Outdoor Adventure (Co-Op) at Algonquin College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-31

Program overview

Program Overview

The Outdoor Adventure Ontario College Diploma program is a two-year course designed to prepare students for exciting careers in the outdoors. This program focuses on leading adventure trips and teaching inclusive outdoor skills. Students will spend half of their time outdoors, engaging in various adventure operations, including training at the partner location, Wilderness Tours. The other half of the program is conducted at Algonquin College's Waterfront Campus, where students receive comprehensive technical training in land-based and water-based activities.

Program Structure

The Outdoor Adventure program spans a duration of two years and is structured to provide a balanced mix of practical and theoretical learning experiences. Key features of the program include:

Half of the program is spent outdoors in diverse locations.
Technical training in various land-based activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing.
Guiding abilities in water-based activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, and canoeing.
Classroom courses covering essential topics like risk management, business management, ecotourism, and human resources.
Participation in one expedition per term, culminating in a graduating project executed with classmates.
Opportunity to earn up to 20 industry certifications, enhancing employability.

Students will also engage in field placements, providing hands-on experience in real-world settings, which is crucial for their professional development.

Featured Experiences

The Outdoor Adventure program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance learning and skill development:

Field placements that provide practical, hands-on experience in outdoor adventure settings.
Expeditions each term, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
Access to industry certifications, such as Wilderness First Responder and Swift Water Rescue Technician.
Opportunities to participate in international adventure trips, providing unique learning experiences.
Collaboration with experienced faculty who are active in the outdoor adventure industry.

Career Options

Graduates of the Outdoor Adventure program can pursue a variety of exciting career paths in Canada, including:

Wilderness Trip Leaders: Responsible for planning and leading outdoor expeditions, ensuring safety and enjoyment for participants.
Kayak Guides: Leading kayaking trips, teaching skills, and ensuring safety on the water.
Climbing Instructors: Teaching rock climbing techniques and safety practices to students and adventure seekers.
Ski Patrol Members: Providing safety and emergency response services at ski resorts.
Canoe Instructors: Guiding canoeing activities and teaching paddling techniques to individuals and groups.

With a combination of in-the-field training and technical skills, graduates are well-prepared for various roles in the outdoor adventure industry, including opportunities for advancement into management positions or even starting their own adventure companies.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Algonquin College official website

Last updated on 2025-07-31

Program overview

Academic 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 will be charged.

Program Eligibility:

English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
Mathematics, Grade 11 (MBF3C or equivalent).

PART 1:

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).

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

PART II:

Prior to commencement of the program, accepted applicants must:
- Participate in a mandatory Program Readiness Camp orientation weekend (several dates available, details in Applicant's Handbook available on program website).
- Submission of Applicant Personal Information, Consent and Health form (available on program website), prior to attending mandatory Program Readiness Camp orientation weekend.
- Provide proof of current Standard First Aid Certification.
- Sign and submit an Outdoor Adventure Program Assumption of Risk and Release form (available at program website).
- Those under the age of 18 must submit Parental Consent documentation (available on program website).

Applicants who have met Part I of the Eligibility and Selection process will be accepted into the program. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of positions available, applicants will be selected based on their English (ENG4C or equivalent) and Math (MAP4C or equivalent) grades.

Those applicants successfully accepted in the program must plan to attend a mandatory Program Readiness Camp orientation weekend (Part III). Several dates are available over the spring and summer (details can be found in the Applicant's Handbook available on the program website).

Prior to the first day of class, the student must provide proof of current Standard First Aid and a signed release form. All of these details are outlined in the Applicant's Handbook available on the program website.

Language Requirements

For the Outdoor Adventure (Co-Op) program, the following English language proficiency tests are accepted:

IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band
TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20;
Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.

Applicants can be exempt from taking a test or EAP Program if they meet any of the conditions listed on the website. Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!