Outdoor Adventure Leadership
Explore the natural beauty of Northern Ontario while earning your degree.
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.
Key Features
Career Opportunities
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
Beau Williams Orser
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.
Does this program interest you?
Take an in-depth look at program details, courses, and degree options!
Program Details