Outdoor Training Organizations
The organizations below offer at least one type of program to help you develop as an outdoor practitioner and/or leader. The list is not exhaustive and not exclusive. If you know of an organization that offers such training, but is not listed here, please contact us.
Outdoor Council of Canada
- The Outdoor Council of Canada's 'Field Leader' courses provide leadership training and certification for new and established outdoor leaders.
College and University Programs
- Algonquin College, in Ontario, trains professional guides through their two year Outdoor Adventure program.
- Camosun College, in British Columbia, offers a 13-month Post-Degree Diploma in Adventure Education.
- Capilano University, in British Columbia, offers a two year Outdoor Recreation Management Diploma.
- Cape Breton University, in Nova Scotia, offers Outdoor Leadership as a focus within a 4 year major and honours program in Sport and Physical Activity Leadership.
- The Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, in Quebec, offers a 3 year Adventure Tourism program.
- Fanshawe College, in Ontario, offers a 16-month Adventure Expeditions and Interpretive Leadership diploma program with industry certifications.
- Lakehead University, in Ontario, offers an Outdoor Recreation Park and Tourism program.
- Laurentian University, in Ontario, offers a 4 year Outdoor Adventure Leadership program.
- The Merici College, in Quebec, offers a 3 semester Outdoor Tourism and Ecotourism program.
- Mount Royal University, in Alberta, offers a 4 year Health and Physical Education -Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership program.
- Saint Francois Xavier University, in Nova Scotia, offers a Certificate in Outdoor Education specifically designed for teachers.
- Strathcona Park Lodge, in British Columbia, offers a 3 month Canadian Outdoor Leadership Training Program.
- Thompson Rivers University, in British Columbia, offers a 2 year Adventure Guide Diploma.
- The University of Calgary, in Alberta, offers a 3 term graduate program in Outdoor Education.
- The Université du Québec à Chicoutimi offers a 2 1/2 years bachelor's degree in outdoor leadership.
- The Université du Québec à Chicoutimi also offers a 2 trimester graduate studies diploma in Intervention par la nature et l'aventure (Adventure Therapy, Experiential Education and Corporate Team Building in the outdoors).
- Yukon College offers a 2 year Northern Outdoor and Environmental Studies program.
National Organizations Offering Certifications
Provincial Organizations Offering Certifications
Alberta
- Paddle Alberta society promotes and supports safe, sustainable recreational canoeing and Kayaking in Alberta.
British Columbia
Manitoba
- Paddle Manitoba's goal is to get people out in canoes and kayaks enjoying the amazing lakes and waterways of Manitoba.
New Brunswick
Newfoundland & Labrador
North West Territories
- No organizations have been listed for this region yet. If you know of any relevant organization, please contact us.
Nova Scotia
- Hike Nova Scotia encourages and promotes hiking, walking and snowshoeing throughout Nova Scotia.
- Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia fosters the growth and development of safe and environmentally responsible, recreational stand up paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking in Nova Scotia; through training, promotion, advocacy and stewardship.
Nunavut
- No organizations have been listed for this region yet. If you know of any relevant organization, please contact us.
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
- No organizations have been listed for this region yet. If you know of any relevant organization, please contact us.
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Yukon
- No organizations have been listed for this region yet. If you know of any relevant organization, please contact us.