Overview
Do you love outdoor adventure? Among the largest freshwater lakes in the world, the Canadian Shield, and diverse forests are some of the wildest parks in Ontario. They’re all within a short drive of Sault College. And they’re calling out for you.
Welcome to the Adventure Recreation and Parks Technician program.
Unique to Canada, this two-year program concentrates on three main areas of study: parks operations, interpretation and protection; adventure recreation and recreation planning; and, ecotourism and adventure expeditions. All while keeping a broad focus on natural resource management and sustainability.
Field trips and hands-on experience are an essential part of this program. You’ll visit many park systems, conservation areas and recreational facilities across the vast Algoma region where you’ll learn field identification skills across diverse ecosystems.
And during fall camp, you’ll be exposed to awesome outdoor recreation skills like canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, and camping.
Become extra-hireable in a career you love. Depending on where your interest lies, our Adventure Recreation and Parks Technician program offers you opportunities to gain provincially or nationally recognized certifications in:
- Wilderness Advanced First Aid
- Chainsaw operator safety
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Heritage interpreter
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Kayaking - Paddle Canada x 2
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Canoeing - Paddle Canada x 2
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Stand Up Paddle - Boarding Paddle Canada x 2
-
Cross Country Ski Ontario Coaching
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Belayer (indoor/outdoor)
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Rock climbing (outdoor)
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Ice climbing
- Wilderness survival
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No Limits Adaptive Skiing Association Coaching
Adventure to the real you starts here.
Accredited By ECO Canada
Accreditation of our School of Natural Environment programs provides formal validation of our commitment to high-quality education, accountability, and public trust. A program's curriculum is critically analyzed against national occupational standards to ensure it meets environmental industry needs. As of 2023, Adventure Recreation and Parks Technician is one of our five programs to be accredited.
The programs have been accredited by the Environmental Careers Organization of Canada (ECO Canada) based on conformance with the National Accreditation Standard for Post-secondary Environmental Programs. The accreditation has been granted through the Canadian Environmental Accreditation Commission (CEAC), an independent body that oversees ECO Canada’s post-secondary accreditation program.
Learn more about our accreditation >
Pathway Options
Courses
| ARL204 - 3 Wilderness Advanced First Aid |
| ENV411 - 1 Career Readiness |
| NRT211 - 3 Protecting Park Values |
| NRT233 - 3 Adventure Ecotourism |
| NRT240 - 2 Natural Resources Law |
| NRT242 - 2 Natural Environment Business Management |
| NRT263 - 4 Bushcraft and Wilderness Survival |
| NRT235 - 2 Sustainable Resource Management |
| GEN110 - 3 Student Selected General Education |
| Note: *This student-selected general education course code indicates a general-education course is taken in this semester. Students will choose from a selection of courses (details) prior to the semester in which the student-selected general education course is to be taken. |
Requirements & Program Information
Ontario Secondary School diploma with Grade 12 English (C) ENG4C or mature student status. Missing any requirements? Get them for free from Academic Upgrading.
Career Path
Graduates of the program are trained to work in the public and private sectors, including Parks Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, conservation authorities, municipal parks departments, and private park owners. Examples of employment found within these park agencies include Park Warden, Park Interpreter, Resource Technician, and Park Superintendent.
In the Adventure Recreation field opportunities include employment prospects with adventure travel and ecotourism companies, either as a guide or business owner. Graduates may become recreational instructors at outdoor centres and children`s camps, teaching a variety of skills such as canoeing and kayaking. Opportunities as snowboard/ski instructors in winter or wilderness outfitters and/or retailers may also be available.
Fees & Costs
| Domestic | International | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Ancillary | Tuition | Ancillary |
| $2,975.80 | $1,586.00 | $15,757.30 | $2,236.00 |
These fees are for the 2024-2025 academic year (year 1 of study), and are subject to change. Please visit your Student Portal to view your Schedule of Fees.
Important links
Contact
This is a co-operative education program. Students are required to complete at least one co-op work placement (CWF100) in order to graduate. To prioritize preparing current students and graduates for employment in the natural environment field, a career management course is taken in each semester of the program.
Program Coordinator: Elisa Muto, (705) 759-2554 ext 2464, elisa.muto@saultcollege.ca
Program Coordinator: Ryan Namespetra, (705) 759-2554 ext 2853, ryan.namespetra@saultcollege.ca
September and January intakes are available for this program. Please contact the Registrar`s Office for further information.