Laurentian University Programs
Available in English

Outdoor Adventure Leadership

Faculty of Education and Health

Explore the natural beauty of Northern Ontario while earning your degree.

Program Overview

Step into your future with the outdoor adventure leadership program at Laurentian University, some of the best outdoor leadership training in Canada.

Prepare to lead confidently in the outdoors with the Outdoor Adventure Leadership program at Laurentian University. It is the only university program of its kind in Ontario and one of only a few in Canada. This four-year program is offered full-time and on campus in English.

You can also combine this program with the English Concurrent Bachelor of Education program, and graduate with two degrees at once! 

What is Outdoor Adventure Leadership?

Outdoor adventure leadership is about guiding, instructing, and managing activities in nature, such as hiking, camping, and canoeing. It involves planning trips, ensuring everyone's safety, teaching outdoor skills, and promoting respect for the environment.

What you’ll learn

In class, you’ll learn how to lead and manage outdoor activities safely. You get hands-on experience in various outdoor activities such as canoeing, cross-country skiing, rock climbing, winter camping and a variety of rescue skills. You’ll learn about human anatomy and physiology, expedition planning, wilderness living skills, risk management, and emergency rescue procedures. Additionally, you’ll develop the leadership and teamwork skills needed to guide groups in remote locations and harsh climates and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Certifications and Internships

Get hands-on experience and earn provincially and nationally recognized technical certifications such as canoe tripping, river rescue, wilderness field leader, and wilderness emergency first aid. You’ll also be able to complete an internship with leading outdoor adventure industries or have an opportunity to lead a multi-week expedition.

When you graduate

Upon graduation, you’ll receive a Bachelor of Physical and Health Education in Outdoor Adventure Leadership. You’ll be prepared to take on various leadership positions, whether you choose to lead tours and expeditions outdoors or pursue another career that requires strong leadership skills. You can also continue your education with the Masters of Human Kinetics program.

Self-motivated and passionate students will excel in the small, interactive classes, focusing on leadership, guiding, and instructing in remote or austere environments.

Explore beautiful Northern Canada during a 14-day, 250-450 km canoe trip or participate in an international expedition as part of your upper-year studies.

Take advantage of the opportunity to obtain several internationally recognized certifications in canoe tripping, river rescue, wilderness field leader, and wilderness emergency first aid.

Career Outlook

A degree in outdoor adventure leadership opens many doors to a successful career. Some options include but are not limited to: 

  • Adventure activity instructor
  • Corporate adventure training and team building facilitator
  • Recreation department officer
  • Outdoor educator
  • Outdoor photographer and film-maker
  • Outdoor Researcher
  • Outdoor adventure therapist
  • Wilderness/international expedition guide
  • Wilderness lodge/resort/park operator
A student smiling in the wilderness

My time here at Laurentian has offered consistent opportunities for professional growth and connections. The Outdoor Adventure Leadership Program is exceptional due to the opportunities in self-directed practicums, group work, and internships. The course work promotes students to develop their skills and abilities, while making connections in the industry. The small student-faculty ratios allow the students to expand their learning beyond the hours of the lectures, as the faculty are always welcoming to students who are seeking to deepen their learning. During my third year in the program, I was part of a group that spent one and a half years planning a four-week service learning and mountaineering expedition to Mongolia, that took place in June 2017. I would most definitely recommend Laurentian University, the School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, and the Outdoor Adventure Leadership Program. Laurentian University is unique for the access that students have to explore the trails, lakes and green spaces, and be part of a healthy, active community.

Beau Williams Orser

Program Details

Program language:

English

Delivery method:

On Campus

Contact info

Professor Jim Little
(705) 675-1151 ext. 1205
School of Education SE-205
jlittle@laurentian.ca

Please contact the email above, and our recruitment team will get back to you!

More About The Program

Interesting Facts:

  • Small and interactive class sizes for many courses; many courses have less than 30 students.
  • Many practical/experiential courses (Wilderness Outdoor Living Skills, Canoe Tripping, Rock Climbing and Rescue, to name a few).
  • Third-year intensive field camp experience with an opportunity for international travel and expeditions. Opportunity to obtain several internationally recognized certifications (Wilderness First Responder, River Rescue, Canoeing, etc.).
  • Earn Canada’s first EcoHealth Promotion certificate within the program/school offerings.

 

OUSA Award for Teaching Excellence
The SGA/AGE is thrilled to announce Jim Little as a recipient of the 2025 OUSA Award for Teaching Excellence! This award celebrates educators who go above and beyond to inspire, engage, and empower students through learning and the development of critical skills. The SGA thanks Professor Little for his unwavering commitment to the success of our students and for making the learning experience so positive and impactful. This recognition is well deserved!

Admission Requirements

Ontario High School Applicants

Program Prerequisites:

  • 1 grade 12 English U/M course;1 grade 12 U Biology or Exercise Science; 4 other grade 12 U/M courses
  • A minimum overall average of 75% in the 6 best grade 12 U/M courses

 

Additional information for applicants who have completed Advanced Placement courses.

Additional information for applicants who have completed the International Baccalaureate.

Click here to view information regarding General Admission Requirements.

 

Applicants from outside an Ontario High School 

International Students

Canadian High School Applicants from outside Ontario

Applicants from Colleges

Applicants from other Universities

Mature Students

How To Apply

Canadian Applicants

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you must complete your application through the Ontario Universities Application Center (OUAC).

For detailed instructions on the application process, see the How to Apply: Canadian Undergraduate Applicants page.


Apply Now as a Domestic Applicant

International Applicants

If you’re an international applicant, you must fill out the International Application Form.

For detailed instructions on the application process, see the How to Apply: International Students page.


Apply Now as an International Applicant

Degree Options

Outdoor Adventure Leadership (120 credits)

Students must follow these regulations in order to meet graduation requirements.

This program focuses on outdoor leadership, guiding, and instructing in various environments including remote locations. Students have the opportunity to gain valuable experiences and provincially or nationally recognized technical certifications in outdoor activities, such as canoe tripping, white water, sea kayaking, rock climbing, and wilderness emergency first response.

Program of Study

First Year:

PHED 0199E     Outdoor School I

PHED 0100E     Outdoor Leadership Colloquium

PHED 1006E     Exercise Science, Wellness and Health

PHED 2149E     Introduction to Outdoor Living Skills

PHED 2159E     Canoe Tripping Leadership

BIOL 2105E     Human Anatomy and Physiology

PSYC 1105E     Introduction to Psychology

6 credits of electives

 

Note:  In order to advance to the second year of the program, students must provide a photocopy of a current certificate in CPR (level C) and First Aid before February 28.

Second Year:

PHED 0299E     Outdoor School II

PHED 0200E     Outdoor Leadership Colloquium

PHED 2109E     Wilderness Camping

PHED 2329E     Cross-Country Skiing

PHED 2516E     Musculoskeletal Anatomy + lab   

     OR  PHED 2517E     Applied Human Physiology + lab

PHED 3615E     Wilderness Emergency Management

PHED 2406E     Outdoor Education

15 credits of electives

 

Third Year:

PHED 2606E     Adventure Leadership

PHED 0300E     Outdoor Leadership Colloquium

PHED 3116E     Expedition Planning

PHED 3906E     Outdoor Adventure Leadership Internship

PHED 3236E     Outdoor Facilitation and Team Building

PHED 4446E     Risk Management in Outdoor Environments

PHED 3049E     Outdoor School Leadership

PHED 4209E     Winter Camping

12 credits of electives

 

Fourth Year:

PHED 4116E     Advanced Outdoor Expedition

PHED 4079E     Outdoor Adventure Pursuits

PHED 4149E     River Rescue

PHED 3029E     Climbing and Rescue Management

PHED 4009E     White Water Canoing

PHED 4906E     Internship 

     (OR)  any PHED theory elective

PHED 4447E     Recreational to Therapeutic Adventure

PHED 4126E     Professionalismin Outdoor Leadership

PHED 4246E     Ecohealth Promotion

9 credits of electives

 

Certificate in Ecohealth Promotion (Scroll to the Certificate in Ecohealth Promotion section)

 

Academic Regulations
To be in good academic standing in the School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, the student must:
 1) satisfy all conditions of admission;
 2) not fail more than 3 credits in an academic year or in the previous 30 credits;
 3) maintain a cumulative overall average of at least 4.0 on all courses taken.

A student who fails to attain good academic standing may be allowed to continue on probation for no more than one year (or 30 credits). If after one probationary period, the student does attain good academic standing, he or she may proceed in the program. However, if after the probationary period, the student fails to attain good academic standing, he or she must withdraw from the School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, but may apply to transfer to another program at the university.

A student who fails over 6 credits in the 1st-year of the program may not proceed to upper-year PHED courses.

After one calendar year, a student who has been asked to withdraw from the program may petition the Senate Committee on Academic Regulations and Awards for readmission, but such measures should have the recommendation of the academic unit before being considered by the Senate Committee.

Sample Courses

Faculty Members

Jaouad Alem
Associate Professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Jian Chen
Associate Professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Sandra Dorman
Full Professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Tammy Eger
VP, Research
Office of the Vice-President, Research
Alison Godwin
Full Professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Sylvain Grenier
Director, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Georges Kpazai
Associate Dean, Faculty of Education & Health
Faculty of Education and Health
Michel Larivière
Full Professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
James Little
Master Lecturer, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Kerry McGannon
Full Professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Ginette Michel
Assistant Professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Sebastien Nault
Master Lecturer, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Barbara Ravel
Associate Professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Stephen Ritchie
Full Professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Robert Schinke
Full Professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Amanda Schweinbenz
Full Professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Alain Gauthier
Associate Dean, Faculty of Education & Health
Faculty of Education and Health
Bruce Oddson
Associate Professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Elizabeth Wenghofer
Full Professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Nancy Lightfoot
Full Professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Caroline Dignard
Assistant Professor, School of Kinesiology & Health Sciences
School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences

Sessional Members:

  • Randy Battochio
  • Jean  Benoît
  • Lise Brown
  • Michelle Brunette
  • Carlo Castrechino
  • Randy Cavallin
  • James Coffey
  • Coulombe Jasmine
  • Carla Cox
  • Tony Cox
  • Nicole Dubuc-Charbonneau
  • Gino Ferri
  • Charles Fink
  • Sarah Forbes
  • Sheila Gagnon
  • Robert Jack
  • Thomas Lee Kingston
  • Michelle Laurence
  • Jeffrey McGarry
  • Karen Rebeiro Grouhl
  • Raymond Savignac
  • Olivier Serress
  • Natalie Tissot Van Patot
  • Andelka Tuttle
  • Diana Urajnik
  • Melissa Wiman

 

Adjunct Professors:

  • Ben Hejer, Ph. D.
  • Hakim Hariti, Ph. D.
  • Pascal Lefebvre, Ph. D.
  • Nicole Dubuc-Charbonneau, Ph. D.
  • Ann Pegoraro, Ph. D.

 

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