Ontario Tuition Grant
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Ecotourism
Program at a glance
Learn practical skills in class and in the beautiful Northern Ontario landscape.
This program will give you the skills you need to work in the ever-expanding ecotourism industry. You will obtain the knowledge and skill-set required to work in outdoor-based tourism organizations or to run your own unique business.
Develop outdoor skills while engaging in a number of activities including canoe tripping, hiking, snowshoeing, and dog sledding. Fun and informative field trips will take you to ecology centres, outdoor adventure organizations and natural attractions in the area. Program highlights include search and rescue techniques, camping skills, nature identification, earth science, native customs and traditions and outdoor games. In addition, you will obtain certification in a nationally-recognized GPS training course.
Ecotourism graduates are eligible to transfer directly into the second year of any of these diploma programs - Recreation and Leisure Services, Recreation Therapy and Strength and Sport Conditioning.
Program Prerequisites
OSSD or equivalent Grade 12 Compulsory English (ENG4C or ENG4U)
Semester One:
REC105 Leadership and Program Planning
REC108 Introduction to Recreation/Leisure Services
REC109 Concepts and Principles of Ecotourism
REC218 Marketing Recreation and Leisure
CMM125 College Communication I
PSY100 Foundations of Psychology
Semester Two:
REC128 Sports and Special Events
REC130 Legislation and Risk Management
REC131 Ecotourism Programming
REC230 Financial Management
REC252 Practicum - Ecotourism
SOC100 Foundations of Sociology
Note: Students must have appropriate clothing, hiking boots, and personal equipment (backpack, sleeping bag, etc.) to participate in outdoor activities throughout the year. Some agencies may require a police check for program practicum.
- Tourist resorts
- National and provincial parks
- Youth and adventure camps
- Outfitter companies
- Trail development
- Outdoor adventure organizations
- Conservation authorities
- Leadership and program planning
- Ecotourism programming
- Sports and special events
- Legislation and risk management
- Concepts and principles of ecotourism
Students complete over 200 hours of practical experience and participate in a variety of specialized workshops, training sessions, and field trips.
CERTIFICATE TO DIPLOMA OPTION
The program curriculum is designed to offer students the opportunity to obtain an Ecotourism Certificate and a related recreation diploma within two years. Ecotourism graduates are eligible to transfer directly into Year II of any of these diploma programs:
ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
During the first week of May, graduates have an opportunity to acquire additional certification during a two-week intensive certification program. The program is offered in partnership with Smoothwater Resort in Temagami.
Areas of certification vary from year to year but generally include: Canoe Tripping Level I, Advanced Wilderness First Aid, Standard Hike Leader, and Chain Saw Operator. Students complete these certifications at their own expense; however, every effort is made to keep costs to a minimum.
