Outdoor Adventure Naturalist (Co-op and Non Co-op Version)
The two-year Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 43 weeks, is the perfect choice for anyone interested in working as a professional in the soft adventure/ecotourism sector, guiding and educating clients through the interpretation of natural environments and led outdoor activities (LOAs).
- Enjoy a more personalized learning environment with our small classes
- Benefit from supportive and experienced faculty who are active in their industry
- Gain the latest and best industry-specific knowledge and skills to be career-ready upon graduation
Program Availability and Schedule
Schedule
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Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
As a student, you spend approximately 600 hours completing field study and practical skills training in outdoor settings/classrooms.
Explore areas such as:...(read more)
Overview
The two-year Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 43 weeks, is the perfect choice for anyone interested in working as a professional in the soft adventure/ecotourism sector, guiding and educating clients through the interpretation of natural environments and led outdoor activities (LOAs). The Program is delivered with our partner, Wilderness Tours, Canada`s largest outdoor adventure company.
As a student, you spend approximately 600 hours completing field study and practical skills training in outdoor settings/classrooms.
Explore areas such as:
- flatwater canoeing
- kayak touring
- river rafting
- no-trace camping and wilderness travel skills
- winter camping and travel skills
- cross-country cycle touring
- ski touring
- tracking
- wildlife viewing and birding
- wild edible and small plant identification
- astronomy
- photography
Students complete extended activity skills training sessions and take on several expeditions - the last being self-executed. The program`s curriculum also includes business courses in interpretive media, marketing the tourism experience, as well as financial and small business management to enhance and diversify your career options and pathways.
Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op work term are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note admission to the co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement.
In addition, students have the opportunity to obtain several industry-related certifications, such as:
- Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) Wild Educator Facilitator
- Assistant Cycle Tour Guide
- Paddle Canada Waterfront Canoe Instructor and Paddle Canada Wilderness Camping Instructor
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
- Paddle Canada Level I and Level II Sea Kayak Skills
- Heritage Interpreter Certification
- Leave No Trace (LNT) Master Educator
Upon graduation, you are ready for an exciting, in-demand career. Be prepared to work in:
- provincial, national, and international nature-based adventure tourism
- museums, interpretive centres, and historical centres
- education
- municipal parks and recreation
Graduates may also pursue entrepreneurial opportunities in the nature/adventure/ecotourism sectors.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about the outdoor adventure tourism industry.
- Are concerned about social, economic and environmental (SEE) sustainability and want to personally learn more about SEE sustainability in the Outdoor Adventure Tourism industry.
- Are committed to guiding and teaching others in a variety of environments.
- Are interested in learning the skills and abilities required to become an interpretive/nature based guiding professional.
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.
Code:
ADN7104
Course Name:
Ecology
Course Description:
A sound ecological foundation that includes a broad overview of ecological concepts and terms provides guides and naturalists with the funda... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ADN7112
Course Name:
Flora for Naturalists
Course Description:
Flora identification and an understanding of the interactions of flora within ecosystems are an important foundation for any naturalist. Wit... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ADN7116
Course Name:
Fall Camp
Course Description:
A foundational understanding of the natural environment, outdoor adventure skills, and interpretation work together as pillars in the outdoo... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
DAT7232
Course Name:
Computer Applications
Course Description:
The ability to communicate effectively using technology and to use a computer system to manage data and create a variety of documents is ess... + Read More
Hours:
21.0
Code:
ENL7777
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEP1001
Course Name:
Cooperative Education and Job Readiness
Course Description:
Students are guided through a series of activities that prepare them to conduct a professional job search and succeed in the workplace. Thro... + Read More
Hours:
18.0
Code:
MKT7200
Course Name:
Marketing the Tourism Experience
Course Description:
Tourism operators face unique challenges and opportunities in marketing their products. Students examine navigating these challenges as well... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
OAD7200
Course Name:
Outdoor Adventure Leadership
Course Description:
Leadership skills are used to foster a safe, respectful, and well-organized outdoor adventure expedition. Students build foundational leader... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
OAD7512
Course Name:
Wilderness Travel
Course Description:
Leading groups safely in an outdoor setting with minimal impact on the environment is a fundamental skill for outdoor professionals. Through... + Read More
Hours:
54.0
Code:
OAD7524
Course Name:
River Rafting
Course Description:
River rafting provides river access to remote water and land resources for clients and groups using stable and reliable means. Students deve... + Read More
Hours:
16.0
Code:
OAD7527
Course Name:
Introduction to Sea Kayaking
Course Description:
Sea kayaking provides access to the ecosystems of ocean coastlines and larger lakes and rivers. Students focus on the basic sea kayaking ski... + Read More
Hours:
16.0
Code:
OAD7537
Course Name:
Canoe Tripping
Course Description:
Multi-day river trips provide access to back country and remote areas for nature enthusiasts. Applying flatwater canoeing skills, Leave No T... + Read More
Hours:
38.0
Code:
OAD7538
Course Name:
Flatwater Canoeing
Course Description:
Canoes have been instrumental in accessing lands and remote areas by waterway for generations. Students focus on the basic flatwater paddlin... + Read More
Hours:
16.0
Code:
ADN7106
Course Name:
Astronomy I
Course Description:
During the dark hours of the day, the night sky cloaks our world in a vast sea of darkness full of mystery and intrigue. An understanding of... + Read More
Hours:
16.0
Code:
OAD7526
Course Name:
Rock Wall, Rope and Challenge Course Supervision
Course Description:
Rock wall, rope, and challenge courses are experiential activities of the modern adventure industry. Students develop skills using the basic... + Read More
Hours:
16.0
Code:
ADN7101
Course Name:
Interpretive Program Planning
Course Description:
Good, sound programming and a thorough understanding of the principles of interpretation provide an essential framework for interpretive pro... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ADN7140
Course Name:
Wildlife and Birding
Course Description:
Naturalists and guides require the skills to identify various species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals in order to acquire a... + Read More
Hours:
58.0
Code:
MTM7201
Course Name:
Interpretive Media
Course Description:
Understanding media is essential to effectively communicate with clients in nature-based interpretive programming. Students explore the fund... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
OAD7003
Course Name:
Cycle Touring
Course Description:
Multi-day biking trips provide a relaxing, pleasurable means for nature enthusiasts to access, view, and explore a variety of different land... + Read More
Hours:
30.0
Code:
OAD7006
Course Name:
Winter Travel and Camping
Course Description:
Colder climates and winter settings provide unique and challenging environments for naturalists to travel and explore. Students practice and... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
OAD7217
Course Name:
Wilderness First Aid Skills
Course Description:
Outdoor professionals require a Wilderness First Aid Certificate in remote areas. Students focus on the principles of patient management and... + Read More
Hours:
72.0
Code:
OAD7218
Course Name:
Risk Management - Outdoor Adventure
Course Description:
Minimization of risk contributes to a safe and sustainable outdoor adventure environment. Students explore theoretical and practical applica... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
OAD7539
Course Name:
Nordic Ski Touring
Course Description:
Nordic ski touring provides a mechanism for naturalists and guides to travel and experience winter settings. Students explore the basic Nord... + Read More
Hours:
16.0
Code:
ENV0023
Course Name:
Rainforest and Tropical Science
Course Description:
The rainforests of Costa Rica and their biologically rich ecosystems have contributed to Costa Rica being the epicentre of ecotourism. Throu... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
OAD7406
Course Name:
Ecotourism and Sustainable Development
Course Description:
Global climate change has prompted travelers to consider destinations and activities that have less of a negative impact on environments, bo... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ADN7126
Course Name:
Astronomy II
Course Description:
The winter celestial sky differs from that of other seasons. Building on their basic astronomy skills, students explore the winter sky focus... + Read More
Hours:
16.0
Code:
PHO7221
Course Name:
Photography for Naturalists
Course Description:
Take only photos and leave only footprints. Naturalists and guides experience magical things in nature; photography allows them to capture s... + Read More
Hours:
16.0
Code:
GED6783
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WKT7102
Course Name:
Cooperative Education Work Term
Course Description:
For students who qualify academically and who choose to participate, there is the opportunity to enhance their diploma with an officially re... + Read More
Hours:
Code:
ADN7129
Course Name:
Tracking and Wildlife Viewing
Course Description:
Viewing wildlife and sharing space in their natural habitat is a moving experience when conducted respectfully with minimal impact on the wi... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Code:
ADN7132
Course Name:
Traditional Wilderness Skills
Course Description:
Indigenous peoples regard nature with deep respect, and they have a strong sense of place and belonging. Students explore the harmonious rel... + Read More
Hours:
30.0
Code:
ADN7141
Course Name:
Interpretive Program Design and Delivery Project
Course Description:
Successful interpretive programs require appropriate planning. Emphasis is placed on the importance of multiple perspectives in the planning... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ADN7149
Course Name:
Student Directed Field Trips
Course Description:
Exploring areas of personal interest through a multi-day field trip format consolidates the skills required to be adventure naturalists and ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ADN7150
Course Name:
Wild Edibles and Small Plant Identification
Course Description:
The forest floor contains a plethora of edible plants, ready to be discovered by those new to and those experienced in the outdoors. Combini... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL7643
Course Name:
Literature and the Environment
Course Description:
Students examine the relationship between humans and their environment as portrayed in short stories, poetry, essays and visual media. The f... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GEO7000
Course Name:
Geology and Landforms
Course Description:
Understanding the natural environment and the geological features and landscapes that shape our world is vital for outdoor professionals to ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MGT7334
Course Name:
Small Business and Financial Management
Course Description:
Tourism operators and business owners require basic small business and financial skills to successfully operate and sustain their businesses... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
OAD7540
Course Name:
Sea Kayak Expedition
Course Description:
Undertaking a multi-day sea kayaking trip provides access to the more remote ecosystems of ocean coastlines and larger lakes and rivers. App... + Read More
Hours:
55.0
Code:
GED6783
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
To meet the expressed industry needs of provincial, national and international adventure tourism, parks and education centres, graduates are trained and prepared to work as nature and heritage interpreters, nature, interpretive or ecotourism guides, program managers and/or entrepreneurs. They also meet the professional standards established by the Canadian Tourism Human Resources Council Heritage Interpreter program.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Create risk management systems, consistent with best practices, that assess risk and exposure, manage liability and provide a safe and sustainable environment for clients, staff and resources.
- Provide leadership through the professional application of risk, group and time management skills.
- Develop the conceptual framework necessary to consistently identify and interpret ecological concepts, plants, trees, wildlife, constellations and other naturally occurring phenomenon.
- Plan, market, deliver and evaluate sustainable nature based interpretive programming for a variety of domestic and international clients.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific factors that enable their contribution to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
- Display the technical skills required for employment through the acquisition of industry recognized certifications.
- Identify and develop business, marketing, management and financial strategies to capitalize on opportunities in the nature, interpretive and eco/sustainable tourism segment of the outdoor adventure industry.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 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 program. A complete gear list may be found on the website. Many students already own many of these items. When applicants are accepted into the program, they receive a complete list of clothing and equipment required. Expect to spend $1,000 to $1,200 over the 16 months.
- Expeditions: Travel, food, and equipment are supplied for expeditions. Travel documents (passport and travel insurance) if required, are the responsibility of the student.
- Student-Directed Field Trip: All expenses for this student-planned field trip are the responsibility of the student groups. This is a Level 03 course, which is the culmination of the student groups` learning and skill development in many diverse areas. Students prepay $250 towards this field trip (Incidental Fee Level 03) which is reimbursed to them upon completion and approval of a comprehensive student-directed field trip plan.
- 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.
- Textbooks: Resources are available as hardcover and/or e-texts and will cost between $800 - $1,000 for the program. For more information and associated fees please visit www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- 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 of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Mathematics, Grade 11 (MBF3C or equivalent).
- Prior to registration in the program, accepted applicants must:
- Provide proof of current Standard First Aid certification(with C Level CPR).
- Sign and submit an Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Program Assumption of Risk and Indemnifying Release form (form available online on the Outdoor Adventure Naturalist website).
- Submit Applicant Personal Information, Consent and Health Form supplied by Algonquin College.
- 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-Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with the minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening: 20 Speaking: 20, Writing: 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Application Information
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE NATURALIST (CO-OP AND NON CO-OP VERSION)
Program Code 6783X10FPM
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 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 applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/ or by contacting the Registrar`s Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley
1 College Way
Pembroke, ON K8A0C8
Local: 613-735-4700
Toll-free 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 1-866-620-3845
Fax: 613-735-4739
Web: https://www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke
Additional Information
Program Resources
CO-OP INFORMATION:
All applicants apply directly to the co-op version of this program through OntarioColleges.ca or our International Application Portal. Applicants not wishing to pursue the co-op version will have the opportunity to opt-out after being admitted to the program but prior to the first co-op work term.
Co-operative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience though paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op course, readiness activities and workshops.
Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin College and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and guides the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to relocate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.
Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses. For more information on your program`s co-op level(s), visit the courses tab on your program`s webpage.
International students enrolled in a co-op program are required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to have a valid Co-op/Internship Work Permit prior to commencing their work term. Without this document International students are not legally eligible to engage in work in Canada that is part of an academic program. The Co-op/Internship Work Permit does not authorize international students to work outside the requirements of their academic program.
For more information on co-op programs, the co-op work/study schedule, as well as general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, please visit www.algonquincollege.com/coop.
Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Program Additional Information:
The Outdoor Adventure Naturalist (ODAN) program is offered at the Pembroke Campus, which is surrounded by the fantastic natural resources of the beautiful and rugged Kitchissippi/Ottawa Valley. Sitting on the shores of the mighty Kitchisippi/Ottawa River, the Campus resides on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin People. It is in close proximity to world-renowned Algonquin Park, numerous natural history interpretive sites, important Algonquin Anishnaabeg culture sites and its program partner, Wilderness Tours. The Wilderness Tours resort is located just 20 minutes from the Pembroke Campus.
At least two weekends per term are scheduled for expeditions and/or practical skills courses. Students must attend these weekend programs. A schedule is distributed on or before the first day of fall semester.
Please note that the activity skills offered in this program are subject to weather and logistical requirements.
Statement of Responsibility, Safety and Liability:
In order to learn the skills necessary to become an effective leader in the adventure industry, students must perform beyond the limits of a mere participant and assume a greater degree of responsibility and risk. There is an inherent element of risk in the program, which is beyond human control. Although every effort is made to minimize exposure to these risks, we can ultimately assume no responsibility for your safety or loss of personal equipment. Specific participation requirements are detailed in a separate document at the bottom of this webpage.
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. A parent/guardian release is required for minors (under 18 years of age)
Additional Resources:
- Statement of Responsibility, Safety and Liability
- Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Handbook
- Application Process Personal Info and Health Form
- Assumption of Risk and Release Form
- Support Document Upload
Contact
Chris Melmoth
Program Coordinator
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.