
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

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
Canadian High School Applicants from outside Ontario
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.
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
This course, which is intended for first year students, includes seminars to orient students in the Outdoor Adventure Leadership Program. It also provides outdoor adventure industry updates, employment and networking opportunities. Students will acquire knowledge and experience in assisting, promoting and developing large scale events. cr 1.
This course is conducted prior to the start of classes. It provides an introduction to a selection of outdoor group and individual activities including: cooperative games, orienteering, recreational games and basic outdoor skills. Students will be required to pass a Basic Aquatics Skill Test. cr 1.5.
This course is an introduction of basic concepts of fitness assessment, training methods and testing procedures. A combination of theory and practical experiences in effects of lifestyle on fitness, weight-training principles and methods, sport preparation, flexibility, circuit training, post-cardiac program, fads, etc. (lec 3, lab 1.5) cr 3.
This course is an introduction to important anatomical, biomechanical, perceptuomotor, physiological, and psychosocial factors that determine the way humans move. Concurrently, the student is introduced to various scientific approaches used to study human movement behaviour. It includes lecture, observation and laboratory experiences. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course examines the nature and scope of physical education as a profession including a descriptive analysis of current sport and physical education structures, practices and issues. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course examines the structure of human cells, tissues, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems, with reference to human movement. (lec 3, lab 3) cr 3. Students who are required to take PHED 1506 may not retain credit for BIOL 2105, BIOL 1700 or BIOL 2701.
This course is a study of the structure of the human musculoskeletal system with emphasis on the kinesiologic aspects. (lec 3, lab 3) cr 3. Students who are required to take PHED 1507 may not retain credit for BIOL 2105, BIOL 1700 or BIOL 2701.
This course is a survey of contemporary psychology with reference to its historical development and emphasis on its present status and scientific methodology. It examines the biosocial bases of behaviour, development and personality, motivation, emotion, perception and learning. It involves scaling of behavioural variables, some descriptive statistics, and some elementary experiments and other practical work. (lec 2, lab/tut 1) cr 6. Prerequisite to all other PSYC courses. Students must achieve a minimum 60% grade to continue in a Psychology program.
This course, which is intended for second year Outdoor Adventure leadership students, includes seminars on program development, professional industry updates, enhancing employment potential, and networking opportunities in the outdoor adventure sector. Students acquire experience in assisting, promoting, and developing large scale events. Summer session course preparation, logistics and planning will also be covered. cr 1.
This course introduces students to the principles of outdoor leadership applied to muti-day wilderness travel with particular emphasis on pre-trip planning, environmental ethics, and backcountry navigation and minimum impact camping techniques. Concepts and skills are introduced through presentations, demonstrations, and discussions; and they are reinforced through experiential learning on a rigorous multi-day wilderness expedition. PREREQ:PHED-2149EL and PHED-2159EL; OR Permission from Instructor (Sem/Field Work) cr 1.5
This course focuses on goals, objectives and analysis of a broad range of game types for varying age groups, specific populations and themes. It emphasizes creation, development, organization, teaching skills and active participation. (exp 3) cr 1.5.
This course is an introduction to cross-country skiing. It emphasizes technique, equipment selection and maintenance and winter safety. (exp 3) cr 1.5.
This course is a study of philosophy, principles and practices in outdoor education in North America and select European countries. It examines the relationship and contribution of outdoor education to general education and to the total educational process. A historical evolvement of outdoor education is presented. (lec 3) cr 3.
In this course, selected body systems are studied with emphasis on aspects of significance in physical and health education. Topics include: cell and general physiology, nervous systems, the special senses, nerve and muscle, the body fluids and kidneys. PREREQ: PHED 1506/7. (lec 3, lab 2) cr 3.
This course is a continuation of PHED 2506. Topics include: respiration, blood cells, immunity and blood clotting, the heart, circulation, the gastro-intestinal tract, metabolism and temperature regulation, and endocrinology. PREREQ: PHED 2506 or permission of the instructor. (lec 3, lab 3) cr 3.
This course is an advanced emergency program for outdoor leaders who may work in remote settings as rescue personnel or trip leaders. This course offers the foundations of wilderness prehospital emergency care. Special emphasis is placed on traumatic injuries, incident command, long-term patient care, leader responsibility and liability, advanced medical aid kits, wound cleaning, evacuation procedures and working with emergency medical services. Successful students may qualify for certification as a Wilderness First Responder. PREREQ: basic first aid and CPR and PHED 1006 (lec 1, exp 1, lab 1) cr 6.
Conducted during the fall, this required course includes an introduction to a selection of activities that may include the following: canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, white water activities and basic survival skills. PREREQ: PHED 1099 and Basic Aquatics Skill Test. cr 1.5.
This course covers the theory and practice pertaining to bushcraft and outdoor living. This course is designed to immerse the student in a tactile, interactive, skill-based environment, including an overnight experience in a field setting. (exp 3) cr 1.5.
This course will be conducted over a one week intensive period prior to the commencement of classes in September of each year. It will run in series with the PHED 2149 Wilderness Survival course and PHED 2099 Outdoor School II course for second year students in the Outdoor Adventure Leadership program. Trip technical certification may be offered concurrently in this course. cr 1.5.
This course is intended to enhance the third year student experience through exploration in program development, outdoor adventure leadership employment, and networking opportunities. Students also acquire direct experience in assisting, promoting, and developing community based events. Internships and practicum opportunities are highlighted through the year. Planning for Spring Session courses and intensive course curriculim will form an integral part of this course. cr 1.
This course deals with leadership and small group theory, with particular emphasis on leadership and group theory applied to the adventure activity. A model for developing adventure leaders is examined and students formulate a personal leadership development plan. Risk management techniques for the adventure leader are also examined. (lec, exp 3) cr 3.
The course involves the planning, organizing, facilitating, and leading of outdoor activities and trips to support the Outdoor School program (PHED 0199, 0299, and 0399) which are required courses for students in the School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. These activities may be completed on or off campus. PREREQ: PHED 2149 and PHED 2159 OR Permission from Instructor (Sem/Field Work) cr 1.5
This course is designed to introduce students to the skills and tools required to prepare for significant outdoor expeditions involving multi-day travel in remote wilderness locations. The course focuses on effective preparation in all aspects of expedition planning from route, risk, and equipment planning to marketing, fundraising, and menu planning. The primary focus is to plan and prepare for the Advanced Canoe Trip course (PHED 4116). Other topics focus on helping students understand expedition planning for a variety of different outdoor pursuits, in a variety of remote settings. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course deals with the study of the qualitative and quantitative effects of various types of exercises on the systems of the body. Special consideration is given to the body's adaptive ability to the stress of exercise. The physiological basis for the appraisal of fitness is also considered. PREREQ: PHED 2506/7 or PHED-2516/2517(may be taken concurrently). (lec 3, lab 2) cr 3.
This course is designed to introduce the student to the theoretical and practical concepts necessary for effective outdoor facilitation and team building. These concepts will be examined from the perspective of the leader/facilitator, the participant, the group and the setting/facility. Experiential learning exercises will be used to enhance the learning experience through practical "hands-on facilitation" within group settings. Upon completion of the course, students will be expected to understand and demonstrate tools and techniques for effective facilitation of groups in outdoor recreational experiences. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course provides the student with the option of either completing a community placement or an international expedition. The community placement option provides the student with the opportunity to experience the reality of working in the field of adventure activity alongside a community mentor. In an apprentice role, students work in situations that offer practical experiences and require a scholarly examination of the agency, organization or institution in which they are working. The international expedition option provides the Outdoor Adventure Leadership student with the opportunity to plan, prepare and lead a wilderness excursion outside Canada. The student can select from a variety of outdoor activities including, but not limited to, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, mountaineering and trekking. Students must make a public presentation of the outcome and submit a detailed final report following the expedition. (exp 6) cr 6.
In this course, students will develop technical skills required for effective leadership in a variety of cold weather outdoor activities. Concepts and skills are introduced through presentations, demonstrations, readings and discussions, and are further developed and reinforced through experiential learning in class and on an expedition. Students develop skills in several activities including: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing expedition planning, back country travel and navigation, outdoor cooking and shelter building. The course emphasizes personal and group safety practices and the development of environmental ethics and "no trace" wilderness camping practices. Students have opportunities to develop and demonstrate a variety of outdoor leadership skills. (exp 3) cr 1.5.
The course is designed to provide a technical and academic base on which to build a student's knowledge in terms of the various safety components facing prospective outdoor leaders. The topics of risk management, the proper handling of crisis situations in a wilderness setting, and the ethical treatment of all clients, before, during and following any outing, will be analyzed and will develop sound risk management plans for a variety of expeditions. (lec 3) cr 3.
This course is a discussion of current topics in nutrition, such as characteristics of food groups and their influence on human health and diseases, nutritional needs during various phases of the life cycle, dental health, overweight, food processing and supply, food hygiene standards, food faddism, nutrition education, and alcohol. PREREQ: PHED 2506/7 or PHED 2516/2517. (lec 3) cr 3.
In this course, students are exposed to intermediate and advanced level skills in rock climbing. Topics include rappelling, ascending techniques with ropes and other assists, top rope climbing, and leading climbs. The student develops skills sufficient for Level II certification with the Ontario Rock Climbing Association. Techniques of rescue using ropes and other aids are also covered. (exp 3) cr 1.5.
This is an experiential course in the use of the Canadian canoe to navigate in moving water. After completion, students have intermediate to advanced level skills in whitewater canoeing sufficient for Level 1 certification of the national certification scheme. (exp 3) cr 1.5.
A continuation of PHED 3116 (Expedition Planning), this course examines the skills required to successfully plan and lead outdoor expedition trips. Increased emphasis is placed on pre-trip preparation, safety, client care, and expeditionary performance and application in the field. All aspects of national and international outdoor expeditions are studied. (exp 3) cr 3. Prerequisites: PHED 3116 - Expedition Planning and PHED 4446 - Risk Management for the Outdoors.
The course is designed to give the student a practical experience in swift water rescue techniques. The student will acquire the skills necessary to perform rescue on class 1, 2, 3 rapids. At the end of the course, the student will possess the skill level required for certification as an SRT-1 or SRT-2. PREREQ: 30 university credits - Must be completed prior to taking this course (exp 3) cr 1.5.
This course, which is intended for fourth year Outdoor Adventure Leadership students, includes seminars in senior student program development as well as updates and employment opportunities. Students will acquire experience in assisting, promoting, and developing large scale events. Teaching and mentoring lower year students within the Professional Development Seminars will be part of this course. Students will be required to attend two approved research seminars (ie Human Kinetics research Seminar Series). Professional certification requirements will be completed within this course. cr 1.5.
This course is designed to give students practical experience in all aspects of leading outdoor expeditions, from trip selection, to planning logistics, crew selection, and applying in-field leadership principles and practices. PREREQ: PHED 3099 or PHED-0399 and Wilderness First Responder Certification (may be acquired through PHED 3615). (exp 3) cr 1.5.
This course is designed to introduce the student to the broad spectrum of outdoor adventure from pure recreational experiences to more complex interventions with therapeutic outcomes. More advanced concepts in outdoor facilitation will be introduced, which will provide the student with specialized perspectives on corporate adventure training, the application of adventure therapy techniques and an overview of adventure therapy within special population. These concepts will be examined from both a theoretical and a practical perspective through role playing and scenarios. Several industry associations and organization will be examined in terms of their unique approaches to adventure therapy and outdoor recreation. Experiential learning exercises will be used to enhance the learning experience through practical "hands-on" facilitation. Upon completion of the course students will be expected to demonstrate techniques for effective facilitation and understand the basic tenets of adventure therapy in its varied applications. PREREQ: 30 university credits - Must be completed prior to taking this course. . (exp 3) cr 3.
Faculty Members
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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