 50 lbs backpack over long distances, paddle or bike for several hours at a time, and spend all day and overnight outdoors in all weather from plus 20C to minus 20C. Refer to the Applicant's Handbook found at our program webpage for complete participation requirements. Some courses may require weekend participation for expeditions and/or practical skills. Students must attend these weekend programs. A schedule is distributed on orientation day.

First year students choose between flatwater or whitewater elective streams. Second year students choose between a range of specialized technical courses and certification courses. The electives offered are subject to minimum and maximum numbers, weather and logistical requirements. Not all electives are offered each term.

International travel electives are offered during the program and provide unique learning opportunities at international adventure destinations. These courses are electives and students incur additional travel-related fees if they select these courses. For those intending to pursue international adventure guiding as a career path, these electives provide value-added learning opportunities and resume building experiences.

Tuition fees include a number of significant industry certifications. Students may be able to earn industry certifications through the program at a significantly lower cost than if attained independently. Incorporating many certifications directly into the curriculum ensures graduates are qualified for employment.

NOTE: Certifications are subject to change and availability as all are regulated by separate, external national bodies.

Statement of Responsibility, Safety and Liability:
In order to learn the skills necessary to become an effective leader in the outdoor adventure tourism industry, students must perform beyond the limits of a mere participant and assume a greater degree of responsibility and risk.

Course activities regularly take place in remote and rugged locations. Activities, including overnight camping and daily classes, are scheduled regardless of rain, snow and cold. Remote locations may mean delay in emergency communication and time to medical treatment in the case of injury. Within any given day, there is supervised and unsupervised activity and time.

There is an inherent element of risk which is beyond human control. Only those risks that contribute to career-related skills, knowledge, and experience are acceptable, as dictated by industry standards, certification, licenses and specific course outlines. This is termed risk-appropriate training. Risks that fall outside of the scope of industry practice are deemed inappropriate for technical training programs at Algonquin College. Although effort is made to minimize exposure to these risks, we can ultimately assume no responsibility for your safety or loss of personal equipment.

A signed liability release is required of all students before commencement of the program. An additional liability release may be required for courses delivered through subcontractors or host agencies. Students are encouraged to read these carefully and fully understand the forms' legal implications before signing. A parent/guardian release is required for minors (under 18 years of age).

Contact

Chris Melmoth

Program Coordinator

melmotc@algonquincollege.com

613-735-4700, ext. 2880

Room 319

View Bio

Chris Melmoth

Program Coordinator

melmotc@algonquincollege.com

613-735-4700, ext. 2880

Chris Melmoth’s students benefit from his 20+ years of first-hand experience in outdoor training, instruction, administration, and management with one of Canada’s leading outdoor adventure companies. He brings practical approaches and a wealth of national and international business knowledge to the classroom. His work has brought him to numerous adventure destinations across Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, and western and eastern Europe. Chris has been involved in Algonquin’s ecotourism projects in Mexico and Costa Rica and has travelled to China as a consultant on experiential learning and adventure tourism programs. He has also led the trip to Costa Rica for the Rainforest and Tropical Science course for several years.

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